Public Records Resources for Portage, Wisconsin
Official government websites for Portage, 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 Portage County
County Seat
Stevens Point
Established
1836
1516 Church Street in Stevens Point. Portage County government provides essential services through several key agencies: the County Clerk's office at 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- To request arrest records, citizens must submit a written or verbal request to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, and agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and processing.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail roster system or by specific public records request to the Sheriff's Office.
- Response times for records requests vary but must be fulfilled within a reasonable timeframe as defined by Wisconsin law.
- For criminal history background checks, the Wisconsin Department of Justice provides statewide criminal record searches.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- The Clerk of Circuit Court office, located at the courthouse, maintains official court records and provides certified copies for a fee typically ranging from $5 for the first page to additional per-page charges.
- The court accepts online filing through the Wisconsin Court System's eFiling platform for attorneys and registered users.
Property & Public Records
- Document images can typically be viewed and printed for a small per-page fee.
- Recording fees vary by document type but generally range from $30 for standard documents.
- Certified copies can be requested in person, by mail, or in some cases online, with fees of approximately $5 for certification plus per-page copying charges.
- Property tax records are maintained by Portage County Treasurer's office at the courthouse (phone: 715-346-1368) and can be searched online through Portage County's property tax lookup system.
- The Register of Deeds office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding county holidays.
1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481 • Phone: 715-346-1343
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Historical vital records may require additional research time and genealogical requests have different access provisions under state law.
1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481 • Phone: 715-346-1335
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- This searchable database includes entity name, registration number, status, registered agent, formation date, and principal office address.
1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481 • Phone: 715-346-1335
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Portage County, Wisconsin?
To search for someone recently arrested in Portage County, Wisconsin, you can use the inmate lookup tool provided by the Portage County Jail. The facility is located at 1500 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481. You can also contact the jail directly at (715) 346-1400 for more information on recent arrests and inmate status. The online inmate search is available through the county Sheriff's Office website, which provides up-to-date information on current detainees.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Portage County, Wisconsin?
Mugshots or booking photos in Portage County, Wisconsin, can be obtained from the Portage County Sheriff's Office. They maintain records of all individuals processed through the county jail. You can visit their office at 1500 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481, or check their website for any online portals that may provide access to booking photos. Keep in mind that access to mugshots may be subject to privacy laws and regulations.
How do I get a criminal background check in Portage County, Wisconsin?
To obtain a criminal background check in Portage County, Wisconsin, you should contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau. You can request a background check online through their website or by submitting a request form. Locally, you may also visit the Portage County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. Fees may apply, and you will need to provide identification and any necessary consent forms.
How can I look up sex offenders in Portage County, Wisconsin?
To look up sex offenders in Portage County, Wisconsin, you can use the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and provides information on registered sex offenders in the area. You can search the registry online by name, address, or proximity to a specific location. The registry is a valuable tool for staying informed about sex offenders in your community.
How do I register to vote in Portage County, Wisconsin?
Voters in Portage County can register online through MyVote Wisconsin at myvote.wi.gov up to 20 days before an election, or register in person at their municipal clerk's office until the Friday before Election Day. Wisconsin also offers Election Day registration at your polling place with proof of residence. For registration assistance, contact the Portage County Clerk's office at 715-346-1335. The same MyVote system allows you to request absentee ballots, find your polling place, and check your registration status.
How do I look up property records in Portage County, Wisconsin?
Property records in Portage County can be searched through the Register of Deeds office at 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, or online via the Mix system accessible through co.portage.wi.us/department/register-of-deeds. The free online search allows you to find recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other land records by name, date, or legal description. For property tax information and assessment data, use the county's GIS parcel viewer or contact the County Treasurer at 715-346-1368. Document images can be viewed online and certified copies can be requested for a fee.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Portage County, Wisconsin?
Birth and death certificates for events in Portage County are available from the Portage County Clerk's office at 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone 715-346-1335. The fee is $20 for the first copy and $3 for additional copies of the same record. In-person requests are processed immediately if the record is available; mail requests take approximately 7-10 business days. You can also order certificates from the Wisconsin Department of State Vital Records Office online at dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords through VitalChek with additional convenience fees, though you must provide identification and proof of eligibility.
How do I find business license records in Portage County, Wisconsin?
Business entity records can be searched through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions' CRISP system at corporationsearch.wicourts.gov, which provides free access to corporation and LLC registrations. For local fictitious name (DBA) filings in Portage County, contact the County Clerk's office at 715-346-1335. Building permits and zoning records are maintained by the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department at 715-346-1341 for unincorporated areas, while cities and villages maintain their own licensing records. Professional licenses are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at dsps.wi.gov.