Wisconsin public records and people search guide
In Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31–19.39) governs access to government records. Court cases are generally public at the court where they were filed, and you can search many online through Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA). Searching public records for personal reasons is legal; using them to screen tenants or employees requires an FCRA-compliant report.
At a glance
What is usually public in Wisconsin
- Court records: civil, criminal, small claims and most probate filings, unless sealed or confidential by law.
- Property records: owner of record, deeds and tax assessments, from the county assessor and recorder. See how to find a property owner.
- Business filings: companies registered with the Wisconsin Secretary of State (or equivalent office).
- Professional licenses: through Wisconsin's licensing boards. See how to verify a license.
- Sex offender registry: Wisconsin's registry is included in the national search at NSOPW.gov.
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce): access rules vary; many are restricted to the people named or their families. Contact the Wisconsin vital records office or the county.
How to request records from a Wisconsin agency
- Identify the agency that holds the record (city, county or state).
- Send a written request that describes the records as specifically as you can, citing the Wisconsin Public Records Law. Many agencies have an online portal.
- Expect a response within the statutory period: As soon as practicable and without delay.
- Ask about copy fees up front.
- If denied, ask for the specific exemption relied on. Appeal options are summarized in the guide below.
Detailed, maintained legal summary: Reporters Committee Open Government Guide: Wisconsin.
Searching Wisconsin court records
- Wisconsin Judicial Branch: court directory, forms and access policies.
- Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): Free statewide circuit court case search.
- Federal cases in Wisconsin: PACER.
Reading results: an arrest is not a conviction, and similar names are easy to confuse. Match the date of birth and county. See how to check criminal records legally.
Public profiles, photos and phone data. Private: nobody is notified.
Wisconsin area codes
Questions
Are court records public in Wisconsin?
Most Wisconsin court records are open to the public unless sealed, expunged or confidential by law (for example juvenile and many family matters). You can search online through Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA).
What is Wisconsin's public records law?
The Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31–19.39) gives the public a right to inspect and copy government records, with exemptions set by law. Response time: As soon as practicable and without delay.
Can I run a background check on someone in Wisconsin?
You can search public records yourself for personal reasons. For hiring, renting, lending or insurance decisions, federal law (the FCRA) requires a consumer reporting agency and the person's permission, and Wisconsin may add its own rules.
How do I look up a Wisconsin phone number?
Enter it in a reverse phone lookup. Wisconsin area codes include 262, 274, 353, 414, 534, 608 and more.
Updated 2026-10-28. Links checked 2026-10-28. General information, not legal advice; statutes change, so confirm details with the agency or the Reporters Committee guide.
TrueSearch is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use TrueSearch or anything on this page to make decisions about employment, housing or tenant screening, credit, insurance, or any other FCRA-covered purpose. Results come from publicly available information and licensed telecom data and may be incomplete or out of date.