Wisconsin PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

Wisconsin State Public Records Search Online

Wisconsin was one of the first states to include electronic records in its Public Records Law, which was enacted in 1982. These records become public only after specific events occur and state law or agency policies set mandated update schedules.

However, the timing of updates may be delayed due to factors such as data processing time, verification procedures, or technical limitations.

Both individuals and legal professionals can access public records to assist with transactions, conduct background checks, or gather evidence for legal disputes. Unlike some other states, Wisconsin does not require requesters to state a reason for seeking records.

What Records are Public in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin state or local government agencies' records are open to the public and can be found in various formats. These records include handwritten, typed, printed, or electronically stored information.

What is Considered Public Information in Wisconsin?

State public information typically includes a wide range of data that is generated, gathered, or maintained by government agencies during their official functions. Here are some records of what might be considered public information:

• Any record, whether paper or electronic that contains information about government business
• Emails, videos, audio files, database content, instant messages, and texts related to government work
• Records about government business stored on personal devices or in personal email accounts
• Documents shared with others or used to communicate important information, even if originally intended as personal notes or drafts
• Some drafts and working papers, depending on their nature and use (check with legal counsel if unsure)

Wisconsin Public Records Laws

The Wisconsin Public Records Law (WPRL) and the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law (WOML) are the primary laws that govern public records access in Wisconsin.

What is the Wisconsin Public Records Law?

The Wisconsin Public Records Law (WPRL), sometimes referred to as "sunshine laws", aims to promote openness concerning governmental activities. The primary objective is to enlighten the public on governmental operations and access to records, as outlined in Wisconsin Statute Section 19:31. The key aspects of this law entail:

• Right to access: Wisconsin law presumes complete public access to government records unless specifically exempted.
• Location irrelevance: The location of the record does not matter. Emails, text messages, or files about government business on personal devices are public records.
• Reasonable access: Agencies must provide access to records "as soon as practicable and without delay" during regular office hours.
• Electronic records: If records exist electronically, copies must generally be provided in that format if requested.
• Retention schedule: Public records must be kept as long as required by the agency's retention schedule.
• Employee Responsibilities: The law outlines five key responsibilities for state employees regarding public records, which include:
  • Recognize what constitutes a public record.
  • Understand what is not a public record.
  • Know how to properly retain public records.
  • Recognize and appropriately handle public records requests.
  • Know where to seek help with public records issues.

What is the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law?

The Wisconsin Open Meetings Law (WOML) declares that the public is entitled to the fullest and most complete information regarding government affairs as codified in Wisconsin Statutes Section 19.83. While the law strongly favors open meetings, Section 19.85 outlines specific exemptions allowing closed sessions under certain circumstances.

WOML provides several purposes for closed sessions. These include deliberating on quasi-judicial matters, considering personnel actions like dismissal or discipline, and implementing strategies for crime detection or prevention.

What is the FOIA in Wisconsin?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that applies to federal agencies and does not directly apply to state governments, including Wisconsin. Wisconsin has a law that serves a similar purpose, known as the WPRL (Wisconsin Public Records Law).

The FOIA promotes openness by requiring federal agencies to disclose records unless they fall under one of nine exemptions. Moreover, records protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any records exempted explicitly by federal law are not subject to disclosure.

Who Can Access Public Records in Wisconsin?

Anyone in Wisconsin is legally entitled to access public records. Unlike some states, Wisconsin does not restrict access to public records based on residency. However, committed or incarcerated individuals are generally restricted from accessing public records.

Wisconsin Statute Section 69.21 outlines the procedures and regulations for obtaining copies of records. Local registrars are authorized to issue copies, which must be certified on forms provided or approved by the state registrar and accompanied by the required fee specified in Section 69.22.

Wisconsin Public Records Search

Accessing public records in Wisconsin is facilitated through a structured process that allows individuals to obtain information from state and local government agencies. The law does not specify a deadline for public entities to respond to records requests.

Depending on the type of record and the agency involved, records, from vital statistics to court documents, can be accessed online and offline.

How To Find Wisconsin Public Records Online

To find Wisconsin public records online, individuals can utilize several methods and resources that facilitate access to information maintained by state and local government agencies.

To access public records through official government platforms, follow these steps:

• Determine the type of public record needed.
• Visit the website of the relevant government agency that maintains those records.
• Follow the specific instructions on the agency's website for submitting an online request or using their search tools.
• Provide accurate and sufficient information to aid in locating the records (e.g., full name, date of birth, case number).
• Pay any required fees.
• If the records aren't available online, look for instructions on how to submit a written request or visit the agency in person.

Alternatively, individuals can use third-party websites that offer public records search services. However, since these sites are not government-sponsored, the information they provide may not always be accurate or up-to-date. Users need to verify any details obtained from these sites with official sources.

How To Find Wisconsin Public Records Offline

To access Wisconsin public records offline, individuals can utilize several detailed methods, including in-person visits, mail-in requests, or phone requests.

In-person visits:

• Find the physical address of the relevant office.
• Gather required details, such as names, dates, or case numbers, to help locate the records.
• Go to the office during its official business hours.
• Once at the office, request the necessary forms to request the records.
• Fill out forms accurately, providing all required information.
• Submit the completed forms along with any required fees.

Mail requests:

• Identify the relevant government office and visit their official website to confirm whether mail-in requests are accepted.
• Download and complete the necessary request form. If no form is available, prepare a letter detailing the specific records needed, including relevant information such as names, dates, and other identifying details.
• Review the fee structure for the requested records and include payment via check or money order.
• Include a self-addressed stamped envelope to ensure the return of the requested records.
• Send the completed form or letter, along with the payment and envelope, to the appropriate mailing address of the government office.

Phone requests:

• Locate the agency's public records or information line.
• Clearly state the records being requested and provide the necessary details.
• Follow any additional instructions provided by the agency.

If individuals do not receive the records within the expected timeframe, follow up with the office to check the request status.

Types of Public Records in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, several public records are accessible to the public, and some of the most requested ones are as follows:

State of Wisconsin Public Court Records

The administrative structure of the Wisconsin court system is outlined in the Wisconsin Constitution, Statute 758.19, and Supreme Court Rule Chapter 70. The structure establishes a unified judicial system with centralized management:

The Wisconsin court system has two higher courts. The Court of Appeals is an intermediate appellate court comprising 16 judges distributed across four districts. At the top of the Wisconsin judicial system is the Supreme Court, which consists of seven justices elected statewide to 10-year terms.

These courts maintain statewide court records, which can be accessed through an online platform, the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals (WSCCA) Case Access system. The site covers appeals classified as "Open" from late 1993 onward.

Wisconsin Public Bankruptcy Records

In Wisconsin, public bankruptcy records are governed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, as bankruptcy is a matter of federal jurisdiction. Wisconsin's bankruptcy cases are handled by two federal courts: the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Wisconsin.

When accessed, a typical bankruptcy record will contain the following details:

• Debtor and creditor names with contact details
• Filing date and courthouse address
• Active liens and mortgages
• Financial statements, tax records, assets, liabilities, income, and expenses
• Bankruptcy type
• Repayment plans
• Credit counseling notices

Access to these records can be obtained through several methods, in addition to visiting any court location or courthouse in two bankruptcy court systems in Wisconsin.

The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system allows registered users to access electronic case information, and the automated Voice Case Information System (VCIS) provides free, basic case information via telephone at (866) 222-8029.

For older cases, records may be stored at the Wisconsin National Archives or Federal Records Centers. Requests for archived records require specific information, such as the debtor's name, case number, and case closure date.

County Court Records in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, county courts are part of the circuit court system. Each county has at least one circuit court branch, and some smaller counties share judges. Records found in each circuit court of every county in Wisconsin include:

• Probate records
• Land records
• Tax records
• Civil and criminal case files
• Court orders and judgments

Circuit Courts are divided into nine judicial administrative districts, a structure designed to manage Wisconsin's 69 circuit records across 72 counties. On the other hand, Municipal Courts handle a significant volume of records related to local ordinance violations. Their operations are governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 800 and Chapter 755.

To obtain local court records in Wisconsin, an interested individual must first identify the specific court that holds the records. This can be done by referring to the Circuit Court Directory or Municipal Court Directory. Once the correct court is located, records can be accessed either online or in person.

For in-person access, refer to the county court directory, which provides addresses, phone numbers, and contact information arranged by county or district. Next, proceed to the office where the case was filed. Some circuit courts in Wisconsin counties provide online access to their records. For this option, visit the website of the county responsible for handling the record.

For statewide access to records maintained by circuit courts in Wisconsin, use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system. The system provides access to certain court records from all 72 counties. Individuals can search using party names or case numbers to view case summaries, upcoming court dates, and other non-confidential information.

Wisconsin Criminal Records

In Wisconsin, criminal records are public information accessible to interested parties through designated record custodians, primarily the Wisconsin Department of Justice (WDOJ). The WDOJ houses the Crime Information Bureau (CIB), which maintains Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) and makes it available to the public.

Criminal records information include:

• Name and personal information
• Known contact details
• Physical descriptors (height, weight, race, body markings)
• Information on charges and court disposition
• Jail and parole information
• Post-conviction status

Accessing criminal records in Wisconsin can be done through several methods. The Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) allows individuals to perform name-based criminal record searches by creating an account, with a fee of $10 per record.

In addition to the WORCS, the WCCA (Wisconsin Circuit Court Access) website offers a free public criminal record search option. This tool allows users to access certain criminal history information without any cost. To conduct an accurate search, users need to provide the defendant's name and date of birth.

Mail requests can also be submitted by completing the appropriate forms and sending them to:

Wisconsin Public Arrest Records

Wisconsin arrest records are typically public information, excluding juvenile and sealed cases. These records document custody events but don't indicate case outcomes or guilt. They reflect acquittals and may be altered or expunged under certain conditions. Arrest records merely show that an individual was taken into custody, not that they were found guilty of any crime.

Local and state law enforcement agencies generate these records. Wisconsin arrest records typically contain the following information:

• Arrested person's name
• Time and date of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Charges
• Mugshot
• Bail information

Individuals have several options to access these records. In-person, individuals can visit the local police department or sheriff's office responsible for the arrest. The Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association (WSDSA) provides a directory with a list of contact information for sheriff's offices across the state.

Since arrest records are often part of criminal records, they can be accessed through the CBI's (Crime Information Bureau) WORCS (Wisconsin Online Record Check System). Interested parties may also utilize the WCCA (Wisconsin Circuit Court Access) website to access these records for free.

Wisconsin Vital Records

In Wisconsin, vital records are official documents that record significant life events, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce statements. These records are maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office (WDHS VRO) per Wisconsin Statutes Section 69.

Wisconsin Statute Section 69.20 regulates the release of vital records and defines who has a legitimate interest in accessing them. It requires individuals requesting such records to provide specific details, including the name of the person on the record, the date and location of the event, and their relationship to the individual named in the record.

Certified copies are printed on security paper with a raised seal, whereas uncertified copies are printed on plain paper and marked as "Uncertified".

The WDHS VRO no longer provides in-person services for accessing vital records. Individuals must now obtain these documents through alternative methods, such as by mail, online, or over the phone.

Wisconsin Public Birth Records

Birth records from October 1907 to the present are available through the Wisconsin VRO (Vital Records Office), county Register of Deeds offices, Milwaukee, and West Allis City Health Offices. However, availability may vary depending on the event type and date.

To order a copy of a birth certificate by mail, complete the Wisconsin Birth Certificate Application form and include the appropriate fee and acceptable identification. Mail the completed form to:

For those preferring online services, birth records can be ordered through VitalChek, an independent online vendor partnered with the State of Wisconsin. Records can also be requested by phone through VitalChek at 877-885-2981.

Records, particularly those 75 years or older, can be accessed through the Wisconsin Historical Society website for pre-1907 documents.

Wisconsin Public Death Records

Death records in Wisconsin are official documents that provide important information about a person's passing, including the date, location, and cause of death. Death records that are 75 years or older are accessible to the public without restrictions.

Under Wisconsin Statutes 69.19, if no death record is on file one year after a person's death in the state, an individual with a direct and tangible interest in registering the record may petition the circuit court in the county where the death is believed to have occurred.

The procedure for obtaining death records from the WDHS VRO (Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office) is much like the process for obtaining birth records. The key difference is that a different form is required. To request a death record, individuals should complete the Wisconsin Death Certificate Application form and provide acceptable identification.

Include the appropriate fee, which is $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.

For those who prefer online or phone services, death records can also be ordered through VitalChek.

Wisconsin Public Marriage Records

In Wisconsin, public marriage records contain essential details about marriages, such as the full names of both spouses, the date and place of the marriage, and the officiant's name. The Wisconsin Historical Society provides an online index of marriages recorded in Wisconsin before October 1907.

Requesting marriage certificates from the WDHS VRO (Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office) follows the same process for obtaining other vital records, but it requires a different form.

Individuals must complete the Wisconsin Marriage Certificate Application form and submit it by mail with the required fee. Like other vital records, marriage certificates can also be ordered online or over the phone through VitalChek.

Wisconsin Public Divorce Records

In Wisconsin, public divorce records contain essential information about the dissolution of a marriage. While these records are considered public information, certain sensitive details, such as financial data, child support stipulations, and custody arrangements, may be excluded to protect privacy.

To request certified copies of divorce records by mail, complete the Wisconsin Divorce Certificate Application form and send it to the WDHS VRO (Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office) with appropriate identification and fees. Individuals can also order online or by phone through the VitalCheck.

For records less than 75 years old, access may be limited to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with court orders.

Wisconsin Property Records

Wisconsin property records are legal documents that provide comprehensive information about real property and land within the state. Accessible documents in Wisconsin property records include:

• Property deeds
• Mortgage documents
• Tax assessment records
• Building sketches and floor plans
• Building permit history
• Zoning maps

Wisconsin residents can access property records through various government agencies. The primary sources include local county registers of deeds, county clerk's offices, and sometimes tax assessor's offices and state departments for tax-related property information.

For example, Milwaukee County residents can obtain records from the Office of the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds, either through the Milwaukee Tapestry Application or by mail.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue also offers the RETR (Real Estate Transfer Return) tool for property data and related assessment information searches. When conducting a property record search, individuals typically need to provide the property's address (including county, street name, and plot or house number) and the property owner's full name.

Wisconsin Inmate Records

Wisconsin inmate records contain various public information about individuals incarcerated in the state. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (WDOC) maintains these records, which oversees 18 state prisons and collaborates with local authorities on county jail operations.

Wisconsin inmate records provide detailed information about individuals, including:

• Biodata
• Mugshot
• Charges
• Convictions
• Release dates
• Correctional facility information

Individuals have several options for performing a Wisconsin inmate search, depending on the type of facility. For state prisons, the WDOC offers a free online lookup tool where searches can be conducted using an inmate's name or identification number. For comprehensive inmate records, contacting the WDOC is advisable.

For county jail inmates, who are typically serving sentences of up to one year for low-level offenses, searches can be performed on local law enforcement websites. These often feature jail rosters or inmate lists. In-person inquiries at local law enforcement offices during business hours are also possible.

For federal inmates located in one federal prison in Wisconsin, one can contact the federal correctional institution or use the " Find An Inmate" service of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

Wisconsin Traffic Records

Wisconsin traffic records include data on traffic counts, court records, crash statistics, and violations, which are necessary for understanding traffic patterns and safety issues. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) collects continuous traffic count data from about 350 sites.

Traffic court records, public under Wisconsin law, document legal proceedings related to violations. The state has seen an 8% increase in traffic fatalities over the past decade, with 584 deaths in 2023. Wisconsin also ranks high nationally for speeding violations, with 7.8% of drivers having a speeding ticket in 2024.

Wisconsin participates in the National Roadway Safety Strategy to improve safety. It focuses on safer roads, vehicles, and post-crash care to reduce fatalities and enhance traffic safety.

To view traffic records in Wisconsin, individuals can access various types of records through different channels. For vehicle or driver records, they need to complete the Vehicle/Driver Record Information Request form (MV2896) or process it online via the Public Abstract Request System (PARS), a secure service for authorized users.

License Plate Lookup in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, a license plate lookup can provide specific details about a vehicle, but access to personal information is restricted to protect privacy.

The online " License Plate Search" tool of the WisDOT (Wisconsin Department of Transportation) provides information such as the vehicle's registration expiration date, year, make, and renewal reference number. However, personal details like the owner's name and address are unavailable due to privacy laws.

Individuals can also request vehicle records using license plate numbers by contacting the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (WisDMV) or visiting a DMV customer service center during regular business hours.

What Information is Exempt from the Public Information Act in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, while the Open Records Law promotes openness and public access to government records, certain types of personal information are exempt from disclosure to protect privacy, security, and other sensitive interests. Here are some of the exemptions:

• Drafts, notes, and preliminary materials prepared for the originator's personal use or by the originator in the name of a person for whom they are working
• Purely personal emails of public employees that do not relate to government business
• Materials protected by copyright, patent, or bequest (in some cases)
• Computer programs themselves (though the input data may be subject to disclosure)
• Identities of applicants for public positions if the applicants request confidentiality in writing (except for final candidates)
• Identities of confidential law enforcement informants
• Certain employee personnel records, including personal information, information about ongoing investigations of possible criminal misconduct, employment examination information (except scores), and performance evaluations
• Patient healthcare records
• Certain law enforcement records related to children and expectant mothers
• Public library user records
• Personal property tax returns (with some exceptions)
• Real estate income/expense information used for property valuation

For a complete list of these exemptions, refer to the Wisconsin Public Records Law Fact Sheet No. 7.

Other Public Records in Wisconsin

Other types of public records available in Wisconsin include:

• Sex Offender Registry: Sex offender records are maintained by the WDOC (Wisconsin Department of Corrections). These records provide detailed information about individuals convicted of sex offenses, including their names, addresses, offenses, and photographs.
• Warrant Records: Warrant records in Wisconsin can be accessed through the Wisconsin Court System. These records include information on active warrants issued by state courts, detailing the individual's name, the nature of the warrant, and the issuing authority.
• Voter Information: The Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) makes voter information publicly available. This includes voter registration details, election participation history, and polling place information.
• Business Records: The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) manages business records in Wisconsin. These records include information on business registrations, corporate filings, and annual reports.
• State Health and Wellness Statistics: The WDHS (Wisconsin Department of Health Services) provides state health and wellness statistics. These records include data on public health indicators, disease prevalence, and health outcomes.
• Air and Water Quality Reports: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) offers comprehensive air and water quality reports. These records provide data on environmental quality, including air emissions, water pollution levels, and compliance with environmental standards.
• Maps and Geographic Data: The Wisconsin Department of Administration (WDOA) offers maps and geographic data, including state and regional maps, geographic information systems (GIS) data, and land use records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check the frequently asked questions below for more information about Wisconsin public records:

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