Certificates of Status FAQ
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Questions
Answers
What are certificates used for?
Certificates are generally required by third parties for use in loan applications,
sales of assets, qualification to conduct business in another state, and lawsuits.
What information is provided on the certificate?
Provides the entity’s current name, effective date of incorporation, organization,
or qualification, its current status, and identifies it as either a domestic or
foreign entity. (Referred to in some states as a certificate of "good standing")
How long are online certificates available after purchase?
Certificates of status are available online for
6 days after the time of
purchase.
Why can't I open the certificate?
You will need Adobe Reader to view and print a certificate of status. The Adobe Reader can be downloaded for free.
Click here to download the Adobe Reader
.
What if I want special text or an Apostille?
Special text and Apostille certificates are not available online. To request this
type of certificate, please use this order form:
Form SP-48
to fax or mail in your request.
What is the cost?
The cost of an online certificate of status is $10 and it is available immediately
after purchase. There is no additional charge for multiple copies of a certificate.
You can print the certificate as many times as you like during the 6 day period.
How long do I have to wait to receive the certificate?
There is no wait. Once you make the purchase, you will be provided with a link
to the certificate.
What if I can't find the entity I want a certificate for?
Searching the Corporate Registration Information System can be challenging at
times. Please read the
corporation search help
if you are having difficulties finding the entity you want a certificate
for.
Why is the certificate not available online?
The creation of a certificate of status is based upon the requirements
of the Wisconsin Statutes. Entity types are formed under different
chapters of law and have different requirements. Some certificates
must be manually generated by The Department to ensure accuracy and
are thus not available on line.
What date is used on the certificate?
The date on the certificate is the date of purchase. This date of purchase is
the exact date and time of your accepted payment.
Why can't I find a DBA?
DBA information is not a part of the records stored by the Department of Financial
Institutions.
Explain the verification of the certificate?
The certificate text can be verified at the
verification page.
Each certificate contains a code at the bottom of the certificate. When this code is entered, the system will return
the certificate text to compare with the printed certificate.
Click here to verify a certificate.
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