Outagamie County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Outagamie County?
Public records in Outagamie County are defined according to the Wisconsin Public Records Law § 19.31, which declares that all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding government affairs and the official acts of government officers and employees. The statute establishes a presumption of complete public access to government records, consistent with the conduct of governmental business.
Outagamie County maintains numerous types of public records, including:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate case files maintained by the Outagamie County Circuit Court
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property tax assessments
- Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
- Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment rolls, and tax payment records
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of County Board meetings and various committee proceedings
- Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
- Law Enforcement Records: Incident reports, arrest logs, and jail records (with statutory limitations)
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land use plans
The Outagamie County Register of Deeds maintains property records, vital records, and other official documents. Court records are maintained by the Outagamie County Circuit Court. Additional records are maintained by various county departments according to their respective functions.
Is Outagamie County an Open Records County?
Outagamie County fully complies with the Wisconsin Public Records Law § 19.31-19.39, which establishes that "all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them." This statute creates a presumption of accessibility that applies to all records created or maintained by Outagamie County government agencies.
Under § 19.35(1)(a) of the Wisconsin Public Records Law, "any requester has a right to inspect any record." The statute further specifies that "any requester has a right to make or receive a copy of a record." These provisions establish Outagamie County as an open records jurisdiction.
The county has implemented specific policies to facilitate public access to records in accordance with state law. Each county department has designated records custodians responsible for responding to public records requests in a timely manner. The county follows the state-mandated response timeline, which requires that requests be fulfilled "as soon as practicable and without delay."
Outagamie County also adheres to Wisconsin's Open Meetings Law, ensuring that government business is conducted with proper public notice and access.
How to Find Public Records in Outagamie County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records in Outagamie County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:
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Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website. Court records can be accessed through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal, which provides case information for all Wisconsin counties including Outagamie.
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request records:
- For property records, vital records, and notary registrations, visit the Register of Deeds
- For court records, visit the Clerk of Circuit Court
- For tax records, visit the County Treasurer's Office
- For voting records, visit the County Clerk's Office
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Written Requests: Submit a written request to the relevant department specifying the records sought. Requests should include:
- Requester's name and contact information
- Clear description of the records requested
- Preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, electronic files, etc.)
- Date range of records, if applicable
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Electronic Requests: Many departments accept requests via email or through online request forms available on the county website.
For property records, the Outagamie County Land Information Office maintains a GIS mapping system that provides public access to property information, ownership data, and tax assessment details.
For vital records such as birth and death certificates, requests can be submitted to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office or the Outagamie County Register of Deeds.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Outagamie County?
Outagamie County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3), which permits agencies to charge "the actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction and transcription of records. The current fee structure includes:
- Photocopies: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
- Color Copies: $0.50 per page
- Large Format Documents: $5.00 per page for maps, blueprints, and other oversized documents
- Electronic Records: $0.10 per page for scanned documents; no charge for records already in electronic format if provided via email
- Media Storage: $5.00 for CD/DVD; $10.00 for USB drive (if records cannot be emailed)
- Certified Copies: Additional $1.00 per document for certification
Specific record types have statutorily established fees:
- Birth Certificates: $20.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
- Death Certificates: $20.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
- Marriage Certificates: $20.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
- Divorce Certificates: $20.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
The county accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card (in person and online). Electronic payments may incur a processing fee.
If a request requires extensive staff time for location, redaction, or preparation, additional fees may be assessed at the actual, necessary, and direct cost of staff time, as permitted by state law. Requesters will be notified of any fees exceeding $5.00 before records are processed.
Does Outagamie County Have Free Public Records?
Outagamie County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost:
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In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(b), any person has the right to inspect public records during regular office hours at no charge. Requesters may examine records and take notes without incurring fees, provided that such inspection does not disrupt the regular operations of the office.
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Online Resources: The county maintains several free online databases:
- The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system provides free access to court records
- The Outagamie County GIS Portal offers free access to property information, tax assessment data, and parcel maps
- County Board meeting agendas and minutes are freely available on the county website
- Budget documents and financial reports are published online at no cost
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Fee Waivers: The county may waive fees when doing so is in the public interest. Requests from nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or for research purposes may qualify for fee waivers at the discretion of the records custodian.
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Limited Free Copies: Some departments may provide a limited number of free copies (typically 5-10 pages) before charging reproduction fees.
The Outagamie County Public Library System also provides free public access to computers where residents can access online county records without charge.
Who Can Request Public Records in Outagamie County?
Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(a), "any requester has a right to inspect any record." The term "requester" is broadly defined and includes any person who requests to inspect or copy a record.
Key eligibility points include:
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Residency: Wisconsin law does not restrict public records access to state or county residents. Any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records from Outagamie County.
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Identification: For most general records, requesters are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request. However, certain records may require verification of identity:
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) require proof of identity and, in some cases, proof of relationship to the subject
- Medical records require proper authorization
- Some court records may require identification to access confidential components
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Purpose Disclosure: Requesters generally do not need to explain why they want records or how they will use them. However, if a requester seeks a fee waiver or expedited processing, they may be asked to explain the public interest served by their request.
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Representatives: Attorneys, researchers, and other representatives may request records on behalf of clients or organizations.
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Commercial Use: Records may be requested for commercial purposes, though this may affect fee waiver determinations.
For requests involving personal or confidential information, additional verification requirements may apply to protect privacy and prevent identity theft.
What Records Are Confidential in Outagamie County?
While Wisconsin's Public Records Law favors disclosure, Wisconsin Statute § 19.36 establishes several categories of records that are exempt from public disclosure. In Outagamie County, the following records are generally considered confidential:
- Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account numbers, and other personal identifiers are redacted from public records
- Medical Records: Health information protected under HIPAA and state medical privacy laws
- Juvenile Records: Court records involving minors, except in limited circumstances specified by law
- Child Welfare Records: Reports and records of child abuse or neglect investigations
- Mental Health Records: Information related to mental health treatment and commitment proceedings
- Ongoing Investigations: Law enforcement records pertaining to ongoing investigations or prosecutions
- Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product
- Personnel Records: Employee evaluations, disciplinary records, and medical information (basic employment information remains public)
- Competitive or Proprietary Information: Trade secrets or confidential business information submitted to the county
- Computer Programs and Data: Software and security-related information
- Records Where Harm Outweighs Benefit: Records where the public interest in nondisclosure outweighs the public interest in disclosure
When a record contains both public and confidential information, the county will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder, as required by Wisconsin Statute § 19.36(6).
The county applies the "balancing test" established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, weighing the public interest in disclosure against the public interest in nondisclosure for records not specifically exempted by statute.
Outagamie County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Outagamie County Register of Deeds
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5246
Register of Deeds
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Services Provided:
- Recording of real estate documents
- Issuance of birth, death, and marriage certificates
- Military discharge recording
- Notary public registrations
- Real estate transfer returns
Outagamie County Clerk of Circuit Court
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Clerk of Circuit Court
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Services Provided:
- Court records access and copies
- Filing of court documents
- Collection of court fees and fines
- Jury management
- Passport application processing