State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Wisconsin
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Wisconsin under the Wisconsin Public Records Law (est. 1982).
Overview of Public Records in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Public Records Law declares a strong presumption that all records maintained by government entities are open to the public. The law establishes that it is the public policy of the state that all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government. Wisconsin has a long tradition of open government, and its courts have consistently upheld broad public access to records. The state's 72 counties maintain extensive local records, and Wisconsin has made significant investments in online records access.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Wisconsin
Response Time
Agencies must respond 'as soon as practicable and without delay.' While there is no specific day count in the statute, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has held that delays must be justified by legitimate reasons.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction. Standard per-page fees are typically $0.15 to $0.25. Location fees for search time are capped by statute at reasonable levels.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing. Written requests are recommended for documentation purposes. No identification or reason for the request needs to be provided to the agency.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file a mandamus or injunction action in circuit court to compel disclosure. The court can award actual damages, punitive damages, costs, and attorney fees to a prevailing requester.
Types of Public Records Available in Wisconsin
Property Records
Property records in Wisconsin include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Wisconsin contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Wisconsin election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Wisconsin court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Wisconsin include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Wisconsin vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Wisconsin document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Wisconsin Public Records
To request records in Wisconsin, submit a request to the legal custodian of the records. Requests can be oral or written, and you do not need to provide a reason. Agencies must respond as soon as practicable without delay, though there is no fixed statutory deadline. Wisconsin county register of deeds offices maintain property records, and the Wisconsin Courts provide CCAP (Consolidated Court Automation Programs) for comprehensive online case searches. The Department of Financial Institutions provides business entity searches.
Online Access
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) provides free online court record searches statewide. County register of deeds and assessor offices maintain online property records. The Department of Financial Institutions provides business entity searches.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Wisconsin
While the Wisconsin Public Records Law establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Wisconsin.
- Records containing information that would result in harm to the public interest if disclosed
- Attorney-client privileged records involving government counsel
- Trade secrets submitted to government agencies
- Records of ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Draft documents and deliberative materials before final action
- Patient health care records of individuals
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Wisconsin provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Wisconsin Public Records Law
Enacted: 1982
Wisconsin's Public Records Law is codified in Wisconsin Statutes Section 19.31 through 19.39. The law creates a strong presumption of openness and states that exemptions are to be narrowly construed. The Wisconsin Department of Justice issues advisory opinions on public records issues. The law was updated in 2016 to address electronic records and in 2020 to modify provisions related to certain personal information.
Key Features of Wisconsin's Records Law:
- Wisconsin's CCAP provides one of the most comprehensive free online court records databases in the nation
- The law does not set a fixed response deadline, requiring agencies to act as soon as practicable
- Wisconsin allows oral records requests without requiring identification or a stated purpose
Wisconsin Public Records Facts
Wisconsin has 72 counties maintaining local government records
CCAP contains records for millions of cases across Wisconsin courts
The state has approximately 3.5 million registered voters
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions maintains records for over 300,000 business entities
Search Wisconsin Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Wisconsin. Enter a name below to search public records in WI.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Public Records
What is CCAP?
Does Wisconsin have a deadline for records requests?
Are Wisconsin property records online?
How do I get Wisconsin vital records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Wisconsin Public Records Law. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Wisconsin or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.