Manitowoc County

Manitowoc County is located in east-central Wisconsin along the western shore of Lake Michigan. Manitowoc County seat is Manitowoc, a historic port city at the mouth of the Manitowoc area River. Established in 1836, Manitowoc County covers approximately 590 square miles of land and 49 square miles of water, with a population of approximately 81,000 residents as of recent census estimates. Manitowoc County is bordered by Brown County to the north, Calumet County to the west, Sheboygan County to the south, and Lake Michigan to the east. Major municipalities include the cities of the local community and Two Rivers, along with numerous townships and villages. Manitowoc County is renowned for its maritime history, including its shipbuilding legacy and designation as the home of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. During World War II, Manitowoc area Shipbuilding Company constructed 28 submarines for the U.S. Navy. Manitowoc County's economy historically centered on manufacturing, dairy farming, and commercial fishing. Manitowoc County Courthouse is located at 1010 South 8th Street in Manitowoc County. Manitowoc County Register of Deeds office maintains property records at the same courthouse complex. Manitowoc County Clerk's office, also at 1010 South 8th Street, handles vital records, elections administration, and various licensing functions. Manitowoc County Treasurer and Assessor offices manage property tax assessment and collection. Notable landmarks include Point Beach State Forest, the Rahr-West Art Museum, the historic Washington House Museum and Visitor Center, and numerous Lake Michigan beaches and harbors that attract tourists year-round.

• Manitowoc County Register of Deeds office maintains property records at the same courthouse complex.

The Manitowoc County Circuit Court serves Manitowoc County and is located at 1101 South 8th Street. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for the area. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Wisconsin online court portal.

The Manitowoc County Circuit Court, located at 1101 South 8th Street, handles a range of cases including civil, criminal, family, and probate matters.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, either in writing or in person.
• Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail's online roster or by making a formal public records request to the Sheriff's Office.
• Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond process in Wisconsin allows for cash bonds or surety bonds, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail administration.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA), available at wcca.wicourts.gov, provides free online access to circuit court case information including criminal, civil, family, small claims, probate, and traffic cases.
• Copies of court documents cost $1.25 per page as set by Wisconsin statute.
• Certified copies require an additional certification fee.

• The office provides online property document searches through a subscription-based system, allowing users to search by name, legal description, or document type.
• Fees for document recording are established by Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43(2), with standard documents costing $30 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
• Certified copies cost $5 for certification plus copy fees.
• The Assessor's office provides property assessment data, assessment rolls, and valuation information.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Processing time is typically same-day or within a few business days if requested in person or by mail.
• Requestors must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Wisconsin Statutes § 69.20-69.24, which governs vital records access.
• Eligible requestors include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with documented legal need.
• Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $20.
• Online ordering is available through the Wisconsin Vital Records website or third-party vendors such as VitalChek for expedited service with additional fees.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• This database is free and accessible 24/7.
• The Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, serving Manitowoc area and Two Rivers, can be found at www.lakeshorechamber.com and provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development support.