OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Wisconsin Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Wisconsin. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 72 counties across 10 judicial administrative districts
  • Federal courts: 2 U.S. District Courts (Eastern, Western)
  • Background checks: Wisconsin DOJ — Criminal Background Check
  • Records law: Wisconsin Open Records Law
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Wisconsin DOJ
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Wisconsin has 72 counties across 10 judicial administrative districts. You can search court cases using WCCA (Wisconsin Circuit Court Access), the official statewide case search.

County-level court records include circuit courts handling all trial-level cases. WCCA provides comprehensive statewide access.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Wisconsin are handled by two U.S. District Courts:

  • Eastern District — Milwaukee, Green Bay
  • Western District — Madison

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ WCCA — Wisconsin Circuit Court Access 🏛️ Wisconsin Court System Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Wisconsin are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Wisconsin Department of Justice provides criminal background checks through their online system.

🔍 Wisconsin DOJ — Criminal Background Check 📋 Wisconsin Department of Justice

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Wisconsin operates under the Wisconsin Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. §19.31). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond as soon as practicable without delay.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Wisconsin

Court records are maintained by the Wisconsin Court System across 72 counties. Criminal history is centralized through the Wisconsin DOJ. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has 72 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Wisconsin state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Wisconsin for free?
Use WCCA (Wisconsin Circuit Court Access), the official statewide case search.
Are arrest records public in Wisconsin?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin DOJ provides criminal background checks. Visit the DOJ website for details.
What is the Wisconsin Open Records Law?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond as soon as practicable without delay.
How many court systems does Wisconsin have?
Wisconsin has a unified court system: municipal courts, circuit courts (one per county), the Court of Appeals (4 districts), and the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026