Eligibility requirements and application

Unified Certification Program NewGet Certified - Opportunities to Engage​

​​​​Who qualifies as a DBE?​

​Any small business at least 51% owned, operated and fully controlled on a daily basis by a member or members of the groups listed below qualifies.

In the case of publicly held firms, a member or members of the listed groups must own at least 51% of the stock issued. Groups includes:

  • African Americans
  • Native Americans
  • Hispanic Americans
  • Asian-Pacific Americans
  • Asian-Indian Americans
  • Women

Individuals who are not members of one of the groups above can be found to be socially disadvantaged as defined by Appendix E of 49 CFR Part 26. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations 49 CFR Part 26


​How to Apply

​​In-State Applicants – Wisconsin-based applicants​

Submit a completed UCP application packet and required supporting documentation to the nearest certifying agency and participate in an on-site interview by the certifying agency.

  • ​​Note: A complete application includes the required documentation as listed in the Supporting Documentation Checklist on Page 15 of the application form.

View Certifying Agencies

UNIFORM CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (UCP) APPLICATION PACKET

To ensure your application is received and reviewed, please send DBE certification application materials via email​ to: DBE_Alert@dot.wi.gov and include “DBE Certification Application” in the subject line.

For completed applications with large attachments that cannot be sent via email, you may request file link to directly and securely upload your files by emailing: DBE_Alert@dot.wi.gov with “Large File Request” in the subject line.

See: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Certification Support Documents Checklist​

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for purpose of collecting, analyzing and publishing statistical data related to U.S. business economy.

SBA's North American Industry​ Classification System (NAICS) Code Table​


Interstate Applicants – Out-of-State DBE certified firms applying in Wisconsin​

Firms seeking Interstate DBE Certification are not required to complete the UCP application form.

Interstate ACDBE firms should apply for Wisconsin ACDBE certification with Milwaukee County​.​


IMPORTANT: All DBE Certification Applicants and DBE Certified firms must be registered with the Civil Rights and Compliance System (CRCS).


WisDOT Certified DBE​​​WisDOT Certified DBE Logo

​Certified DBEs may use the WISDOT Certified DBE logo.