Rock County

Rock County is located in south-central Wisconsin, bordered by Illinois to the south, and includes approximately 724 square miles of diverse scene characterized by rolling farmland, glacial drumlins, and the Rock River flowing through its center. Rock County seat is Janesville, a historic manufacturing city located at 51 South Main Street, which also is the largest municipality in Rock County. Rock County was established in 1836 and named after the Rock River. Rock County population is approximately 163,000 residents according to recent census estimates, making it one of Wisconsin's more populous counties. Major cities include Janesville, known historically as the former home of a General Motors assembly plant, and Beloit, a river city with industrial heritage along the Illinois border. Rock County is home to several significant landmarks including the historic Lincoln-Tallman House in Janesville, where Abraham Lincoln stayed in 1859, and the Angel Museum. Rock County's government operates from the County Courthouse at 51 South Main Street in Janesville. Rock County Clerk's office manages elections, vital records, and county board proceedings, while the Register of Deeds office maintains land records and property documents. Rock County Assessor's office, part of the Land Information Office, provides property assessment and tax information. Rock County features a mix of urban centers, small towns like Edgerton (known for tobacco heritage) and Evansville, and extensive agricultural areas producing corn, soybeans, and dairy products. What makes Rock County unique is its blend of industrial history, agricultural productivity, and its strategic location along the I-90 corridor connecting Madison and Chicago.

• Rock County Clerk's office manages elections, vital records, and county board proceedings, while the Register of Deeds office maintains land records and property documents.
• Rock Municipal Assessor's office, part of the Land Information Office, provides property assessment and tax information.

The Access to public records in Rock County is streamlined through the Rock County Courthouse serves this area and is located at 51 South Main Street. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for this area. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Wisconsin online court portal.

Rock County Wisconsin court jurisdiction is located at 51 South Main Street, Janesville, WI 53545. It is a circuit court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. It also has jurisdiction over family law, juvenile law, probate, and mental health cases.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• To request arrest records, citizens may submit written requests to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, either the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
• Booking photos and mugshots from Rock County Jail are generally available through the jail's inmate roster system, though older records may require a formal public records request.
• Wisconsin's public records law requires agencies to respond to requests as soon as practicable and permits them to charge fees for copying and staff time.

Criminal Records

• The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in Rock County.

• For certified copies of court documents or to access physical files, requesters must contact Rock County Clerk of Circuit Court office in person or by mail.
• Fees for certified copies are established by Wisconsin statute at approximately $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus applicable search fees.

• The office provides public access to land records through their online Land Records Search system, accessible through Rock County website at www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/register-of-deeds.
• The online system allows free searching and viewing of recorded documents, though there may be fees for printing or obtaining certified copies.
• Certified copies of recorded documents cost approximately $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page as set by Wisconsin statute.
• This GIS system is free to use and provides extensive property information without charge.
• To request certified copies of any land records, requesters may visit the Register of Deeds office in person, submit requests by mail, or use the online ordering system if available for specific document types.

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

• Death certificates also cost $20.00 for the first copy and can be requested by family members, legal representatives, or anyone demonstrating a direct and tangible interest.
• Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
• Divorce records (final divorce decrees) are maintained by Rock County Clerk of Circuit Court at the courthouse, as divorces are processed through the court system.
• Wisconsin offers online ordering of some vital records through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, which provides expedited processing for additional fees.
• Wisconsin vital records law is codified in Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 69, which establishes access requirements, fees, and confidentiality protections.

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

• This database provides information on entity name, registration date, registered agent, business address, status (active, dissolved, etc.), and annual report filing history.