Public Records Resources for Buffalo, Wisconsin
Official government websites for Buffalo, Wisconsin and the surrounding area. All links point to .gov, .us, or .mil domains.
- Wisconsin Criminal Records and Background ChecksWisconsin online criminal history record check system.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Milwaukee OfficeFind resources for criminal background checks, criminal records.
- Wisconsin Inmates and Offenders SearchFind the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the Wisconsin Dept. of Corrections.
- Wisconsin Sex OffendersSearch the WI Dept. of Corrections database of registered offenders by name or location.
- Wisconsin Most WantedSearch the most wanted fugitives and absconders by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
- Wisconsin State PatrolLaw enforcement, traffic, criminal investigations and more
- Wisconsin Division of Natural ResourcesLicenses, permits, information and more
- Wisconsin Attorney GeneralCivil, criminal and appellate courts
- Wisconsin Court Records AccessDirect access to Wisconsin courts access online, from county to Supreme courts.
- Wisconsin Birth RecordsRequest birth and death certificates from the WI Dept. of Health Services.
- Wisconsin Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the WI Department of Financial Institutions.
- Wisconsin Death RecordsOnline resource for finding free death records.
About Buffalo County
Population
13,400 residents
County Seat
Alma
Established
1853
Named After
the Buffalo River
- Key county offices include Buffalo County Register of Deeds, Buffalo County Clerk, and Buffalo Municipal Assessor, all housed in the courthouse complex.
Court Records & Case Information
The Buffalo County Court serves Buffalo County, Wisconsin and handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The courthouse is located at 407 South 3rd Street in Alma. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Wisconsin online court portal.
Buffalo County Circuit Court is located in the Buffalo County Courthouse at 407 South 3rd Street, Room #2, Alma, WI 54610. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims, probate, guardianships, conservatorships, juvenile matters, and family law.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Citizens can submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office to obtain arrest records, incident reports, and booking information.
- Processing fees may apply for copying and certification of records.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office, though some restrictions apply for juvenile offenders and certain sensitive cases.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal provides online public access to circuit court case records at wcca.wicourts.gov, where users can search by name, case number, or other criteria for Buffalo County cases.
- This system provides case summaries, party information, court dates, and disposition information for most cases, though some sensitive matters like juvenile cases and certain family court records are restricted.
- Copy fees are typically $1.25 per page for standard documents, with certification adding additional charges.
- The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains the official court record, accepts filings, collects fees and fines, and processes passport applications.
- Probate matters, including wills, estate administration, and guardianships, are filed with the Register in Probate function of the Clerk of Circuit Court.
Property & Public Records
- Wisconsin law requires that documents affecting real property be recorded with Buffalo County Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers.
- Viewing documents online may be free, while printing or obtaining certified copies requires payment of statutory fees, typically $4.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Buffalo County provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping application that allows users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessment data, and aerial photography.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or sometimes online, with proper identification and payment of applicable fees.
- Recording fees are established by state statute.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Death certificates for deaths occurring in Buffalo County are also available through the Register of Deeds office at the same fee structure.
- Box 309, Madison, WI 53701-0309, or by phone for Processing time for vital records is typically 2-4 weeks by mail.
- Expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- Couples must apply in person, provide identification, and pay the required fee.
- Some vital records may be ordered online through the state VitalChek service for an additional convenience fee.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- This free online Corporate Registration Information System provides details on business formation, registered agents, annual reports, and current status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Buffalo County, Wisconsin?
To search for someone recently arrested in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, you can contact the Buffalo County Jail, located at 407 S 2nd St, Alma, WI 54610. The jail provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about current detainees. You can also call the jail directly at (608) 685-4433 for more information about recent arrests and inmate status.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Buffalo County, Wisconsin?
Mugshots and booking photos in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, are maintained by the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office. You can visit their office at 407 S 2nd St, Alma, WI 54610, or check their official website for any available online portals. For specific requests, you may need to submit a formal public records request under the Wisconsin Open Records Law.
How do I get a criminal background check in Buffalo County, Wisconsin?
To obtain a criminal background check in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, you can request one through the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau. Locally, you can visit the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. They can provide information on how to submit your request and any associated fees.
How can I look up sex offenders in Buffalo County, Wisconsin?
You can look up sex offenders in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, by accessing the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and provides a searchable online database. You can search by name, location, or proximity to a specific address to find registered sex offenders in the area.
How do I register to vote in Buffalo County, Wisconsin?
Voter registration in Buffalo County is handled through the Buffalo County Clerk's office at (608) 685-6209 or online at myvote.wi.gov, Wisconsin's official election website. You can register online or by mail up to 20 days before an election, or register in-person at your polling place on Election Day with proof of residency. Wisconsin requires proof of residence such as a driver's license, utility bill, or bank statement showing your current Buffalo address. You can also request absentee ballots and track your voter status through the MyVote website.
How do I look up property records in Buffalo County, Wisconsin?
Property records in Buffalo County are maintained by the Buffalo County Register of Deeds, located at 407 South 2nd Street, Alma, Wisconsin 54610, phone (608) 685-6213. The county provides online access to land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents through the county website at buffalocounty.com. Property tax information and assessment records can be accessed through the County Treasurer and Assessor offices. The county also offers a GIS mapping system for viewing parcel boundaries and ownership information online, with certified copies available for statutory fees.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Buffalo County, Wisconsin?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Buffalo County can be obtained through the Buffalo County Register of Deeds office at 407 South 2nd Street, Alma, Wisconsin 54610, or by calling (608) 685-6213. Certified copies cost approximately $20 for the first copy, and applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct interest in the record. You can also order vital records through the Wisconsin Department of State Vital Records Office in Madison, with processing typically taking 2-4 weeks. Online ordering may be available through VitalChek for an additional convenience fee.
How do I find business license records in Buffalo County, Wisconsin?
Business records in Buffalo County can be accessed through multiple sources depending on the type of record. The Buffalo County Clerk's office at (608) 685-6209 maintains local business registrations including DBA ("doing business as") filings. For business entity information including corporations and LLCs, search the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions database at wdfi.org, which provides free online access to statewide business registrations. Local business licenses and permits may also be maintained by individual municipalities like Mondovi, or by the Buffalo County Zoning Department for land-use related permits.