Wisconsin Public Records

Understanding the availability of public records in the state of Wisconsin and how to access them is very important. Read on to learn more about what information is available and how you can access them.

Public records in the State of Wisconsin are available through the Wisconsin Public Records Law or precisely Wis. Stats. 19.31– 19.39. This law permits the citizens of Wisconsin access to all public records related to the running of the Wisconsin government business. This includes all public records of any employee or any elected official who is working for any Wisconsin government body. You may gain access to these records by making a request to the Office of Open Government, Wisconsin Department of Justice in Madison, Wisconsin, via mail,

The law does not grant access to information related to other documents of non-governmental individual or criminal activity of any person.

Wisconsin Criminal Records

You can access criminal records, such as arrest records and jail and inmate records by addressing your request to the Wisconsin Department of Justice. If you want to obtain information about the criminal history an individual arrested, adjudicated and charged in Wisconsin, you must make your request to the Criminal Records Unit of the state’s Department of Justice.

Background checks that utilize The Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau (CIB) has the responsibility to maintain criminal history records that local law enforcement agencies have submitted. To determine whether there is a criminal history for an individual residing in the Wisconsin, a full set of fingerprints and a Criminal History Challenge Form hat has been filled will be required.

The Offender Locator portal contains information about inmates within the DOC (Wisconsin Department of Corrections). The portal allows you to access information about the inmate status of any person throughout the entire system. To enter the portal, you must at least enter the offender’s last name.

Wisconsin Court Records

The Wisconsin Court System Circuit Court Access portal contains all the public records of the state’s Circuit Courts about a criminal defendant. You can access all these records online through the portal. You can also access some confidential records, such as those of child protection, juvenile delinquency, civil commitments, guardianship, adoption, and termination of parental rights through the portal.

The availability of court records depends entirely on the county where the court case was heard because access to the system and back loading of the older cases vary from one county to another.

Wisconsin Vital Records

You can access Wisconsin Vital Records, such as death, birth, marriage, divorce and domestic partnership through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Service. Applicable fee and a written application are required to perform a search for any of these records.

  • Birth records: Birth records in Wisconsin are divided into two categories. The first category comprises of those records before 1907 and the second category comprises of records from 1907 to present. While most birth records date back to 1870s, there are some Wisconsin counties that started keeping birth records in 1850s. Pre-1907 birth records are available at the Wisconsin Vital Records Office. This is also where you can get copies of birth records from 1907 to the present.
  • Death records: The state of Wisconsin organizes death records into two categories. The first category comprises of records prior to 1975 and the second category comprises of records from 1907 to present. The Wisconsin Family Library keeps accurate birth records from 1870s. However, some counties began registering births in the early 1850s. All the existing death records are available at the Wisconsin Family History Library and the Wisconsin Vital Records Office.
  • Marriage records: Marriage records in the state of Wisconsin are also divided into two categories, including early-1907 and 1907 to present. Statewide registration of marriages in Wisconsin began in 1907, but individual counties had been recording marriages in earlier years. You can obtain marriage records from the Wisconsin Vital Records. You can also request for them from the Registrar of Deeds in the county where the event took place.
  • Divorce records: Divorce records also exist in two categories: Early-1907 and 1907 to present. Most copies of pre-1907 divorce records are available at the Family History Library. Divorce records from 1907 to present are available at the Wisconsin Vital Records.

When you understand the accessibility of public records in the state of Wisconsin and the procedure to follow to access information, you will be able to obtain any record that you are looking for.

Wisconsin State Court System

Understanding how the system of Wisconsin state court works is very important as it helps you find court records easily.

Wisconsin Courts Overview

With the basic understanding of the organization of Wisconsin state court system and how it works, it will be easier for you to find the court files and records you are looking for. To make your work easier, start searching for court records in Wisconsin by simply going to courts by county.

The trial court system of Wisconsin State consists of Municipal Courts and Circuit Courts.

Circuit Courts

Wisconsin Circuit Courts have original jurisdiction over all types of Criminal and civil cases. However, Circuit Courts usually handle only those cases that are beyond the jurisdiction limit of Municipal Courts. Circuit Courts also have unlimited jurisdiction over all jury trials.

Wisconsin Circuit Courts have limited jurisdiction over all types of criminal cases. Typically, Circuit Courts do not actually handle ordinance violations that are within a Municipal Court jurisdiction.

Civil cases generally heard by Wisconsin Circuit Courts include most juvenile cases, probate matters, domestic relations, civil equity cases, and general civil claims.

Municipal Courts

Wisconsin Municipal Courts have limited jurisdiction over majority of ordinance violations. Typical cases that Municipal Courts handle include ordinance violations, traffic violations, and non-jury trials particularly for first offense drunk driving.

Wisconsin Municipal Courts also handle certain types of juvenile cases, including alcohol violations, truancy, curfew violations, and drug offenses. Municipal Courts have no jurisdiction over jury trials. They don’t offer jury trials. If the proper request is made and granted, the case can be transferred to Wisconsin Circuit Courts. A Municipal Court doesn’t have jurisdiction to hear cases requesting equitable relief.

Circuit Courts hear ordinance violations in the areas where Municipal Courts are not available.

Court Notes

The State of Wisconsin is currently in the process of expanding its trial court system. It is actually developing special or “problem solving” court programs within its Circuit Courts. These specialized court programs are developed to handle some types of cases. They include offender reentry courts, domestic violence courts, specialized juvenile courts, mental health treatment courts, and drug treatment courts. All these court programs operate as “problem solving” or specialized court programs of Circuit Courts.

The State of Wisconsin is also considering establishing some divisions within the Municipal Courts. ?Every division must have its jurisdiction, which can be shared with Municipal Courts.

Currently, the files of cases exist in Circuit Courts and Municipal Courts.

Wisconsin Crime Statistics

Violent & Property Crime Rates in Wisconsin

Rate of Violent Crime Offenses by Population in Wisconsin
Rate of Violent Crime Offenses by Population in Wisconsin
Rate of Property Crime Offenses by Population in Wisconsin
Rate of Property Crime Offenses by Population in Wisconsin
Offender Age Ratio in Wisconsin
Offender Age Ratio in Wisconsin
Offender Race Ratio in Wisconsin
Offender Race Ratio in Wisconsin

Arrests Offense in Wisconsin

All Arrest by Offense in Wisconsin
All Arrest by Offense in Wisconsin
Female Arrests by Age in Wisconsin
Female Arrests by Age in Wisconsin
Male Arrests by Age in Wisconsin
Male Arrests by Age in Wisconsin
Arrestee Race Ratio in Wisconsin
Arrestee Race Ratio in Wisconsin
Arrestee Sex Ratio in Wisconsin
Arrestee Sex Ratio in Wisconsin

The latest data is from 2021. References: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/home

The Official Website of Wisconsin County

Milwaukee City of Milwaukee
Madison City of Madison, Wisconsin
Kenosha City of Kenosha The City of Kenosha website helps citizens and visitors learn about city services and conduct business, including permit applications and online payments.
Racine Welcome to the City of Racine The official website for the City of Racine, Wisconsin
Appleton Appleton, WI
Waukesha Waukesha, WI | Official Website
Oshkosh City of Oshkosh
Eau Claire City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Janesville Janesville, WI
West Allis West Allis, WI – Official Website
La Crosse La Crosse, WI
Wauwatosa Wauwatosa, WI
Fond du Lac City of Fond Du Lac
New Berlin New Berlin, WI – Official Website
Wausau Wausau Wisconsin
Milwaukee County Milwaukee County | County of Milwaukee
Dane County Welcome to Dane County, Wisconsin The official County Government website for Dane County, WI. Find information on elected officials, local news & events, county services and more!
Brown County The official website of Brown County, Wisconsin government Brown County Government, Green Bay, Wisconsin – providing Brown County news, services and event information
Racine County Racine County, WI Racine County Courthouse730 Wisconsin Ave.Racine, Wisconsin 53403262-636-3333
Outagamie County Outagamie County, WI
Winnebago County Welcome to Winnebago County | Winnebago County
Kenosha County Kenosha County, WI – Official Website
Rock County Rock County Wisconsin
Marathon County Marathon County Wisconsin
Washington County Washington County, WI A Winter Weather Emergency has been declared for Washington County. All non-essential Washington County offices will be closed Monday, January 28.As part of this closure, the Justice Center will be closed and all court matters will be rescheduled.
Sheboygan County Sheboygan County
La Crosse County Official Web Site of La Crosse County Government Welcome to the official website of La Crosse County, Wisconsin
Walworth County Walworth County
Fond du Lac County Fond du Lac County Welcome to the new official Fond du Lac County site. Government officials, departments and services plus much more.
Eau Claire County Eau Claire County
Ozaukee County Ozaukee County, WI – Official Website
St. Croix County Welcome to St Croix County
Jefferson County Welcome to Jefferson County
Manitowoc County Manitowoc County, WI
Wood County Wood County Wisconsin
Portage County Portage County, WI
Chippewa County Chippewa County, Wi
Sauk County Sauk County Wisconsin Official Website
Columbia County Columbia County Website
Waupaca County Welcome to Waupaca County, WI
Grant County Grant County, Wisconsin Grant County, Wisconsin World Wide Web Site
Calumet County Calumet County, WI – Official Website
Barron County Barron County, Wisconsin – www.barroncountywi.gov
Monroe County Monroe County, Wisconsin –
Polk County Polk County, Wisconsin Polk County Wisconsin
Douglas County Douglas County, WI – Official Website
Dunn County Dunn County, WI
Shawano County The Official Shawano County Government Web Site Shawano County – Honoring Tradition, Discovering Tomorrow
Marinette County The Official Marinette County Government Website Marinette County has everything! Find information on Government officials, departments, services and more.
Pierce County Pierce County

Wisconsin Jail Roster

Type Name County Inmate Locator Phone Number Inmate Search
Federal Prison Oxford Federal Correctional Institution Adams County County Road G & Elk Avenue, Oxford, WI 53952 (608) 584-5511 Federal Inmate Locator
State Prison Green Bay Correctional Institution Brown County 2833 Riverside Drive, Green Bay, WI 54307-9033 (920) 432-4877 Inmate Search
State Prison Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility Chippewa County 2909 E. Park Avenue, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 (715) 720-2850 Inmate Search
State Prison Stanley Correctional Institution Chippewa County 100 Corrections Drive, Stanley, WI 54768-6500 (715) 644-2960 Inmate Search
State Prison Columbia Correctional Institution Columbia County 2925 Columbia Drive, Portage, WI 53901-0950 (608) 742-9100 Inmate Search
State Prison Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution Crawford County 500 E. Parrish Street, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821-6000 (608) 326-7828 Inmate Search
State Prison Oakhill Correctional Institution Dane County 5212 County Hwy. M, Oregon, WI 53575-0140 (608) 835-3101 Inmate Search
State Prison Dodge Correctional Institution Dodge County 1 W. Lincoln Street, Waupun, WI 53963-0661 (920) 324-5577 Inmate Search
State Prison Fox Lake Correctional Institution Dodge County W10237 Lake Emily Road, Fox Lake, WI 53933-0147 (920) 928-3151 Inmate Search
State Prison Waupun Correctional Institution Dodge County 200 S. Madison Street, Waupun, WI 53963-0351 (920) 324-5571 Inmate Search
State Prison Taycheedah Correctional Institution Fond du Lac County 751 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1947 (920) 929-3800 Inmate Search
State Prison Wisconsin Secure Program Facility Grant County 1101 Morrison Drive, Boscobel, WI 53805-0900 (608) 375-5656 Inmate Search
State Prison Jackson Correctional Institution Jackson County N6500 Haipek Road, Black River Falls, WI 54615-0232 (715) 284-4550 Inmate Search
State Prison New Lisbon Correctional Institution Juneau County 2000 Progress Road, New Lisbon, WI 53950-2000 (608) 562-6400 Inmate Search
State Prison Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility Milwaukee County 1015 N. 10th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53205-0740 (414) 212-3535 Inmate Search
State Prison Racine Correctional Institution Racine County 2019 Wisconsin Street, Sturtevant, WI 53177-1829 (262) 886-3214 Inmate Search
State Prison Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility Racine County 1501 Albert Street, Racine, WI 53404-0001 (262) 638-1999 Inmate Search
State Prison Sturtevant Transitional Facility Racine County 9351 Rayne Road, Sturtevant, WI 53177 (262) 884-2410 Inmate Search
State Prison Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution Sheboygan County W9071 Forest Drive, Plymouth, WI 53073 (920) 526-3244 Inmate Search
State Prison Redgranite Correctional Institution Waushara County 1006 County Road EE, Redgranite, WI 54970 (920) 566-2600 Inmate Search
State Prison Oshkosh Correctional Institution Winnebago County 1730 W. Snell Road, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3530 (920) 231-4010 Inmate Search
Adams County Jail Roster Adams County Jail Adams County 301 Adams Street, Friendship, WI 53934 (608) 339-4239 Jail Roster
Barron County Jail Roster Barron County Jail Barron County 1420 State Hwy 25 North, Barron, WI 54812-3007 (715) 537-5559 Inmate Roster
Bayfield County Jail Roster Bayfield County Jail Bayfield County 615 Second Avenue, Washburn, WI 54891 (715) 373-6117 Jail Roster
Brown County Jail Roster Brown County Jail Brown County 3030 Curry Lane, Green Bay, WI 54311 (920) 448-4250 Inmate Search
Burnett County Jail Roster Burnett County Jail Burnett County 7410 County Road K, Siren, WI 54872 (715) 349-2128 Inmate Roster
Calumet County Jail Roster Calumet County Jail Calumet County 206 Court Street, Chilton, WI 53014-1198 (920) 849-1447 Inmate Roster
Chippewa County Jail Roster Chippewa County Jail Chippewa County 50 E Spruce Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 (715) 726-7704 Inmate Roster
Clark County Jail Roster Clark County Jail Clark County 517 Court Street, Neillsville, WI 54456 (715) 743-5379 Jail Roster
Columbia County Jail Roster Columbia County Jail Columbia County 403 Jackson Street, Portage, WI 53901 (608) 742-6476 Inmate Roster
Crawford County Jail Roster Crawford County Jail Crawford County 224 N Beaumont Road, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 (608) 326-8414 Jail Roster
Dane County Jail Roster Dane County Public Safety Building Jail Dane County 115 W. Doty Street, Madison, WI 53703 (608) 284-6100 Jail Roster
Dodge County Jail Roster Dodge County Detention Facility Dodge County 216 W. Center Street, Juneau, WI 53039 (920) 386-3734 Jail Roster
Door County Jail Roster Door County Jail Door County 1203 S. Duluth Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (920) 746-2400 Jail Roster
Douglas County Jail Roster Douglas County Jail Douglas County 1310 North 14th Street, Superior, WI 54880 (715) 395-1375 Inmate Roster
Dunn County Jail Roster Dunn County Jail Dunn County 615 Stokke Parkway, Menomonie, WI 54751 (715) 232-2220 Inmate Roster
Eau Claire County Jail Roster Eau Claire County Jail Eau Claire County 710 2nd Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703 (715) 839-4702 Inmate Roster
Fond du Lac County Jail Roster Fond du Lac County Jail Fond du Lac County 63 Western Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI 54935 (920) 929-3394 Jail Roster
Forest County Jail Roster Forest County Jail Forest County 100 South Park Avenue, Crandon, WI 54520 (715) 478-3331 Jail Roster
Grant County Jail Roster Grant County Jail Grant County 1000 North Adams Street, Lancaster, WI 53813 (608) 723-6372 Inmate Roster
Green County Jail Roster Green County Jail Green County 2827 6th Street, Monroe, WI 53566 (608) 328-9400 Jail Roster
Green Lake County Jail Roster Green Lake County Correctional Facility Green Lake County 571 County Road A, Green Lake, WI 54941 (920) 294-4059 Jail Roster
Iowa County Jail Roster Iowa County Jail Iowa County 1205 North Bequette Street, Dodgeville, WI 53533 (608) 935-3314 ext. 2 Jail Roster
Jackson County Jail Roster Jackson County Jail Jackson County 30 N. 3rd Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615 (715) 284-5357 Inmate Roster
Jefferson County Jail Roster Jefferson County Jail Jefferson County 411 S. Center Avenue, Jefferson, WI 53549-1703 (920) 674-7310 Jail Roster
Juneau County Jail Roster Juneau County Jail Juneau County 200 Oak Street, Mauston, WI 53948 (608) 847-9513 Jail Roster
Kenosha County Jail Roster Kenosha County Detention Center Kenosha County 4777 88th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53144 (262) 605-5800 Inmate Search
Kenosha County Jail Roster Downtown Pre-Trial Facility Kenosha County 927 54th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140 (262) 605-5111 Inmate Search
Kewaunee County Jail Roster Kewaunee County Jail Kewaunee County 620 Juneau Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216 (920) 388-3100 Jail Roster
La Crosse County Jail Roster La Crosse County Jail La Crosse County 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9630 Inmate Roster
Langlade County Jail Roster Langlade County Jail Langlade County 840 Clermont Street, Antigo, WI 54409 (715) 627-6444 Jail Roster
Lincoln County Jail Roster Lincoln County Jail Lincoln County 1104 E 1st Street, Merrill, WI 54452 (715) 536-6275 Jail Roster
Manitowoc County Jail Roster Manitowoc County Jail Manitowoc County 1025 South 9th Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220 (920) 683-4339 Inmate Roster
Marathon County Jail Roster Marathon County Jail Marathon County 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403 (715) 261-1700 Jail Roster
Marinette County Jail Roster Marinette County Jail Marinette County 2161 University Drive, Marinette, WI 54143 (715) 732-7630 Jail Roster
Menominee County Jail Roster Menominee County Jail Menominee County 831 10th Avenue, Menominee, MI 49858 (906) 863-4441 Jail Roster
Milwaukee County Jail Roster Milwaukee County Jail Milwaukee County 949 North 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233 (414) 226-7070 Inmate Search
Monroe County Jail Roster Monroe County Jail Monroe County 112 S. Court Street, Sparta, Wisconsin 54656 (608) 269-2117 Jail Roster
Oconto County Jail Roster Oconto County Jail Oconto County 301 Washington Street, Oconto, WI 54153 (920) 834-6918 Jail Roster
Oneida County Jail Roster Oneida County Jail Oneida County 2000 East Winnebago Street, Rhinelander, WI 54501 (715) 361-5180 Jail Roster
Outagamie County Jail Roster Outagamie County Jail Outagamie County 320 S. Walnut Street, Appleton, WI 54911 (920) 832-5266 Inmate Roster
Ozaukee County Jail Roster Ozaukee County Jail Ozaukee County 1201 S. Spring Street, Port Washington, WI 53074 (262) 284-7172 Inmate Search
Pepin County Jail Roster Pepin County Jail Pepin County 740 7th Avenue West, Durand, WI 54736 (715) 672-5945 Jail Roster
Pierce County Jail Roster Pierce County Jail Pierce County 414 W. Main Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 (715) 273-5051 Inmate Roster
Polk County Jail Roster Polk County Jail Polk County 1005 West Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 (715) 485-8370 Inmate Roster
Portage County Jail Roster Portage County Jail Portage County 1500 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715) 346-1259 Jail Roster
Price County Jail Roster Price County Jail Price County 164 Cherry Street, Phillips, WI 54555 (715) 339-4116 Inmate Roster
Racine County Jail Roster Racine County Jail Racine County 717 Wisconsin Avenue, Racine, WI 53403 (262) 636-3929 Inmate Search
Richland County Jail Roster Richland County Jail Richland County 181 W. Seminary, Richland Center, WI 53581 (608) 647-8906 Jail Roster
Rock County Jail Roster Rock County Jail Rock County 200 E US Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 757-7907 Jail Roster
Rusk County Jail Roster Rusk County Jail Rusk County 311 Miner Avenue East, Ladysmith, WI 54848 (715) 532-2200 Jail Roster
Sauk County Jail Roster Sauk County Jail Sauk County 1300 Lange Court, Baraboo, 53913 (608) 355-3210 Jail Roster
Sawyer County Jail Roster Sawyer County Jail Sawyer County 15880 5th Street, Hayward, WI 54843 (715) 634-4858 Inmate Roster
Shawano County Jail Roster Shawano County Jail Shawano County 405 N. Main Street, Shawano, WI 54166 (715) 526-7950 Jail Roster
Sheboygan County Jail Roster Sheboygan County Adult Detention Center Sheboygan County 2923 South 31st Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081-4612 (920) 459-1300 Inmate Roster
Sheboygan County Jail Roster Sheboygan County Juvenile Detention Center Sheboygan County 525 North 6th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081 (920) 459-1300 Jail Roster
St. Croix County Jail Roster St. Croix County Jail St. Croix County 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016 (715) 386-4752 Jail Roster
Taylor County Jail Roster Taylor County Jail Taylor County 224 South Second Street, Medford, WI 54451 (715) 748-1431 Jail Roster
Trempealeau County Jail Roster Trempealeau County Jail Trempealeau County 36245 Main Street, Whitehall, WI 54773 (715) 538-2311 ext. 452 Jail Roster
Vernon County Jail Roster Vernon County Jail Vernon County 1320 Bad Axe Court, Viroqua, WI 54665 (608) 638-5780 Jail Roster
Vilas County Jail Roster Vilas County Jail Vilas County 330 Court Street, Eagle River, WI 54521 (715) 479-4441 Inmate Roster
Walworth County Jail Roster Walworth County Jail Walworth County 1770 County Road NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121 (262) 741-4510 Jail Roster
Washburn County Jail Roster Washburn County Jail Washburn County 421 Highway 63, Shell Lake, WI 54871 (715) 468-4720 Jail Roster
Washington County Jail Roster Washington County Jail Washington County 500 N Schmidt Road, West Bend, WI 53095 (262) 335-4427 Jail Roster
Waukesha County Jail Roster Waukesha County Jail Waukesha County 515 W. Moreland Blvd, Waukesha, WI 53188 (262) 548-7170 Inmate Roster
Waupaca County Jail Roster Waupaca County Jail Waupaca County 1402 Royalton Street, Waupaca, WI 54981 (715) 258-4466 Jail Roster
Waushara County Jail Roster Waushara County Jail Waushara County 430 East Division Street, Wautoma, WI 54982 (920) 787-6591 Jail Roster
Winnebago County Jail Roster Winnebago County Jail Winnebago County 4311 Jackson Street, Oshkosh, WI 54901 (920) 236-7380 Jail Roster
Wood County Jail Roster Wood County Jail Wood County 400 Market Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 (715) 421-8730 Jail Roster