Wisconsin Certificate of Organization and Certified Copies

Creating a business in Wisconsin? Learn about the critical documents you need to file and obtain, including the Wisconsin Certificate of Organization and Certified Copies, to ensure smooth and legal operations.

Ordering a Wisconsin State-Chartered Bank or Savings Institution Good Standing Certificate or Certified Copy

To order a Wisconsin State-Chartered Bank or Savings Institution Good Standing Certificate or Certified Copy, follow these instructions. First, visit the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) website and locate the appropriate order form. Then, fill out the form and include the processing fee in the form of a check or money order. You can also request expedited same-day service for an additional fee. Mail the completed form and payment to the DFI, and they will process your request. You will receive a confirmation of the order and can expect to receive the certificate or copy in the mail within a few weeks. This document is important for verifying the legitimacy and status of a banking or savings institution entity.

How to Order a Certified Copy of Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation in Wisconsin

To order a certified copy of your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation in Wisconsin, you can use the online service provided by the Secretary of State’s website or send a request by mail.
If you choose to order online, you’ll need to create an account and pay a service fee. If you decide to send a request by mail, you’ll need to include a written request, payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The processing time for orders is typically 5 to 7 business days, but you can pay for expedited service for a same-day or next-day service.
Having a certified copy of your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation is important for many reasons, including opening business bank accounts, confirming the legitimacy of your entity, and applying for sales tax exempt status.

Cost of Obtaining a Certified Copy of Wisconsin Articles of Organization or Incorporation

To obtain a certified copy of your Wisconsin Articles of Organization or Incorporation, you can request it from the Secretary of State. The fee for this service is $10 per document, plus an additional $5 service fee for phone orders. You can also request a Wisconsin Certificate of Status for $20. These documents are often necessary when opening business bank accounts, confirming your corporation or LLC status, or for other legal purposes. To make a request, simply follow the instructions on the Secretary of State’s website or mail in your request with the appropriate fee. Nonprofits and charitable organizations may be eligible for sales tax exemption and should consult with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

Expedited Processing and Payment Options for Wisconsin Certified Copies

Processing Timeframe	Fee	Payment Options
Expedited processing (24 hours)	$25 per document	Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), check or money order payable to “Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions”
Regular processing (5-7 business days)	$10 per document	Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), check or money order payable to “Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions”

Timeframe for Receiving Certified Copies of Wisconsin Articles of Organization or Incorporation

After submitting your Wisconsin Articles of Organization or Incorporation, you can expect to receive your certified copies in approximately 7-10 business days. You can request these copies online, by mail, or in-person at the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The cost for certified copies is $10 per copy, with additional fees for expedited services. Certified copies are important for confirming your business’s status and can be necessary for banking, tax, and other legal purposes. If you need a Wisconsin Certificate of Status or need to verify the status of a foreign corporation, you can also request those through the same channels. Keep in mind that non-profit organizations, LLCs, and corporations all have different requirements and fees for their paperwork and operating agreements.

What is a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?

A Wisconsin Certificate of Status is a document that confirms a company’s standing with the state. It verifies that the company has met all the necessary requirements and is authorized to do business in Wisconsin. The certificate includes the company’s name, identification number, and status, which can be either active or inactive. If a person requests a Wisconsin Certificate of Status, they will receive a certification that confirms the company’s status. This document can be obtained online or by mail and is typically required for various transactions, such as opening a bank account or filing taxes. It is important to note that a Wisconsin Certificate of Status is not the same as a Certified Copy of the company’s formation documents.

Issuing Office and Purpose of Wisconsin Certificate of Status

The Wisconsin Certificate of Status, also known as the Wisconsin Certificate of Existence, is issued by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Corporations Section. Its purpose is to confirm that a business entity is registered and in good standing with the state of Wisconsin. This document is often requested by banks, investors, and other entities as proof of a business’s legitimacy. The issuing office is located in Madison, Wisconsin, but requests can be made by mail or phone. The certificate is available for both domestic and foreign corporations, limited liability companies, and nonprofit organizations. A fee is required for certified copies.

Steps to Obtain a Wisconsin Certificate of Status

To obtain a Wisconsin Certificate of Status, you can submit a request to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The request can be made online or by mail, and should include the name of the entity and the type of entity, such as a limited liability company or a corporation. The fee for a Wisconsin COS is $10 and can be paid online or by mail.

If you need a Certified Copy of a document, such as an operating agreement or an incorporation template, you can also request it from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The fee for a Certified Copy is $10 per document and can be paid online or by mail.

Once the request is processed, you will receive a confirmation and the Certificate of Status or Certified Copy will be mailed to the address provided. This certificate is often required when conducting business with other states or when applying for sales tax exempt status as a nonprofit or charitable organization.

Compliance Requirements for Wisconsin Certificate of Status

To obtain a Wisconsin Certificate of Status (COS) or a certified copy, compliance requirements must be met. This includes having a valid Wisconsin business entity, such as a limited liability company or corporation. The request can be made online or through mail, and fees vary depending on the type of certificate requested. It’s important to note that a COS only verifies the entity’s status with the state, and not its compliance with other laws or regulations. Additionally, a certified copy provides a legal record of the entity’s formation documents, such as its articles of incorporation or operating agreement. Non-profit and foreign corporations must also meet specific requirements. Governor Tony Evers signed a bill in 2020 allowing for electronic signatures on incorporation templates and operating agreements.

Check Validity of Wisconsin Certificate of Status

To check the validity of a Wisconsin Certificate of Status, go to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website and click on “Corporations Certificates.” From there, select “Wisconsin COS” and enter the name of the business or entity. The status page will display the current status, including any certifications or mailings. If a person requests a certified copy of the certificate, they can do so from the front page of the website for a fee. This process is essential for businesses, LLCs, charitable organizations, and foreign corporations operating in Wisconsin to ensure compliance with state regulations. Governor Tony Evers has made it a priority to streamline the incorporation template and simplify the process for savings institutions and other entities.