Public Records Resources for Vilas, Wisconsin
Official government websites for Vilas, 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 Vilas County
County Seat
Eagle River
Established
1893
Named After
William Freeman Vilas
Court Records & Case Information
The with the Vilas County Circuit Court serves Vilas County and is located at 330 Court Street in Eagle River. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for this county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Wisconsin online court portal.
Access to public records in Vilas County is facilitated through various channels, with the Vilas County Circuit Court being the primary venue for civil, criminal, family, and probate cases.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Under Wisconsin Statutes §19.31-19.39, the Wisconsin Public Records Law, arrest records are generally considered public documents and can be requested from the law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office, though the agency may charge copying fees as permitted under Wisconsin law.
- Response times for public records requests vary but agencies must respond as soon as practicable and without delay.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
- Vilas County residents can access criminal records by submitting requests to the appropriate agency, for public access in the justice system.
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for the posting of cash bail or a bond to secure the release of an inmate, with conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, available at wcca.wicourts.gov, provides free online access to circuit court case information including civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases.
- Detailed documents and court filings may require in-person requests or may be available through a PACER-like system for a fee.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Clerk of Circuit Court's office for a statutory fee, typically $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page as of 2024.
330 Court Street, Eagle River, WI 54521
Property & Public Records
- Some older records may only be available in person at the Register of Deeds office.
- Recording fees are established by Wisconsin Statutes §59.43 and vary based on document type and number of pages.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for approximately $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
- The online GIS viewer provides parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessed values, tax amounts, zoning classifications, and aerial imagery.
330 Court Street, Eagle River, WI 54521
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Death certificates for deaths occurring in Vilas County from October 1907 forward are also available from the Register of Deeds for the same fee structure.
- Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Wisconsin Statutes §69.21.
- Statewide records can be ordered online through the Wisconsin Vital Records website or VitalChek at an additional convenience fee.
- Processing time for mail requests is typically 3-4 weeks, while online orders may be processed within 7-10 business days.
- Marriage licenses must be obtained from Vilas County Register of Deeds office, with both parties appearing in person with valid photo identification and social security numbers.
330 Court Street, Eagle River, WI 54521
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- This free searchable database includes entity name, registration date, status, registered agent, principal office address, and filing history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Vilas County, Wisconsin?
To search for someone recently arrested in Vilas County, Wisconsin, you can contact the Vilas County Jail located at 330 Court Street, Eagle River, WI 54521. The jail provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about recent arrests. You may also visit the Vilas County Sheriff's Office website for more information on accessing arrest records and the inmate search process.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Vilas County, Wisconsin?
Mugshots or booking photos in Vilas County can be obtained from the Vilas County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records through their office or an online portal. For specific requests, you can contact the Sheriff's Office directly at their Eagle River location or check their official website for any available online resources.
How do I get a criminal background check in Vilas County, Wisconsin?
To obtain a criminal background check in Vilas County, Wisconsin, you should contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau. Locally, you can also inquire with the Vilas County Clerk of Courts for guidance on accessing criminal records. The process typically involves submitting a request form and paying any applicable fees.
How can I look up sex offenders in Vilas County, Wisconsin?
You can look up sex offenders in Vilas County, Wisconsin, by accessing the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry. This online registry is maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and provides information about registered sex offenders in the area. You can search by name, address, or proximity to a specific location within Vilas County.
How do I register to vote in Vilas County, Wisconsin?
You can register to vote in Vilas County through the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov, by visiting the Vilas County Clerk's office at 330 Court Street in Eagle River, or by registering on Election Day at your polling place with proof of residence. Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration, though you can also register in advance up until 5:00 PM on the third Wednesday before the election. The county Clerk's office at (715) 479-3663 can answer questions about registration requirements, and you can also request an absentee ballot through the MyVote portal.
How do I look up property records in Vilas County, Wisconsin?
Property records in Vilas County are maintained by the Vilas County Register of Deeds office located at 330 Court Street, Eagle River, phone (715) 479-3657. The county offers online access to recorded land documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps through the county website at vilascountywi.gov, typically through a subscription or pay-per-view search system. Property tax information, assessments, and parcel data can be searched through the county's GIS property viewer, which provides ownership information, assessed values, tax amounts, and parcel maps free of charge.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Vilas County, Wisconsin?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Vilas County can be obtained from the Vilas County Register of Deeds office at 330 Court Street, Eagle River, WI 54521, phone (715) 479-3657. The fee is typically $20 for a certified copy, and you must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Wisconsin law. You can also order birth and death certificates from the Wisconsin Department of State Vital Records Office in Madison, either by mail or online through VitalChek, with processing times of 7-10 business days for expedited online orders or 3-4 weeks for mail requests.
How do I find business license records in Vilas County, Wisconsin?
Business entity records for corporations, LLCs, and other registered businesses can be searched through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website at wdfi.org, which provides free access to business names, registration status, registered agents, and filing history. Fictitious name registrations (DBAs) filed in Vilas County can be searched through the Vilas County Register of Deeds office at (715) 479-3657. Local business permits and zoning approvals are handled by the Vilas County Zoning Department at (715) 479-3738, while building permits are issued by the County Building Inspection Department at (715) 479-3649.