About Door County
Door County is located in northeastern Wisconsin, occupying a distinctive peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan and separates Green Bay from the main body of the lake. Door County seat is Sturgeon Bay, which is the governmental and economic hub for Door County. Door County includes approximately 2,370 square miles, including both land and water, with the land area totaling about 482 square miles. Door County's population is approximately 30,000 permanent residents, though this number swells significantly during tourist season. Door County is renowned for its scenic beauty, featuring over 300 miles of shoreline, five state parks, 19 county parks, and 11 lighthouses. The peninsula's unique geography and maritime heritage have earned it the nickname 'Cape Cod of the Midwest.' Door County was organized in 1851 and named after the treacherous strait between the tip of the peninsula and Washington Island, known as 'Death's Door.' Door County Courthouse, located at 421 Nebraska Street in Sturgeon Bay, houses essential county offices. Door County Clerk's office, situated in the courthouse, maintains vital records, election administration, and county board proceedings. Door County Register of Deeds office, also at 421 Nebraska Street, maintains all land records, real estate transactions, and recorded documents. Door County Assessor's office handles property assessment and taxation matters. What makes Door County unique is its thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural venues; its cherry orchards and agricultural heritage; and its status as one of Wisconsin's premier tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually to experience its charming small towns, waterfront activities, and natural beauty.
- Door County Register of Deeds office, also at 421 Nebraska Street, maintains all land records, real estate transactions, and recorded documents.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Door County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Door County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees Door County Jail, manages patrol operations, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records.
Police Departments
In addition to Door County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Door County, including the Sturgeon Bay Police Department. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, handling local crimes and traffic enforcement. They coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and emergencies, making sure of full coverage across Door County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Door County Sheriff's Office, located at 1116 South Duluth Avenue in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235, is the primary law enforcement agency for Door County. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operates Door County Jail. Inmates housed in Door County Jail can be located through the jail roster available on the Sheriff's Office website, which typically includes current detainees, booking dates, charges, and bond information.
- The inmate lookup system is updated regularly and provides public access to booking information.
- To request arrest records in Door County, individuals should submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Requests should include the subject's name, date of birth if known, and approximate date of the incident.
- Response time for public records requests typically ranges from a few days to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the request.
- Fees may apply for copies and staff time for extensive searches.
Municipal police departments in Door County include the Sturgeon Bay Police Department, which serves the county seat and largest city. Under Wisconsin Statutes §19.31-19.39, the Wisconsin Public Records Law, citizens have the right to inspect and copy arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies. Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Wisconsin and are often included in jail booking information available through the Sheriff's Office website.
Some booking photos may be restricted if they involve juveniles or sensitive ongoing investigations.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Door County, WI are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see image of criminal background check form.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Door County, WI are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Door County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.
- Look up current inmates and booking information at Jail Information | Door County, WI.
- Sheriff's Office: Services | Door County, WI.
- The bond and bail process allows for the release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.
Courts & Case Records
Door County's judicial matters are handled by Door County Circuit Court, located at 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. The Circuit Court has broad jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters within Door County. Wisconsin's Circuit Courts are courts of general jurisdiction and serve as the trial courts for the state. Door County Circuit Court operates under the supervision of the Wisconsin Court System and typically has two branches with assigned judges.
- For more detailed records or certified copies of documents, requests must be made directly to Door County Clerk of Circuit Court office at the courthouse.
- Fees for certified copies are established by Wisconsin Statutes §814.61(10) and typically include $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
Court records for Door County are accessible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, available online at wcca.wicourts.gov, which provides free public access to circuit court case information including criminal, civil, family, probate, small claims, and traffic cases. The WCCA system allows searches by name, case number, or attorney, and displays case details, parties involved, charges or claims, hearing dates, and case outcomes. The public's right to access court records in Wisconsin is governed by Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 60.04, which provides that records of all court proceedings are open to the public unless specifically restricted by law or court order.
Municipal courts in Door County handle ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other minor offenses within their respective municipalities. The Sturgeon Bay Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations. Probate matters, including estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments, are handled by the Circuit Court's probate division.
Property & Public Records
Door County Register of Deeds office, located at 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235, maintains full land and property records for Door County. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and their website is accessible through co.door.wi.us. The Register of Deeds records and preserves all documents related to real property transactions, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfaction of mortgages, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, condominium declarations, and uniform commercial code (UCC) filings.
- Door County offers online access to land records through the Laredo system, which provides free public searching of recorded documents.
- The online database typically includes documents recorded from the mid-1980s to present, with earlier records available through in-person research or by contacting the Register of Deeds office directly.
- Door County provides an online Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping portal that allows users to search parcel information, view aerial photography, examine property boundaries, and access assessment data.
- The GIS system is available through Door County website and provides valuable information for property research.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Register of Deeds office.
Copies of documents can be ordered online or in person. Property tax records are maintained by Door County Treasurer's office, located at 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay Door Municipal Assessor's office maintains property assessment information, property characteristics, and valuation data.
The current fee schedule includes $2.00 per page for uncertified copies and $5.00 for the first page plus $1.00 per additional page for certified copies, as established by Wisconsin Statutes §59.43. Document recording fees vary based on the type and length of the document. The Register of Deeds office maintains an index system searchable by grantor, grantee, legal description, and document type, making it efficient to locate specific transactions or trace property history.
Vital Records
Vital records for Door County, Wisconsin, are maintained and issued by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth certificates for births occurring in Door County can be requested through Door County Register of Deeds office, located at 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235 Wisconsin law under Wisconsin Statutes §69.21 restricts access to birth certificates to the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardian or representative, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest.
- The fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates are also available through Door County Register of Deeds office, with the same fee structure ($20.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for additional copies).
- Processing time for vital records requests typically ranges from one to two weeks.
- Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the required fee.
- Marriage certificates documenting completed marriages are available from the Register of Deeds office.
Access to death certificates is restricted to family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct interest under Wisconsin Statutes §69.24. Marriage licenses are issued by Door County Clerk's office at 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235 There is a six-day waiting period after application before the license is valid, though this can be waived by court order.
Divorce records are maintained by Door County Clerk of Circuit Court as part of the court case file. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office in Madison is the central state repository for vital records statewide and can provide certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for events occurring anywhere in Wisconsin. Online ordering is available through the state's website at dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords or through authorized third-party vendors, though additional service fees apply.
Applicants must provide valid identification and proof of eligibility to receive restricted vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Door County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity and licensing requirements. Door County Clerk's office, located at 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235, handles certain local business registrations and maintains some business related records. For business entity formation and registration in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions is the primary state agency.
- The database includes entity name, registration date, status, registered agent, principal office address, and filing history.
- Fictitious name registrations (doing business as/DBA) in Wisconsin are filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and can be searched through the same online system.
- Door County businesses may also need to register with Door County Clerk for local business licenses or permits depending on the type of business activity.
The Wisconsin Secretary of State no longer handles business entity filings, as this function was transferred to DFI in 2006. The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions maintains the Corporate Registration Information System, accessible online at corporatereport.wi.gov, which provides free public searching of business entities registered in Wisconsin including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other business structures. Sales tax permits are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and can be researched through state systems.
Professional and occupational licenses are administered by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, with online license lookup available at dsps.wi.gov. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in Door County are handled by Door County Planning and Zoning Department, located at 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay Door County Economic Development Corporation promotes business growth and development throughout Door County.
The Sturgeon Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, accessible at sturgeonbaychamber.org, and Door County Visitor Bureau provide resources for businesses and maintain directories of local businesses. Individual municipalities within Door County may have additional business licensing requirements for operations within their jurisdictions.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I register to vote in Door County, Wisconsin?
How do I look up property records in Door County, Wisconsin?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Door County, Wisconsin?
How do I find business license records in Door County, Wisconsin?
Cities & Towns in Door County
Explore public records for 14 cities and communities in Door County, Wisconsin.
Economy & Demographics
Door County's economy is heavily oriented toward tourism and hospitality, which represents the dominant economic sector and primary driver of employment and revenue. Door County welcomes over 2 million visitors annually, generating substantial economic impact through accommodations, restaurants, retail shops, recreational activities, and cultural attractions. The tourism season peaks during summer months but extends into fall with popular events like Door County Fall Festival.
- The median household income in Door County is approximately $62,000, which is slightly above the Wisconsin state average.
Major employers in Door County include Palmer Johnson Power Systems in Sturgeon Bay, Bay Shipbuilding Company (a Fincantieri subsidiary) which builds and repairs commercial and military vessels, and Door County Medical Center. The shipbuilding industry has deep historical roots in Sturgeon Bay and continues to provide high-wage manufacturing employment. Agriculture remains economically significant, with Door County famous for its cherry production, Door County produces approximately 30% of the nation's tart cherries.
Cherry orchards, along with apple orchards and small-scale farms, contribute to the agricultural economy and support agritourism activities. Door County's economy benefits from relatively low unemployment, typically ranging between 3-4% during non-peak seasons and dropping below 3% during peak tourism months when seasonal employment peaks. Economic challenges include the seasonal nature of employment, workforce housing shortages driven by vacation home conversion, and the need to balance tourism development with preservation of natural resources and community character.
The real estate and construction sectors are active, driven by vacation home construction, property maintenance, and tourism infrastructure development. The arts and culture sector contributes significantly to the economy, with numerous galleries, theaters, music venues, and craft studios supporting both tourism and local quality of life. Door County's five state parks (Peninsula, Newport, Whitefish Dunes, Potawatomi, and Rock Island) attract outdoor recreation enthusiasts and support outfitter businesses.
Economic development efforts focus on supporting year-round business activity, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable tourism practices that preserve the natural and cultural assets that make Door County attractive to visitors and residents alike.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Door County is managed by Door County Clerk's office, located at 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235 Door County's election information and resources are available through Door County website at co.door.wi.us. Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online through the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov, by mail using a voter registration form, in person at the County Clerk's office or municipal clerk's office, or at the polling place on Election Day.
- Wisconsin offers Election Day registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on the same day by providing proof of residence.
- For those registering before Election Day, the deadline is 5:00 PM on the Wednesday before the election when registering online or by mail.
- These records can be requested through Door County Clerk's office under Wisconsin's public records law.
- Absentee ballot requests in Door County can be submitted through the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov, by contacting your municipal clerk directly, or by submitting a written request to the appropriate clerk.
Voters can find their specific polling place by visiting myvote.wi.gov and entering their address, or by contacting their municipal clerk. Door County contains multiple municipalities, each with designated polling locations. Election records that are public in Wisconsin include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted for security), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate nomination papers and declarations, and precinct-by-precinct election results.
Door County typically experiences U.S. House of Representatives, U.S.
Senate (depending on seat rotation), Wisconsin state constitutional officers including Governor, Wisconsin State Legislature seats, and various county and local offices. Wisconsin law requires absentee ballot requests to be received by 5:00 PM on the Thursday before the election for regular absentee voting, though in-person absentee voting is available at clerk's offices up until the Sunday before Election Day. Military and overseas voters have additional accommodation under federal law.
Wisconsin maintains relatively transparent election administration with public access to voter lists, campaign finance data through the Wisconsin Ethics Commission at ethics.wi.gov, and full election results published after each election. Citizens can request to observe election processes including ballot counting and canvassing under Wisconsin Statutes §7.41. The Wisconsin Elections Commission provides statewide oversight and publishes extensive election data and guidance.