WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Washington County Public Records?

According to the Wisconsin Open Records Law, Washington County public records comprise information produced, received, or maintained by a public agency. The Open Records Law specifies that Washington public records include photographs, documents (typewritten or handwritten), audio or video records, and all other record storage forms, notwithstanding physical form or characteristics. Although government agencies must entertain requests for public records and provide access to interested persons, some records, including the following, are not open to the public:

• Identifying financial information
• Certain computer programs
• Public employee personnel information unless allowed by statute
• Trade secrets
• Personal identifying information of public office applicants who request confidentiality, except final candidates
• Records that disclose the identity of a law enforcement informant
• Plans and specifications of current or proposed state buildings or structures
• Law enforcement records prohibited under federal law
• All information prohibited under any law

Washington County Crime Statistics

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) operates a Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) dashboard with updated information on statewide crime statistics. The dashboard shows that Washington County experienced a total of 1,960 crimes in 2020. Reported specifics include 36 rape incidents, 16 robberies, 84 aggravated assault cases, and 71 burglary incidents. There were also 47 motor vehicle thefts, 3 arson cases, and 286 simple assaults. While larceny theft was the county's most committed crime with 1,416 reported cases, the lowest was homicide, with 1 reported incident. The dashboard also shows a total of 1,954 reported crimes for 2019, representing a 0.3% increase in crime between 2019 and 2020.

Are Washington County Criminal Records Public?

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) provides public access to Washington County criminal records. The DOJ operates a public Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) for remote access to available criminal record information. To use the WORCS, each user must enter the following:

• First name
• First initial or social security number
• Last name
• Date of birth

Users must ensure that provided details are exact and not partial as searches using incomplete details may fail. Furthermore, the WORCS will not produce results with provided details that match a successfully challenged record. Users are also advised that information produced by the WORCS may be limited as some records from some federal agencies, local police departments, and courts, may not be included.

Furthermore, record seekers may consider submitting mail requests by completing the name record request form (DJ-LE-250). The form requires information such as the subject’s full name, date of birth, race, and gender. If known, searchers may also add social security numbers, maiden names, and other additional names. The DOJ charges $12 for each request and accepts money orders and checks payable to the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Each requester should enclose the completed form with payment and a self-addressed and stamped envelope. All persons should submit requests for Washington criminal records to the:

Wisconsin Department of Justice
Division of Law Enforcement Services
Crime Information Bureau
Attention: Record Check Unit
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
Phone: (608) 266-7314

How to Obtain Washington County Police Reports and Arrest Records

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) maintains police reports and arrest records and issues copies to members of the general public. Interested requesters must submit record details, such as a description of the incident, the names of involved parties, arrest information, charge details, and incident date. The Sheriff’s Office charges 25 cents per page for Washington arrest records and incident reports. Requesters should note that the WCSO may charge a search fee if the total cost of the request is $50 or more. Record seekers may visit the Sheriff’s Office for in-person requests or submit mail orders using the details below:

Mail Requests
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Attention: Records
P.O. Box 1986
West Bend, WI 53095

In-Person Requests
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
500 Rolfs Avenue
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4378
Fax: (262) 335-4429
Email: sheriffinfo@washcowisco.gov
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Washington County

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) maintains a searchable online registry with statewide details of registered sex offenders. Persons looking for Washington County sex offender records may use the registry’s name search by providing a last name, first name, and middle initial if known. The registry also allows a geographical search for persons who have the offender’s location information, such as an address or a zip code. Search results show each offender’s name, alias, physical description, photograph, registration date and offense details.

How to Find Washington County Inmate Records

Residents may search for Washington County inmate records using the Inmate Search option on the Washington County Jail website. Provided by a third-party vendor, the search function allows interested parties to search for records by the inmate’s name or offender ID. The name search further provides other search boxes for the inmate’s housing facility, age range, and date of birth. Residents may also confirm inmate records by calling the county jail at (262) 335-4427.

How Do I Visit and Inmate in the Washington County Jail?

All persons looking to visit the Washington County Jail must schedule visits by calling (262) 335-4421 the day before. Each inmate may receive one visit per week and a maximum of two visitors per session. Visitors must be on the inmates' visitation lists. Inmates may only change lists on the first day of each month.

Each inmate may receive visitors every day except Mondays and Fridays. Allowed timing is according to the first letter of inmates’ last names, scheduled as follows:

Adult Pod / SMU Inmates

• A - K: Tuesday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• L - Z: Thursday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Saturday: A to K, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
• Saturday: L to Z, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Huber Inmates

• All inmates: Wednesday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• All inmates: Sunday, 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm

All persons must visit with current proof of identification. A visitor under 18 years old must be the inmate’s child and should visit with another parent, legal guardian with proof, or any other adult if the facility supervisor grants prior approval. All other persons younger than 18 years old, including the inmate's siblings, are not authorized to visit.

Each visit lasts 30 minutes. Visitors must be at the jail and complete the sign-in process at least five minutes before their visitation time. The visitor should also be on the inmate's visitation list.

All visitors should avoid revealing or inappropriate clothing. Cell phones, keys, writing materials, keys, and other recording electronic devices are also prohibited from the visitation area. Visitors should also leave extra clothing items, purses, and bags in provided secured lockers. Anyone who disobeys a jail rule will be turned away.

Court Records

Washington County has a Circuit Court and a Municipal Court that hears criminal and civil cases in the county. The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases and exclusive jurisdiction over criminal cases. The Municipal Court’s jurisdiction is restricted to ordinance and traffic violations.

Locations of Courts in Washington County

Washington County Circuit Court
Washington County Justice Center
484 Rolfs Avenue
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4341
Fax: (262) 335-4776

Mid-Moraine Municipal Court
962 W. Paradise Drive
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 334-5700

Are Washington County Court Records Public?

Most Washington County court records are public records. While many records are available, some court records remain closed according to Wisconsin law. Some examples include antitrust action records, restraining orders, juvenile records, and divorce records where the couple remarried each other.

Can You Look up a Washington County Court Case Online?

Washington court records are available online via the case search function provided by the Wisconsin Court System. Users may find Washington County Circuit Court case records by providing names, birth dates, and case numbers. Users should note that online court records are not official or certified records.

How to Obtain Washington County Civil Court Case Records

Washington County civil court records are obtainable from the Circuit Court’s Civil Division. Interested requesters may submit record details to the court, including names, charges, dates, court events, and judgment. Each copy costs $1.25 per page and $5 for certification. Record seekers should send requests to the:

Washington County Clerk of Courts
Washington County Justice Center
Civil Division
Room 3151
484 Rolf Avenue
West Bend, WI 53090
Phone: (262) 365-5133
Fax: (262) 335-4776
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday

How to Obtain Washington County Criminal Court Case Records

Anyone can obtain non-confidential Washington County criminal court records from the Clerk of Court’s Criminal Division. All requests should describe desired records and provide as many details as available. Each record costs $1.25 per page and an extra $5 per certified document. Record seekers may submit orders to the:

Washington County Clerk of Courts
Washington County Justice Center
Criminal Division
Room 3151
484 Rolf Avenue
West Bend, WI 53090
Phone: (262) 365-5134
Fax: (262) 335-4776
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday

What are Washington County Vital Records?

Washington County vital records detail life events occurring in the county, including deaths, births, divorces, and marriages. Vital records are government-generated records available at different agencies depending on the record. According to Wisconsin law, the general public cannot obtain certified copies of Washington County vital records.

Where and How to Obtain Washington County Divorce Records

The Washington County Circuit Court Clerk maintains the county's repository of divorce records. Interested persons may obtain Washington County divorce decrees by sending written requests to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office or providing details in person. Required information includes both parties' names, divorce dates, and divorce location. The Clerk's Office receives requests at the following address:

Washington County Court Clerk
Washington County Justice Center
484 Rolfs Avenue
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4341
Fax: (262) 335-4776

Washington County divorce certificates are also available to the general public. Persons seeking divorce certificates may submit requests to the Washington County Register of Deeds. All residents may obtain uncertified copies of Washington divorce certificates. However, certified copies are only available to:

• Either divorced party
• Either divorced party’s parent, grandparent, child, sibling, guardian, or legal custodian
• A requester authorized by any of the aforementioned persons
• Anyone with proof of a personal or property right

Interested persons should complete the divorce certificate application with the full names of both parties, location of divorce, and date of divorce. Records cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy. Requests for certified copies require proof of identification as provided on the application. The Register of Deeds receives payments via cash and checks made out to the Register of Deeds. However, cash payments are only accepted from in-person requesters. All interested parties may submit requests to the:

Washington County Register of Deeds
Washington County Government Center
Suite 2084
432 East Washington Street
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4320
Fax: (262) 335-4884
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays

Where and How to Get Public Washington County Marriage Records

Public Washington County marriage records are available at the Register of Deeds Office. Public copies are uncertified records and are not suitable for legal or identity purposes. Washington County marriage certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record if requested with the first. Copies are available for all marriages since October 1, 1907. Checks and money orders made out to the Register of Deeds are acceptable for in-person and mail requests. In-person requesters may also use cash. Interested persons may enclose completed marriage application forms with payment and valid ID and submit in person or by mail to the:

Washington County Register of Deeds
Washington County Government Center
Suite 2084
432 East Washington Street
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4320
Fax: (262) 335-4884
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays

Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Washington County

The Register of Deeds Office issues copies of certified Washington County marriage certificates to the following persons:

• Either married party
• Either married party’s child, sibling, guardian, legal custodian, parent, or grandparent
• An authorized representative of an eligible party
• Anyone that can prove a property or personal right

All records cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for additional copies of the same record. Fees are payable via cash, money orders, and checks made out to the Register of Deeds. However, mail requesters should not send cash. An eligible party may complete the marriage application form and send it with a copy of a valid ID and payment to the:

Washington County Register of Deeds
Washington County Government Center
Suite 2084
432 East Washington Street
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4320
Fax: (262) 335-4884
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays

Where and How to Find Washington County Birth Records

Interested persons can send completed copies of the birth record application to obtain birth records from the Washington County Register of Deeds. Each record costs $20 for the first copy and $3 for each extra copy of the same record ordered with the first. Cash, check, and money order payments are accepted. However, cash payments are not allowed for mail requesters. Money orders and checks should be payable to the Register of Deeds.

All members of the general public may receive uncertified copies of Washington County birth records. However, certified copies are restricted to the following requesters:

• The registrant named on the record
• The registrant’s current spouse, current registered domestic partner, parent, grandparent, guardian, legal custodian sibling, or child
• Persons authorized by the above eligible parties
• Persons with demonstrable personal or property right interest

All eligible requesters should enclose completed applications with valid ID and payment. Mail and in-person submissions for Washington County birth certificates are processed at the:

Washington County Register of Deeds
Washington County Government Center
Suite 2084
432 East Washington Street
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4320
Fax: (262) 335-4884
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays

Where and How to Find Washington County Death Records

The Washington County Register of Deeds maintains copies of county death records. Interested persons may obtain certified or uncertified copies by submitting completed copies of the death record application by mail or in person. The first copy costs $20, while extra copies cost $3. Acceptable modes of payment include cash, checks, and money orders made out to the Register of Deeds. Cash is only acceptable from in-person requesters.

While members of the general public can obtain uncertified Washington County death certificates, only the following persons can receive certified copies:

• The decedent’s parent, grandparent, legal custodian, guardian, sibling, child, current spouse, or current registered domestic partner
• A requester representing an eligible person
• A requester with proof of personal or property right

All requesters should enclose the application with payment and a valid ID and submit to the:

Washington County Register of Deeds
Washington County Government Center
Suite 2084
432 East Washington Street
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4320
Fax: (262) 335-4884
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays

Are Property Records Open to the Public in Washington County?

The Wisconsin Open Records Law serves as the guide for the administration of property records within Washington County, Wisconsin. The law demands that property records be made available to members of the public for retrieval and inspection except the records are classified as confidential under state statutes. Property records are maintained by the Recorder office located at:

Washington County Property Recorder
432 E Washington St
West Bend WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4320
Fax: (262) 335-4884
Email: sharon.martin@washcowisco.gov

How to Look Up Washington County Property Records

Members of the public wishing to retrieve physical copies of property records or gain access to the online search portal maintained by the Recorder should contact the office of the Washington County recorder located at:

Washington County Property Recorder
432 E Washington St
West Bend WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4320
Fax: (262) 335-4884
Email: sharon.martin@washcowisco.gov

Location of Washington County Property Assessors

Washington County Real Property Lister
432 East Washington Street
Room 2040
West Bend WI, 53095
TelePhone: (262) 335.4370

Town of Addison
Associated Appraisal
P.O. Box 440
Greenville, WI 54942
TelePhone: (920) 749-1995
Fax: (920) 731-4158

Town of Barton
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

Town of Erin
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

Town of Farmington
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

Layton S. Schultz
N47 W31143 Hill Street
P.O. Box 85
Hartland, WI 53029
Phone: (262) 367-5999

Town of Hartford
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

Town of Jackson
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

Town of Kewaskum
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

Town of Polk
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

Town of Trenton
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

Town of Wayne
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

Town of West Bend
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

Village of Germantown
Associated Appraisal
P.O. Box 440
Greenville, WI 54942
TelePhone: (920) 749-1995
Fax: (920) 731-4158

Village of Jackson
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

Village of Kewaskum
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

Village of Newburg
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

Village of Richfield
Associated Appraisal
P.O. Box 440
Greenville, WI 54942
TelePhone: (920) 749-1995
Fax: (920) 731-4158

Village of Slinger
Michael Grota, Grota Appraisals
N88 W16573 Main Street
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
TelePhone: (262) 253-1142
Fax: (262) 253-4098

City of Hartford
Associated Appraisal
P.O. Box 440
Greenville, WI 54942
TelePhone: (920) 749-1995
Fax: (920) 731-4158

City of West Bend
Jeff Yoder
City Hall
1115 S Main Street
West Bend, WI 53095
TelePhone: (262) 335-5125