portage county wi public records: quick guide for finding documents

What you can find

From court dockets and judgment indexes to land deeds, mortgages, and plats, Portage County WI public records cover a wide range of civic information. You can also locate property tax rolls, assessment data, permits, jail rosters, and incident reports. Vital records indexes (birth, death, marriage) are often searchable; certified copies are obtained through the state’s Vital Records system. Many resources are online, while older files may require an in-person or written request.

Where to start

• Clerk of Courts: civil/criminal case lookups, calendars, and filings.
• Register of Deeds: deeds, liens, plats, and real estate transfers.
• Sheriff’s Office: jail inmate information and incident logs.
• Treasurer/Tax: parcel details, taxes, and payment history.
• GIS/Planning: maps, zoning, and permit references.

Helpful tips

1. Have exact names, dates, or parcel IDs; specifics speed results.
2. Use precise spelling; try alternate spellings when searching indexes.
3. Expect fees for copies; some sensitive data may be redacted.
4. Cite Wisconsin’s Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. 19.31–19.39) in formal requests.
5. Online portals vary; if records aren’t listed, ask which office holds them.

Be clear about the record type you need, your timeframe, and preferred format. This helps staff fulfill requests efficiently and keeps costs predictable.