Jefferson County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Jefferson County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents may access publicly available information related to public records through JeffersonWIRecords.us as well as through official county and state government portals. Jefferson County, Wisconsin maintains a broad range of government-generated documents that are accessible to the public under state law, subject to applicable exemptions. Records that may be available include court filings, property documents, vital records, law enforcement reports, land use records, and meeting minutes, among others. The availability and completeness of any particular record depends on the custodial office, the nature of the record, and applicable legal restrictions.
Records in Jefferson County may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access:
- The Jefferson County official website provides access to county department pages, open records request information, and links to online databases.
- The Jefferson County Land Records Online portal and the parcel search application allow members of the public to search property and geographic information system (GIS) data without registration.
- Court records for Wisconsin circuit courts, including Jefferson County, are searchable through the Wisconsin Court System case search portal, which is publicly accessible online.
- Sheriff's office records requests are described on the Jefferson County open records page.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Jefferson County Courthouse to submit records requests in person. The County Clerk's Office and the Clerk of Courts are the primary custodians for most public records. Requestors should identify the specific record sought, provide relevant identifying information (such as names, dates, or parcel numbers), and submit a written or verbal request to the appropriate custodian. Staff will advise on applicable fees and estimated response times.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted by mail to the relevant custodial office. Requests should include the requestor's name and contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for response. Under Wis. Stat. § 19.35, custodians are required to respond to records requests as soon as practicable and without delay.
Phone/Email:
- Jefferson County Clerk's Office: (920) 674-7140
- Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (open records): (920) 674-7310
- Jefferson County Clerk of Courts: (920) 674-7260
What Are Public Records in Jefferson County?
Public records in Jefferson County are defined under Wisconsin's open records law as any record created or maintained by a government authority in the course of its official functions. Under Wis. Stat. § 19.32, a "record" includes any material on which written, drawn, printed, spoken, visual, or electromagnetic information is recorded or preserved, regardless of physical form or characteristics.
The following categories of records are maintained by Jefferson County government offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, and family court records | Clerk of Courts |
| Property deeds, mortgages, and liens | Register of Deeds |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | Register of Deeds / State Vital Records |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk |
| Property tax and assessment records | County Treasurer / Assessor |
| Voting and election records | County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Clerk |
| Budget and financial documents | County Administrator |
| Law enforcement records (arrest logs, incident reports) | Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Planning and Development |
Property and land records are accessible through the county's geographic information and land records system. Court records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts and are also searchable through the statewide Wisconsin circuit court case search tool.
Is Jefferson County an Open Records County?
Jefferson County fully complies with Wisconsin's open records law, which establishes a strong presumption in favor of public access to government records. Under Wis. Stat. § 19.31, the legislature declares that "the public is entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them." This statutory declaration reflects Wisconsin's commitment to government transparency and accountability.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office states on its open records page that "Sheriff Travis Maze is the legal custodian of the records of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office," and that the public may make requests for records or obtain copies of documents in accordance with state law. Each county department designates a legal custodian responsible for responding to open records requests within that department's jurisdiction.
Jefferson County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance that supersedes state law; rather, all county offices operate in compliance with the Wisconsin Public Records Law, codified at Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31–19.39. The Wisconsin Department of Justice publishes guidance on open records compliance applicable to all Wisconsin governmental units.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Jefferson County?
The cost to obtain public records in Jefferson County varies by record type, format, and the custodial office. Under Wisconsin's open records law, fees charged must be limited to the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction and, where applicable, the cost of locating the record if that cost is significant.
Standard Fee Schedule (current rates):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Photocopies (black and white, letter/legal size) | $0.25 per page (standard) |
| Certified copies of court records | Varies by document type |
| Certified copies of vital records (Register of Deeds) | $20.00 per copy (state fee) |
| Electronic records (where available) | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Record search fees | Charged only when location cost is significant |
- Inspection of records is provided at no charge in most circumstances.
- Fees for certified vital records are set by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and are subject to change.
- The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office may charge for the actual cost of locating, reproducing, and mailing records.
- Payment methods accepted at county offices include cash, check, and money order; individual offices may also accept credit or debit cards.
- Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances, such as when the requester demonstrates that the public interest in disclosure outweighs the cost of production.
Does Jefferson County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Jefferson County. Under Wisconsin law, members of the public have the right to inspect records at no charge during regular business hours at the custodial office. The right to inspect does not automatically include the right to receive free copies.
The following resources provide free access to Jefferson County public records:
- The Jefferson County parcel and land records search is available online at no cost and does not require registration.
- The Wisconsin Court System case search portal provides free online access to circuit court case information, including Jefferson County cases.
- The Jefferson County official website provides free access to meeting minutes, agendas, budgets, and other government documents posted online.
- In-person inspection of records at county offices is provided without charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
Certain records, such as those posted on the county's official website, are available for download at no cost. Vital records certified copies are subject to statutory fees regardless of the method of request.
Who Can Request Public Records in Jefferson County?
Any person may request public records in Jefferson County. Wisconsin's open records law does not restrict access based on residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Requestors are not required to be Wisconsin residents, and they are not required to explain why they are seeking a record.
- Identification: Requestors are not required to provide identification to inspect public records, though identification may be required for certain certified copies or records involving personal information.
- Purpose: Requestors are not required to state a reason for their request for most public records.
- Non-residents: Non-residents of Jefferson County and Wisconsin retain full rights to request public records under state law.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals seeking records about themselves may be entitled to access records that are otherwise restricted to third parties, such as certain law enforcement or personnel records.
- Restrictions for specific record types: Some records, such as juvenile court records, adoption records, and sealed court files, are subject to access restrictions regardless of who is requesting them.
The Wisconsin Attorney General's office provides guidance confirming that the right to inspect and copy records extends to "any person" as defined under the open records statutes.
What Records Are Confidential in Jefferson County?
Not all government records in Jefferson County are open to public inspection. Wisconsin law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from disclosure. The following records are confidential or restricted under state law:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by court order are not accessible to the general public.
- Juvenile records: Records relating to juvenile court proceedings are restricted under Wisconsin law.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Records compiled as part of an active law enforcement investigation may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are protected from disclosure.
- Medical and health records: Records protected under HIPAA and state health privacy laws are exempt.
- Adoption records: Adoption records are sealed and accessible only under specific legal circumstances.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by child protective services are confidential.
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files are subject to limited disclosure, with exceptions for certain public officials.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Commercially sensitive information submitted to government agencies may be withheld.
- Security plans and infrastructure details: Records relating to the security of public facilities or critical infrastructure may be exempt.
Wisconsin's open records law provides that even where an exemption applies, the custodian must balance the public interest in disclosure against the harm that disclosure would cause. This balancing test is codified in the open records statutes and has been interpreted by Wisconsin courts to require a case-by-case analysis.
Jefferson County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Jefferson County Register of Deeds
320 S. Main Street, Room 106
Jefferson, WI 53549
(920) 674-7150
Jefferson County, WI
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Jefferson County Clerk's Office
320 S. Main Street, Room 105
Jefferson, WI 53549
(920) 674-7140
Jefferson County, WI
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Jefferson County Clerk of Courts
320 S. Main Street
Jefferson, WI 53549
(920) 674-7260
Wisconsin Court System case search
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (Open Records)
511 S. Center Avenue
Jefferson, WI 53549
(920) 674-7310
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office open records
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Jefferson County Planning and Development (Land Records)
320 S. Main Street
Jefferson, WI 53549
(920) 674-7130
Jefferson County land records and GIS portal
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM