About Manitowoc County
Population
81,000 residents
Area
590 square miles
County Seat
Manitowoc
Established
1836
- Manitowoc County Register of Deeds office maintains property records at the same courthouse complex.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
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.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
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
Courts & Case Records
- 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.
Property & Public Records
- 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
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 & Licensing
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin?
To search for someone recently arrested in Manitowoc County, you can use the Manitowoc County Jail inmate lookup tool. The jail is operated by the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office, located at 1025 South 9th Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220. You can visit their official website to access the inmate search portal, which provides information on current detainees, including booking details and charges.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin?
Mugshots or booking photos in Manitowoc County can be obtained through the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office. They maintain these records and may provide access through their official website or upon request at their office. It is important to note that availability may be subject to privacy laws and regulations.
How do I get a criminal background check in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin?
To obtain a criminal background check in Manitowoc County, you can request one through the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau. Locally, you may also contact the Manitowoc County Clerk of Courts for guidance on accessing court records that may be part of a background check. The process typically involves submitting a request form and paying any applicable fees.
How can I look up sex offenders in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin?
You can look up sex offenders in Manitowoc County by accessing the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry. This online database is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and provides information on registered sex offenders, including their current location and offense details. The registry is searchable by name, address, or proximity to a specific location.
How do I register to vote in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin?
Voter registration in Manitowoc County is handled through the County Clerk's office at (920) 683-4003 and your local municipal clerk. Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration at the polls with proof of residence, or you can register online at myvote.wi.gov up to 20 days before an election. The MyVote Wisconsin portal also allows you to check registration status, find your polling place, request absentee ballots, and track your ballot. You must be a U.S. Citizen, 18 years old by Election Day, and a resident of Wisconsin for at least 28 consecutive days.
How do I look up property records in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin?
Property records in Manitowoc County are maintained by the Register of Deeds at 1010 South 8th Street, Manitowoc, (920) 683-4006. The county provides a free online GIS/parcel mapping system accessible through www.manitowoccountywi.gov where you can search property tax information, parcel boundaries, and ownership data. For recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, the Register of Deeds offers an online document search system, though viewing full documents may require a subscription or in-person visit. Certified copies can be requested by phone, mail, or in person with applicable fees.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Manitowoc County can be requested from the Manitowoc County Register of Deeds (Vital Records division) at 1010 South 8th Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220, phone (920) 683-4006. The fee is $20 for the first certified copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office in Madison. You must provide valid photo ID and prove direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Wisconsin statute. Processing typically takes a few days for mail requests or same-day for in-person requests.
How do I find business license records in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin?
Business records in Manitowoc County can be found through multiple sources depending on the business type. Trade name registrations (DBAs) are filed with the Manitowoc County Clerk at (920) 683-4003. For corporations, LLCs, and other formal business entities, search the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions database at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch, which is free and shows entity status, registered agent, and formation dates. Municipal business licenses are issued by individual cities and villages within the county. Building permits and zoning approvals are handled by the Manitowoc County Planning and Zoning Department at (920) 683-4185.