About Fond du Lac County
Fond du Lac County is located in east-central Wisconsin along the southern shore of Lake Winnebago, the largest inland lake in the state. The county seat is the City of Fond du Lac, positioned at the southern tip of the lake where the name originates—French for 'bottom of the lake.' Established in 1836, Fond du Lac County encompasses approximately 766 square miles and serves a population of roughly 104,000 residents as of recent census estimates. The county is bordered by Calumet, Winnebago, Dodge, Washington, and Sheboygan counties.
- The county's economy historically centered on agriculture, manufacturing, and food processing, with Mercury Marine being a major employer.
- The Register of Deeds, responsible for land records, is also housed at 160 South Macy Street.
Major landmarks include Ledge View Nature Center, Lakeside Park with its historic carousel and lighthouse, Eldorado Marsh Wildlife Area, and the historic Galloway House and Village. The Fond du Lac County Courthouse is located at 160 South Macy Street in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 53935. The County Clerk's office operates from the same address, handling vital records, elections, and various licenses.
The County Assessor's office maintains property valuations and can be reached at the Administration Building. Fond du Lac County maintains a robust county government structure serving both urban and rural communities, blending agricultural heritage with modern manufacturing and tourism industries centered around Lake Winnebago recreation.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of the county. This office manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing and offers various programs such as D.A.R.E. and neighborhood watch initiatives. The office is committed to public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to address crime and safety concerns throughout the county.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Fond du Lac County is provided by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Fond du Lac Police Department serves the city of Fond du Lac, while other cities such as Ripon and Waupun have their own police departments. These agencies work within their respective jurisdictions but often collaborate on major investigations and emergencies. The coordination between the Sheriff's Office and city police departments ensures comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the county, headquartered at 22 Division Street in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 53935. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (920) 929-3390 and maintains a website at fdlco.wi.gov where citizens can access various services and information. The agency operates the Fond du Lac County Jail, a modern detention facility that houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Under Wisconsin Statutes §19.32-19.37, the Wisconsin Public Records Law, citizens have the right to request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information from law enforcement agencies.
- Requests should be made in writing to the specific agency that generated the records.
- Mugshots and booking photos are considered public records in Wisconsin and are generally accessible through the Sheriff's Office or by formal public records request.
- Processing times vary, and agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and research time.
- The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office maintains records of all bookings at the county jail, and these can be searched online or requested in person at the Law Enforcement Center.
Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office website, providing current custody status, booking dates, charges, and bond information. Municipal police departments within Fond du Lac County include the City of Fond du Lac Police Department (serving the largest county), Ripon Police Department, and smaller departments in North Fond du Lac and other incorporated areas. Arrest records typically include the arrestee's name, charges, arrest date, and booking information.
Some municipal police departments maintain their own detention facilities for short-term holding, but most arrestees are transferred to the county jail for processing and housing.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Fond du Lac County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation also plays a role in supporting local law enforcement with investigative resources and data management.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Fond du Lac County are maintained by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and any court proceedings. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following procedures outlined under Wisconsin's public records law, the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Fond du Lac County Jail is the primary detention facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are fingerprinted, photographed, and their personal information is recorded. The jail provides an inmate lookup service online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- In Wisconsin, the bond or bail process allows for the temporary release of an inmate pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Fond du Lac County are taken and retained by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Wisconsin does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so mugshots remain accessible unless expunged by court order. Individuals seeking to view or obtain mugshots can do so through official channels provided by the Sheriff's Office.
Courts & Case Records
Fond du Lac County Circuit Court is the general jurisdiction trial court serving the county, located at the Fond du Lac County Courthouse, 160 South Macy Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 53935. The Circuit Court can be reached at (920) 929-3040 and handles civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters. Fond du Lac County is part of Wisconsin's Judicial Administrative District III. The court operates under Wisconsin's unified court system, with Circuit Court serving as the trial court of general jurisdiction.
- Copying fees are typically $1.25 per page for paper copies, though fees may vary.
- Online access through WCCA is free for case information, though certified copies must be requested through the Clerk's office with appropriate fees and identification.
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) provides free online access to circuit court case information at wcca.wicourts.gov, where users can search by name, case number, or other criteria to view case summaries, party information, charges, dispositions, and hearing schedules. The public may also access records in person at the Clerk of Circuit Court office during regular business hours. Wisconsin Statutes §19.32-19.37 and Supreme Court Rule 70.02 govern public access to court records, with certain exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile records, and sensitive information.
Municipal courts operate in the City of Fond du Lac and other municipalities to handle ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other local matters. The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains probate records, guardianship files, and estate proceedings. The court also handles mental health commitments, protective orders, and other specialized proceedings under Wisconsin law.
Property & Public Records
The Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds office, located at 160 South Macy Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 53935, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (920) 929-3018 and operates a website at fdlco.wi.gov where many services are accessible online. The Register of Deeds records and preserves documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, easements, plat maps, condominium declarations, and other instruments affecting real property title.
- Recording fees vary by document type but typically range from $30 to over $100 depending on the number of pages and document classification.
- The county provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer accessible online, allowing users to view property boundaries, ownership information, assessed values, and tax data.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or sometimes online, with fees for certification typically around $5.00 for the first page plus copying costs.
- The Register of Deeds office maintains historical records dating back to the county's founding, providing an invaluable resource for title searches, genealogical research, and property history investigations.
Wisconsin law requires these records to be publicly accessible under Wisconsin Statutes §19.21. Fond du Lac County offers an online document search system through Fidlar Technologies where users can search land records by grantor, grantee, document type, legal description, or recording date. Some basic searches may be conducted free of charge, while full document images and certified copies require payment.
The County Assessor's office, also located in the county administrative building, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel information, and valuation data. Property tax records can be searched by parcel number, address, or owner name.
Vital Records
Vital records for Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, are maintained by multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Fond du Lac County can be requested through the Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds office at 160 South Macy Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 53935, phone (920) 929-3018. Wisconsin Statutes §69.20-69.24 govern access to vital records and establish eligibility requirements.
- Fees for certified birth certificates are typically $20 for the first copy.
- Death certificates have fewer restrictions and cost $20 for certified copies.
- Processing time is generally 1-2 weeks for mail requests and immediate for in-person requests if records are readily available.
- Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the license fee (approximately $110).
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek for an additional convenience fee.
Birth certificates are restricted to the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, and others with direct and tangible interest as defined by state law. Marriage licenses are issued by the Fond du Lac County Clerk's office at the County Courthouse, 160 South Macy Street, (920) 929-3005. There is a six-day waiting period after issuance before the marriage ceremony can occur.
Divorce records (certified copies of divorce decrees) are available through the Clerk of Circuit Court at the same courthouse location. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office in Madison serves as the state repository for all Wisconsin vital records and can provide certified copies for events occurring anywhere in Wisconsin. The state office can be reached at (608) 266-1371 or through their website at dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate eligibility to receive restricted records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, are maintained by several offices depending on the type of business activity and registration. The Fond du Lac County Clerk's office at 160 South Macy Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 53935, phone (920) 929-3005, handles certain local business filings including fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) for businesses operating in unincorporated areas of the county.
- This free online database allows searches by business name, registered agent, or identification number, providing access to formation documents, annual reports, and registered agent information.
However, most formal business entity registrations—including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and trademarks—are filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, which operates the Wisconsin Business Entity Search at bizfileonline.sos.state.wi.us. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, and other regulated professions are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, searchable online at their license lookup portal. Sales tax permits and employer identification numbers are handled by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated Fond du Lac County are processed through the Fond du Lac County Planning and Zoning Department, while municipalities maintain their own building inspection and licensing departments. The City of Fond du Lac issues various business licenses and permits through its Community Development Department. The Fond du Lac Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 207 North Main Street, phone (920) 921-9500, website fdlchamber.com, provides resources for businesses and maintains directories of member businesses, though membership is voluntary and chamber listings are not official government records.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, are administered by the Fond du Lac County Clerk, located at 160 South Macy Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 53935. The County Clerk's office can be reached at (920) 929-3005, and election information is available through the county website at fdlco.wi.gov. Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online through the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, in person at the County Clerk's office or municipal clerk offices, or at the polls on Election Day.
- Voters can find their polling place, view their sample ballot, check voter registration status, and access absentee ballot requests through the MyVote Wisconsin portal by entering their name and date of birth.
- Absentee voting in Fond du Lac County follows Wisconsin state procedures: voters may request an absentee ballot online through MyVote Wisconsin, by mail, email, or in person at their municipal clerk's office.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before the election for mail delivery, or ballots can be cast in person during early voting periods at designated locations.
- Fond du Lac County voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 75-78% of registered voters, reflecting typical high turnout for presidential elections in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration, but advance registration must be completed no later than 20 days before an election. Online and mail registration deadlines are 20 days before the election, while in-person registration at the clerk's office is available until the Friday before the election, and at-the-polls registration is available on Election Day with proper proof of residence. Military and overseas voters have special provisions under federal law.
Election records that are public in Wisconsin include voter registration lists (available for purchase for election-related purposes), campaign finance reports filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, candidate nomination papers filed with the County Clerk for county offices, and precinct-by-precinct election results. Wisconsin Statutes §§6.36, 7.15, and 19.32 govern access to election records. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives elections for Wisconsin's congressional districts, potential U.S. Senate races, Wisconsin state constitutional officers including Governor (depending on cycle), State Legislature seats, and various county and local offices. Wisconsin's transparent election system allows citizens to serve as election observers, request recounts under specific circumstances, and access election materials including poll books and ballot records according to statutory retention schedules and public records law.
Economy & Demographics
Fond du Lac County's economy represents a diverse mix of manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, retail, and tourism sectors. The county's location along Lake Winnebago and its position between Milwaukee and Green Bay provides strategic transportation advantages. Major employers include Mercury Marine (a division of Brunswick Corporation), one of the world's largest manufacturers of recreational marine propulsion engines, employing over 2,000 people in Fond du Lac. Agnesian HealthCare (now part of SSM Health) operates St.
- The median household income in Fond du Lac County is approximately $65,000 to $70,000 based on recent estimates, slightly above the Wisconsin median.
Agnes Hospital and numerous clinics throughout the county, representing a significant healthcare employment sector. J.F. Ahern Co., a mechanical and fire protection contractor, maintains major operations in Fond du Lac.
Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of the local economy, with companies producing industrial equipment, food products, metal fabrications, and plastic components. Agriculture continues as an important economic driver, with dairy farming, crop production (corn, soybeans, wheat), and related agribusinesses contributing substantially to county GDP. The county unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly below state averages, generally ranging between 3% and 4% in recent years.
Tourism related to Lake Winnebago recreation—including fishing (especially ice fishing during the winter sturgeon spearing season), boating, and camping—generates significant seasonal economic activity. The county has invested in economic development initiatives through Envision Greater Fond du Lac, the area's economic development corporation, which works to attract new businesses and support existing industry expansion. Retail and service sectors are concentrated in the City of Fond du Lac, which serves as the regional commercial hub.
The Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds hosts the annual county fair and numerous events that contribute to the local economy.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (WCCA Free) | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail Required | Business: ✅ Online (State Database) | Elections: ✅ Online (MyVote Wisconsin) | Overall Score: 8.5/10 — Fond du Lac County provides excellent digital access to most public records with user-friendly online portals and compliance with Wisconsin's strong open records traditions.
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Cities & Towns in Fond du Lac County
Explore public records for 13 cities and communities in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin.
Nearby Counties
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