About Sheboygan County
Sheboygan County is located in east-central Wisconsin along the western shore of Lake Michigan, approximately 50 miles north of Milwaukee. Established in 1836, Sheboygan County includes 514 square miles of land and water area. Sheboygan County Seat is Sheboygan, a city known as the "Malibu of the Midwest" for its championship golf courses and as a Great Lakes port community. As of the 2020 Census, Sheboygan County had a population of approximately 118,000 residents.
- Sheboygan County's economy has historically been anchored by manufacturing, particularly plumbing fixtures, furniture, and food processing.
- The Register of Deeds office operates from the same Administration Building complex.
Sheboygan County is comprised of 15 municipalities including the cities of Sheboygan area, Sheboygan area Falls, and Plymouth, along with numerous towns and villages. Major landmarks include Kohler-Andrae State Park, the historic Kohler Company headquarters, Road America racing circuit in Elkhart Lake, and the maritime heritage of Sheboygan County harbor. Sheboygan County Courthouse is located at 615 N.
6th Street in Sheboygan, WI 53081. Sheboygan County Clerk's office is situated in the Administration Building at 508 New York Avenue, Sheboygan, WI 53081. Sheboygan Municipal Assessor function is handled through municipal assessment districts.
Sheboygan County is unique for its concentration of world-class recreational facilities, German heritage, and the presence of the Kohler Company, which has shaped Sheboygan County's development for over 150 years.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Sheboygan County. It operates Sheboygan County Detention Center, manages the booking and processing of arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety education.
Police Departments
In addition to Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments serve Sheboygan County, including the Sheboygan Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, and Sheboygan Falls Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing initiatives. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and share resources to enhance public safety across Sheboygan County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office, located at 1024 Center Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Sheboygan County and provides countywide services including jail operations, court security, and civil process. Sheboygan County Detention Center operates as a Type 1 jail facility at the same address, housing pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Requests should be submitted in writing to the respective law enforcement agency's records division.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's online inmate lookup system or by submitting a public records request.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of police reports and extensive records searches.
- Wisconsin law requires agencies to respond to public records requests as soon as practicable and without delay.
Inmate lookups can be conducted through Sheboygan County's Inmate Information System available on the Sheriff's website, providing current roster information, booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. Municipal police departments serving Sheboygan County include Sheboygan County Police Department (1315 N. 23rd Street), Sheboygan County Falls Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Kohler Police Department, and the Howards Grove Police Department.
Under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39, the Wisconsin Public Records Law, citizens have the right to inspect and copy arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Sheboygan County includes a range of records including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Sheboygan County Clerk of Courts maintains court records, while the Sheriff's Office handles arrest and incident reports. Background checks can be conducted through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Wisconsin Department of Justice offers additional resources for residents seeking full background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Sheboygan County are maintained by Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the nature of the offense, arresting officer, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, in compliance with the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and court dates. The process ensures transparency and public access to information while protecting sensitive data.
Jail & Inmate Records
Sheboygan County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Sheboygan County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through Sheboygan County's official website, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules at the detention center require scheduling in advance and adherence to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Wisconsin state laws, allowing for cash bonds or bail bonds through approved agencies.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Sheboygan County are taken and retained by Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a request under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. While mugshots are publicly available, Wisconsin does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, unless they are expunged as part of a legal process. The availability of mugshots is intended to promote transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system.
Courts & Case Records
Sheboygan County Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction, located at 615 N. 6th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. The Circuit Court handles all civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters within Sheboygan County. Sheboygan County has four Circuit Court branches (Branches I, II, III, and IV), each presided over by an elected judge serving six-year terms. The Clerk of Circuit Court office manages all court records and filings.
- Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) provides free online access to circuit court case information at wcca.wicourts.gov, allowing searches by name, case number, or party.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Clerk of Circuit Court office with fees typically ranging from $1.25 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
- The court also provides online filing through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Electronic Filing System for attorneys and registered users.
Property & Public Records
Sheboygan County Register of Deeds, located at 508 New York Avenue, Room 101, Sheboygan, WI 53081, maintains all recorded land records for Sheboygan County. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and their website is accessible through www.sheboygancounty.com. The Register of Deeds records and maintains documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens (mechanics, judgment, tax), easements, restrictions, land contracts, plat maps, surveys, and various other instruments affecting real property.
- Images of recorded documents are available online back to approximately 1979, with older records available in paper format at the office.
- Recording fees are established by state statute and vary by document type.
- Sheboygan County provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) portal offering interactive parcel mapping, property information, aerial photography, and various geographic data layers.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Register of Deeds office for $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- The office accepts requests in person, by mail, and online through the land records portal for certain services.
Vital Records
Vital records for Sheboygan County residents are maintained by both local and state agencies under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 69. Birth and death certificates occurring in Sheboygan County since October 1, 1907, are available through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office (1 W. Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703) or Sheboygan County Register of Deeds office at 508 New York Avenue, Sheboygan, WI 53081. Certified birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Certified death certificates cost $20.00 per copy.
- Processing time is typically 2-3 weeks for mail requests, with expedited service available.
- The marriage license fee is $110.00.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $20.00.
- Wisconsin Vital Records also offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com for an additional convenience fee.
- All vital records requests require proof of identity and eligibility documentation.
Only eligible individuals may obtain certified copies, including the registrant (if of legal age), parents named on the record, legal guardian, or legal representative. Valid photo identification is required. Marriage licenses are issued by Sheboygan County Clerk's office at 508 New York Avenue, Sheboygan, WI 53081.
Applicants must apply in person together at least 5 days before the ceremony, and the license is valid for 30 days after issuance. Divorce records are maintained by Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court at 615 N. 6th Street, Sheboygan County, WI 53081.
Records less than 100 years old (births) and 50 years old (deaths and marriages) have restricted access to protect privacy.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Sheboygan County involves multiple jurisdictions and agencies. Sheboygan County Clerk's office at 508 New York Avenue, Sheboygan, WI 53081, maintains records of fictitious name registrations (also known as "Doing Business As" or DBA filings) for businesses operating in Sheboygan County. These registrations are required under Wisconsin Statutes § 134.71 for any person conducting business under a name other than their legal name. The registration fee is typically $35.00 and must be renewed every five years.
- 8th Street in Sheboygan, website www.sheboygancounty.com, provides business support services and economic development information.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered entities, businesses must file with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The state provides a free online Corporate Registration Information System at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch/Search.aspx where the public can search business entities registered in Wisconsin by name, registered agent, or business ID number. Professional licenses for occupations such as real estate, cosmetology, nursing, and contracting are issued by various Wisconsin state licensing boards, not at Sheboygan County level.
Local business licenses and permits may be required by individual municipalities within Sheboygan County, such as the City of Sheboygan area or Plymouth, depending on business type and location. Building permits and zoning approvals are handled by Sheboygan County Planning and Resources Department at 508 New York Avenue, for unincorporated areas, or by municipal building inspectors within city limits. Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce, located at 621 S.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Sheboygan County are administered by Sheboygan County Clerk's office, located at 508 New York Avenue, Sheboygan, WI 53081. The Elections Division can be contacted through the office’s website, and election information is available at www.sheboygancounty.com. 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.
- The deadline to register by mail or online is 20 days before an election, though Wisconsin offers same-day registration at the polls with proof of residency.
- Absentee ballots may be requested through the MyVote Wisconsin website, by mail, email, or in person at the municipal clerk's office.
- Wisconsin requires absentee ballot requests be made in writing, and voters must provide a copy of acceptable photo ID.
- Citizens may request to observe election processes and obtain copies of election materials under Wisconsin's Open Records Law.
Voters can find their polling place, view sample ballots, check registration status, and track absentee ballots through the MyVote Wisconsin portal by entering their name and date of birth. Public election records in Sheboygan County include voter registration lists, campaign finance reports filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, candidate nomination papers and declarations, absentee ballot logs, and certified election results by ward and county. Under Wisconsin Statutes §§ 6.36 and 7.15, voter registration information is publicly accessible except for confidential portions.
Precinct-level election results are published on Sheboygan County website following canvassing and certification. In the November 2024 general election, Sheboygan County reported voter turnout of approximately 73-75%, consistent with typical Wisconsin turnout for presidential elections. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
Congressional races, Wisconsin gubernatorial and state constitutional officer races, Wisconsin State Legislature seats, and local offices. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Thursday before Election Day for by-mail ballots, or in-person absentee voting is available up to the Sunday before Election Day in most municipalities. Wisconsin's election transparency is among the strongest in the nation, with open records requirements for ballot accounting, poll books, and audit trails.
Economy & Demographics
Sheboygan County's economy is characterized by a strong manufacturing base, tourism, agriculture, and service industries. Sheboygan County has long been known as a manufacturing hub, particularly for plumbing products, furniture, food processing, and precision metal fabrication.
- Census data, Sheboygan County's median household income is approximately $65,000 to $70,000, slightly above the state average.
Major employers include Kohler Co, the internationally recognized manufacturer of plumbing products, power systems, furniture, and hospitality operations headquartered in the Village of Kohler; Johnsonville LLC, the nation's largest sausage producer based in Sheboygan Falls; Acuity Insurance, a top-tier property and casualty insurer; and Sargento Foods, the cheese company with operations in Plymouth. The tourism and hospitality sector generates significant economic activity, centered around the American Club resort, Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run golf courses (both PGA Championship venues), Road America motorsports facility in Elkhart Lake, and Lake Michigan recreation. According to U.S.
The unemployment rate typically tracks at or below Wisconsin's state average, demonstrating economic resilience. Agricultural production remains important in Sheboygan County's rural areas, with dairy farming, corn, soybeans, and livestock operations contributing to the economic base. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on workforce development, downtown revitalization in Sheboygan and Plymouth, expansion of the lakefront recreation areas, and support for advanced manufacturing.
Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation works to attract new businesses and support existing industry. Sheboygan County benefits from its strategic location along Interstate 43 between Milwaukee and Green Bay, providing excellent transportation access for manufacturing and distribution operations.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (WCCA) | Property: Yes: Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Database) | Elections: Yes: Online (MyVote Wisconsin) | Overall Score: 9/10, Sheboygan County provides excellent digital access to most public records with online systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Sheboygan County
Explore public records for 14 cities and communities in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin.