Public Records Resources for Washburn, Wisconsin
Official government websites for Washburn, 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 Washburn County
County Seat
Shell Lake
Established
1883
- Washburn County Courthouse, located at 10 Fourth Avenue in Shell Lake, houses key agencies including the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and County Treasurer.
- Washburn County Clerk's office manages vital records, elections, and county board proceedings, while the Register of Deeds office maintains land records, deeds, and mortgages.
Court Records & Case Information
The Access to public records in Washburn County is facilitated through the Washburn County Circuit Court serves the region and is located at 10 4th Avenue in Shell Lake. 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.
This court has jurisdiction over a range of cases, including civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. The Access to public records in Washburn County is facilitated through the Washburn County Circuit Court also processes requests for court records, case filings, and legal documents under Wisconsin public records law.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- To look up current inmates at Washburn County Jail, the public can contact the jail directly at or visit the Sheriff's Office during business hours to request inmate information.
- Arrest records, including mugshots and booking photos, are generally available through the Sheriff's Office, though formal requests under Wisconsin's open records law may be required for detailed information.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for cash bonds or surety bonds, which can be arranged through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- For certified copies of court documents, judgments, or case files, requesters must contact the Clerk of Circuit Court at the courthouse.
- Fees for certified copies are typically $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, as established by Wisconsin statutes.
- These municipal courts operate independently of the Circuit Court, and records requests must be directed to the specific municipal court clerk.
Property & Public Records
- The office provides public access to these records during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
- Washburn County offers an online property information system through Washburn County website at washburncountywi.gov, allowing users to search property records, view parcel maps, and access tax information.
- The Register of Deeds office charges statutory fees for recording documents, typically $30 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, though fees vary based on document type.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
- This online tool is free to use and provides a valuable resource for property research, though official certified documents must be obtained from the Register of Deeds office.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $20, with additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time costing $3 each.
- Death certificates have broader access, allowing family members, legal representatives, and parties with a direct and tangible interest to obtain copies for the same $20 fee.
- Processing time for vital records requests at Washburn County level is typically 5-10 business days when applying in person or by mail.
- The marriage license fee is $106 and becomes valid after a 6-day waiting period.
- Online ordering typically includes additional service fees but may provide faster processing.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- This searchable database is available free online at www.wdfi.org/corporations and allows users to look up registered businesses, view filing history, registered agents, and corporate status information.
- All businesses operating in Wisconsin must register with the state, making this database the primary resource for business entity verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Washburn County, Wisconsin?
To search for someone recently arrested in Washburn County, Wisconsin, you can contact the Washburn County Jail, located at 421 US Highway 63, Shell Lake, WI 54871. The jail maintains an inmate lookup process that can be accessed by calling their main line at (715) 468-4720. You may visit the Washburn County Sheriff's Office website for more information on current detainees and booking details.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Washburn County, Wisconsin?
Mugshots or booking photos in Washburn County, Wisconsin, can be obtained from the Washburn County Sheriff's Office. They are located at 421 US Highway 63, Shell Lake, WI 54871. While the Sheriff's Office may provide these photos upon request, they may also be available through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) online portal, depending on the case status and public access rules.
How do I get a criminal background check in Washburn County, Wisconsin?
To obtain a criminal background check in Washburn County, Wisconsin, you should contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau. Locally, you can also inquire at the Washburn County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. The background check can be requested online through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS), which provides detailed instructions and requirements.
How can I look up sex offenders in Washburn County, Wisconsin?
You can look up sex offenders in Washburn County, Wisconsin, by accessing the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry. This registry is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and provides an online search tool for the public. By entering specific details such as name or location, you can find information on registered sex offenders within the county.
How do I register to vote in Washburn County, Wisconsin?
You can register to vote in Washburn County through several methods: online at myvote.wi.gov (deadline 20 days before election), in person at the Washburn County Clerk's office at 10 Fourth Avenue in Shell Lake, or at your polling place on Election Day using same-day registration with proof of residence. The County Clerk's office at (715) 468-4600 can answer registration questions and provide assistance. Wisconsin's same-day registration makes voting accessible, and you can also request absentee ballots through the MyVote portal or by contacting the County Clerk.
How do I look up property records in Washburn County, Wisconsin?
Property records in Washburn County are maintained by the Register of Deeds office at the Washburn County Courthouse, 10 Fourth Avenue, Shell Lake, phone (715) 468-4612. The county offers a free online GIS parcel viewer through washburncountywi.gov where you can search property ownership, assessed values, tax information, and view parcel maps. For official recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements, you can search the Register of Deeds records online or request certified copies from the office for statutory fees. Property tax information is also available through the County Treasurer's office at the same location.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Washburn County, Wisconsin?
Birth and death certificates for events that occurred in Washburn County are available through the Washburn County Clerk's office at 10 Fourth Avenue, Shell Lake, Wisconsin 54871, phone (715) 468-4600. The fee is $20 for a certified copy, with additional copies of the same record costing $3 each when ordered simultaneously. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days, and you must provide valid identification and demonstrate eligibility under Wisconsin law (direct family member, legal representative, or person with direct interest). For faster service or older records, you can also order through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office in Madison at (608) 266-1371 or online at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords.
How do I find business license records in Washburn County, Wisconsin?
Business records in Washburn County can be found through multiple sources depending on the type of business. For formal business entities like corporations and LLCs, search the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions database free at www.wdfi.org/corporations. Local fictitious name (DBA) filings are maintained by the Washburn County Clerk at (715) 468-4600. Specific licenses such as liquor licenses, building permits, and zoning approvals are handled by the County Clerk or municipal clerks in cities like Spooner and Shell Lake. Contact the Washburn County Zoning Department through county administration for land use and building permit information.