Wisconsin Foreign LLC Registration & Certificate of Authority Guide

1. What is Wisconsin Foreign LLC Registration?

In Wisconsin, the term “foreign LLC” does not refer to an international company. It refers to a limited liability company that was legally formed outside the State of Wisconsin—either in another U.S. state or under the laws of a foreign country—and now intends to legally conduct business activities within Wisconsin.
Completing Wisconsin foreign LLC registration grants an out-of-state LLC the legal authority to transact business within Wisconsin. This authority is issued by the Wisconsin Secretary of State upon approval of the Foreign Limited Liability Company Application for Registration, commonly known as a Certificate of Authority.

2. When is Wisconsin foreign LLC registration required?

Wisconsin law requires a foreign LLC to register if it is considered to be transacting business in Wisconsin. While Wisconsin statutes do not provide an exhaustive definition, the following ongoing activities typically create a registration obligation:

• Maintaining an office, warehouse, storefront, or other physical place of business in Wisconsin
• Employing workers or regularly engaging contractors who perform services within Wisconsin
• Providing services or performing projects physically in Wisconsin on a recurring basis
• Owning, leasing, or operating income-producing real estate located in Wisconsin

Activities that usually do NOT require registration

Certain limited or isolated activities generally do not trigger Wisconsin foreign LLC registration. These typically include maintaining a bank account, holding internal company meetings, conducting isolated or one-time transactions, or selling goods through independent distributors. If your LLC establishes a sustained physical or economic presence in Wisconsin, foreign registration is strongly recommended.

3. Wisconsin foreign LLC registration requirements

Before submitting your application, ensure the following information and documents are complete, accurate, and current:

1. Exact legal LLC name as registered in the formation jurisdiction
2. State or country of formation and original formation date
3. Wisconsin Registered Agent with a physical street address in Wisconsin
4. Principal office address and mailing address
5. Business purpose (general lawful purpose statements are accepted)
6. Date business activity began or will begin in Wisconsin
7. Certificate of Good Standing (also called Certificate of Existence or Status) issued by the formation jurisdiction

Wisconsin foreign LLC registration authorizes an existing LLC to legally operate within the state while remaining governed by the laws of its original formation jurisdiction.

4. Wisconsin foreign LLC name rules

Wisconsin does not require name reservation before filing a foreign LLC application. However, the LLC’s legal name must comply with Wisconsin naming statutes and be distinguishable from existing business entities registered with the Wisconsin Secretary of State.

1. Must include LLC, L.L.C., or “Limited Liability Company”
2. Must be distinguishable from existing Wisconsin business entity names on record
3. May not include restricted words unless proper approval is obtained (such as “bank,” “trust,” or “insurance”)
4. If the legal name is unavailable in Wisconsin, the LLC must adopt and register a Wisconsin assumed business name

5. Wisconsin Registered Agent requirements

Every foreign LLC authorized to do business in Wisconsin must continuously maintain a Registered Agent within the state. The registered agent serves as the LLC’s official contact for:

• Service of process, including lawsuits and legal summons
• Official notices and correspondence from the Wisconsin Secretary of State
• Compliance reminders and regulatory communications

Who can serve as a Wisconsin Registered Agent?

1. An individual resident of Wisconsin with a physical street address (P.O. Boxes are not permitted)
2. A business entity authorized to provide registered agent services in Wisconsin

Why many foreign LLCs choose a professional Registered Agent

1. Helps keep owners’ personal addresses off public records
2. Ensures availability during standard business hours
3. Reduces the risk of missed legal or state compliance notices
4. Provides continuity when owners or managers are located outside Wisconsin

6. How to register a foreign LLC in Wisconsin (step-by-step)

Step 1: Confirm your LLC is active and in good standing

Before submitting a Wisconsin foreign LLC registration, your LLC must be active and in good standing in its formation jurisdiction. Wisconsin will not approve a foreign registration for an LLC that has been administratively dissolved, revoked, or is otherwise not compliant in its home state.

Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from your home jurisdiction

Wisconsin requires a valid Certificate of Good Standing (also known as a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Status) issued by the LLC’s formation jurisdiction. The certificate should generally be dated within 60 days of filing the Wisconsin application to avoid processing delays or rejection.

Step 3: Appoint a Wisconsin Registered Agent

Your foreign LLC must designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Wisconsin. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process and official correspondence on behalf of the LLC.

Step 4: File the Foreign LLC Application for Registration

Submit the Foreign Limited Liability Company Application for Registration (Certificate of Authority) with the Wisconsin Secretary of State. Once approved, this filing grants your LLC legal authority to transact business within Wisconsin.

• Enter the LLC’s legal name exactly as registered in the home jurisdiction
• List the state or country of formation and original formation date
• Attach a current Certificate of Good Standing
• Provide the principal office and mailing address
• Identify the Wisconsin registered agent and registered office address
• State the date business activity began or will begin in Wisconsin

Wisconsin filing fee: $150 for foreign LLC registration (online and paper filings are accepted by the state).

Step 5: Receive approval and authority to operate

Upon approval, the Wisconsin Secretary of State issues confirmation granting your LLC authority to conduct business in Wisconsin. Processing times vary based on filing method, but online submissions are typically approved faster than mailed applications. Approval documents should be retained for licensing, banking, and ongoing compliance purposes.

7. After approval: Wisconsin taxes, licenses, and banking

A) Wisconsin state taxes

After registering, a foreign LLC conducting business in Wisconsin becomes subject to applicable Wisconsin tax obligations based on the nature of its activities and its federal income tax classification. Common tax responsibilities may include:

• Wisconsin individual income tax (pass-through reporting) for LLCs taxed as partnerships or disregarded entities with Wisconsin-source income
• Wisconsin corporate income tax for LLCs that have elected to be taxed as corporations
• Wisconsin sales and use tax if the LLC sells taxable goods or services in Wisconsin
• Wisconsin employer withholding tax if the LLC has employees performing services in Wisconsin

B) Local business licenses and permits

Wisconsin does not issue a general, statewide business license. However, foreign LLCs may be required to obtain city, town, or county-level licenses or permits depending on business location and industry. Regulated activities such as construction, professional services, food service, health-related businesses, and transportation commonly require additional approvals.

C) EIN and banking

Registering as a foreign LLC in Wisconsin does not create a new legal entity. Most foreign LLCs continue using their existing Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service. A new EIN is generally not required solely due to Wisconsin foreign registration.

Financial institutions may request the following when opening or maintaining accounts related to Wisconsin business operations:

• Wisconsin foreign LLC approval documentation
• Certificate of Authority issued by the Wisconsin Secretary of State
• LLC Operating Agreement
• EIN confirmation letter from the IRS (EIN resource)
• Identification for LLC members or managers

8. Wisconsin foreign LLC fees & ongoing costs

• Foreign LLC Application for Registration: $150 Wisconsin Secretary of State filing fee
• Certificate of Good Standing (home jurisdiction): Fee varies by formation state or country
• Wisconsin Registered Agent service: typically $100–$300 per year
• Wisconsin Business Entity Report: $85 filing fee (biennial)
• Local licenses and permits: Cost varies by city, town, county, and regulated activity

9. Wisconsin foreign LLC compliance tips

• Maintain an active Wisconsin registered agent at all times
• File the Wisconsin Business Entity Report every two years by the assigned deadline to preserve good standing
• Keep the LLC in good standing in its original formation jurisdiction
• Monitor Wisconsin tax registrations, filing obligations, and payment deadlines
• Retain organized records of registration approvals, biennial reports, tax filings, and compliance correspondence

10. Conclusion

Wisconsin foreign LLC registration allows an existing LLC to legally expand operations into Wisconsin while continuing to be governed by the laws of its original formation jurisdiction. By appointing a Wisconsin registered agent, filing the required application, and meeting ongoing reporting and tax obligations, foreign LLCs can operate in Wisconsin with legal certainty and compliance confidence.

With FormLLC, founders receive structured guidance, Wisconsin-specific clarity, and compliance-focused support to complete Wisconsin foreign LLC registration correctly and maintain good standing long term.