Waukesha County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Waukesha County?

Public records in Waukesha County are defined according to Wisconsin Public Records Law § 19.32(2) as "any material on which written, drawn, printed, spoken, visual, or electromagnetic information or electronically generated or stored data is recorded or preserved, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that has been created or is being kept by an authority." These records document government activities and are generally accessible to the public for inspection and copying.

Waukesha County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate case files maintained by the Waukesha County Circuit Court
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other land-related documents recorded by the Register of Deeds
Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates (with access restrictions)
Business Records: Licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax liens
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Documentation of county board and committee proceedings
Budget and Financial Documents: County expenditures, contracts, and financial reports
Law Enforcement Records: Incident reports, arrest logs (with certain privacy protections)
Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land use plans

Each record type is maintained by a specific county department. The Waukesha County Register of Deeds maintains property and vital records, while the Waukesha County Clerk manages election records and county board proceedings. Court records are maintained by the Waukesha County Circuit Court.

Is Waukesha County an Open Records County?

Waukesha County fully complies with the Wisconsin Public Records Law § 19.31-19.39, which establishes that "all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them." This statute creates a presumption of accessibility for most government records.

The Wisconsin Public Records Law specifically states in § 19.31 that "providing persons with such information is declared to be an essential function of a representative government and an integral part of the routine duties of officers and employees whose responsibility it is to provide such information."

Waukesha County has established procedures for handling public records requests in accordance with state law. The county maintains an online public access portal for many commonly requested documents, facilitating transparency and accessibility.

County departments are required to respond to records requests "as soon as practicable and without delay" as mandated by state law. Each department has designated records custodians responsible for processing requests and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.

How to Find Public Records in Waukesha County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Waukesha County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain documents:

Online Access: Many records are available through the county's public access portal. This includes:
- Property records through the Register of Deeds
- Court records through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP)
- County Board agendas and minutes
- Tax and assessment information
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:
- For property records: Visit the Register of Deeds office
- For court records: Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court
- For vital records: Visit the Register of Deeds (birth/death certificates) or Clerk of Circuit Court (marriage/divorce records)
Written Requests: Submit a written request to the relevant department specifying:
- Records being requested (as specifically as possible)
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, electronic files)
Telephone Requests: Some departments accept requests by phone, though written requests are preferred for complex or voluminous records.

The county currently processes requests in the order received. Response times vary based on the complexity of the request and the volume of records sought. Pursuant to Wisconsin law, responses must be provided "as soon as practicable and without delay."

For specialized records, contact the specific department:

Property Records: Register of Deeds
Court Records: Clerk of Circuit Court
Vital Records: Register of Deeds or Wisconsin Vital Records Office
Tax Records: County Treasurer
Voting Records: County Clerk

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Waukesha County?

Waukesha County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3), which permits charging "the actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction and transcription of records. Current standard fees include:

Photocopies: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
Certified Copies: Additional certification fees apply ($5-$15 depending on record type)
Search Fees: May apply for requests requiring extensive staff time (typically $20-$30 per hour)
Electronic Records: Fees for electronic media (CD/DVD) or actual costs of electronic transmission

Specific fee schedules by record type:

Vital Records:
- Birth Certificates: $20 for first copy, $3 for additional copies
- Death Certificates: $20 for first copy, $3 for additional copies
- Marriage Certificates: $20 for first copy, $3 for additional copies
Property Records:
- Recorded Documents: $2 per page
- Certified Copies: $5 plus $1 per page
Court Records:
- Regular Copies: $1.25 per page
- Certified Copies: $5 plus $1.25 per page

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (in most offices). Some online services require credit card payment.

Fee waivers may be available in cases where the county determines that waiving fees serves the public interest. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing with justification for the waiver.

Does Waukesha County Have Free Public Records?

Waukesha County provides free inspection of public records in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), which states that "any requester has a right to inspect any record." No fees may be charged for the right to inspect records, though fees apply for copies or certified documents.

Free public records resources in Waukesha County include:

In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may examine records at no cost during regular business hours at the appropriate county office. Advance notice may be required for voluminous records.
Online Resources:
- Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) - Free access to court records
- County Board meeting minutes and agendas
- County budget documents
- Property tax assessment information (basic search)
Public Access Terminals: Available at various county offices for searching electronic records at no cost:
- Register of Deeds Office - Property records
- Clerk of Courts Office - Court records
- County Clerk's Office - Election information

While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested. Additionally, some specialized searches or certified copies always incur fees as prescribed by state law.

Who Can Request Public Records in Waukesha County?

Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(a), "any requester has a right to inspect any record." The term "requester" is defined broadly to include any person who requests to inspect or copy a record.

Key eligibility points for requesting public records in Waukesha County:

Residency: Wisconsin law does not restrict access based on residency status. Both Wisconsin residents and non-residents may request records.
Identification: For most general records, requesters are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request. However, certain record types (particularly vital records) do require identification to verify eligibility.
Purpose Disclosure: Requesters generally do not need to explain why they want records. The law specifically states that "no request...may be refused because the person making the request is unwilling to be identified or to state the purpose of the request."

Special considerations apply to certain record types:

Vital Records: Access to birth, death, marriage, and divorce records is restricted to the person named in the record, immediate family members, or those with a direct and tangible interest as defined by Wisconsin Statute § 69.20.
Confidential Court Records: Some court records may be sealed or have restricted access based on court orders or statutory provisions.
Juvenile Records: Access is generally restricted to the juvenile, parents/guardians, attorneys, and agencies with statutory authority.

Commercial requesters have the same rights of access as individuals, though volume-based fees may apply for extensive commercial requests.

What Records Are Confidential in Waukesha County?

While Wisconsin law presumes public access to government records, certain categories are exempt from disclosure or have restricted access under Wisconsin Statute § 19.36. Confidential records in Waukesha County include:

Juvenile Records: Court records involving minors are generally confidential under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396.
Sealed Court Records: Records sealed by court order, including certain expunged criminal records.
Ongoing Investigations: Law enforcement records related to active investigations.
Health and Medical Records: Protected under federal HIPAA regulations and state privacy laws.
Personnel Records: Employee medical information, performance evaluations, and disciplinary records (with limited exceptions).
Social Security Numbers and Financial Account Information: Personal identifying information is redacted from public records.
Child Welfare Records: Reports and records of child abuse or neglect.
Adoption Records: Sealed by court order and accessible only through specific legal procedures.
Certain Vital Records: Birth records less than 100 years old, death records less than 75 years old, and marriage/divorce records less than 75 years old have restricted access.
Trade Secrets and Proprietary Business Information: Confidential commercial or financial information submitted to the county.
Computer Programs and Security Information: Data security information, passwords, and security plans.
Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and strategy discussions between county officials and legal counsel.

Wisconsin law requires a "balancing test" when determining whether to release records that may implicate privacy or safety concerns. This test weighs the public interest in disclosure against potential harm to privacy, safety, or other protected interests.

Waukesha County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Waukesha County Register of Deeds
515 W. Moreland Blvd., Room 140
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7583
Waukesha County Register of Deeds

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

The Register of Deeds office maintains and provides access to:

Real estate documents (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
Military discharge papers
Plat maps and certified survey maps

Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Blvd.
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7484
Waukesha County Circuit Court

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and court holidays

Waukesha County Clerk
515 W. Moreland Blvd., Room 120
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7010
Waukesha County Clerk

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Lookup Public Records in Waukesha County

Public Access and Online Document Search

Wisconsin Circuit Court Records Search

Waukesha County Court Record Information

Wisconsin Vital Records Office

Waukesha County Register of Deeds