La Crosse County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The La Crosse County?

Public records in La Crosse County encompass a wide range of official documents maintained by various county departments and agencies pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 19, Subchapter II (Public Records and Property). These records serve as the official documentation of government activities and transactions within the county jurisdiction. La Crosse County maintains the following categories of public records:

Real Estate Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, certified survey maps, and other property-related documents recorded by the Register of Deeds office.
Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and domestic partnership declarations maintained in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 69.21.
Court Records: Civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic case files processed through the La Crosse County Circuit Court.
Tax Records: Property tax assessments, payments, and delinquencies managed by the County Treasurer's office.
Land Records: Geographic Information System (GIS) data, parcel information, zoning maps, and land use documentation available through the county's land records portal.
County Board Records: Meeting minutes, resolutions, ordinances, and other official actions of the La Crosse County Board maintained by the County Clerk.
Law Enforcement Records: Incident reports, arrest records, jail records, and other documents created by the La Crosse County Sheriff's Department.
Health Department Records: Environmental health inspections, communicable disease reports, and other public health documentation maintained by the Health and Human Services Agency.
Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, campaign finance reports, and other election-related documents managed by the County Clerk acting as the Registrar of Voters.

Is La Crosse County an Open Records County?

La Crosse County operates as an open records county in compliance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statutory framework establishes a presumption of complete public access to government records, consistent with the conduct of governmental business. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has affirmed that the public records law shall be construed in every instance with a presumption of complete public access.

According to La Crosse County's official records policy, adopted pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.34(1), the county recognizes that:

"The people of this state have a right to know about the affairs of their government and the official acts of their officers and employees. To that end, Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39 shall be construed in every instance with a presumption of complete public access, consistent with the conduct of governmental business."

La Crosse County has designated record custodians within each department who are responsible for maintaining and providing access to public records. These custodians must respond to public records requests "as soon as practicable and without delay" as required by Wis. Stat. § 19.35(4)(a).

The county's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its implementation of online access portals for many commonly requested records, including property information, court records, and meeting minutes, allowing for 24/7 public access to these materials.

How Do I Find Public Records in La Crosse County in 2025

Members of the public may access La Crosse County records through multiple channels established to facilitate transparency and public oversight. The primary methods for obtaining public records in 2025 include:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county department during regular business hours to request records in person. Record custodians are available to assist with locating and providing access to requested documents. Proper identification may be required for certain records.

Online Access Portals: La Crosse County has expanded its digital infrastructure to provide convenient access to frequently requested records:

Property and tax records can be searched through the La Crosse County Public Records Portal
Land records and GIS data are available via the County's Open Data Portal
Court records can be accessed through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system (CCAP)

Written Requests: Written public records requests may be submitted to the appropriate department by mail, email, or fax. Requests should include:

Requestor's name and contact information
A reasonably specific description of the records sought
Preferred format for receiving the records (paper copies, electronic files, inspection only)

Records Request Form: La Crosse County provides a standardized Public Records Request Form available on the county website or at county offices. While use of this form is not required by law, it helps ensure that all necessary information is provided to process the request efficiently.

Departmental Contact: Direct inquiries to the specific department likely to maintain the records sought. Each department has a designated records custodian responsible for processing requests related to their operations.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In La Crosse County?

La Crosse County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3), which permits charging for the "actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction and transcription of records. The fee schedule for public records in La Crosse County is as follows:

Photocopies and Printed Materials:

Black and white copies: $0.25 per page (standard letter/legal size)
Color copies: $0.50 per page (standard letter/legal size)
Large format documents (maps, plans, etc.): $5.00 per sheet

Electronic Records:

Records provided via email: No charge for transmission (reproduction costs may apply)
Records provided on CD/DVD: $5.00 per disc plus reproduction costs
Records provided on USB drive: $10.00 per drive plus reproduction costs

Vital Records (set by state statute):

Birth certificates: $20.00 for first copy, $3.00 for additional copies ordered at same time
Death certificates: $20.00 for first copy, $3.00 for additional copies ordered at same time
Marriage certificates: $20.00 for first copy, $3.00 for additional copies ordered at same time

Real Estate Records:

Recording fees: $30.00 for first page, $2.00 for each additional page
Certified copies: $2.00 per page with a minimum of $10.00

Staff Time:

Location fees: No charge for requests requiring less than 30 minutes to locate
Requests requiring more than 30 minutes: $30.00 per hour, prorated to the nearest quarter hour

Specialized Records:

GIS data: Fees vary based on complexity and format
Sheriff's reports: $5.00 per report
Accident reports: $6.00 per report

Payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card (where available). Prepayment may be required for requests exceeding $5.00 in estimated costs.

Does La Crosse County Have Free Public Records?

La Crosse County provides certain public records at no cost to requestors in accordance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law and county policy. The following records are available without charge:

Online Access:

Basic property information through the La Crosse County GIS & Property Lookup
County Board meeting agendas and minutes via the county website
County ordinances and codes
Election results and voter information (excluding confidential voter data)
Public health data and reports published by the Health and Human Services Agency

In-Person Inspection:

Any public record may be inspected in person at no charge during regular business hours at the office where such records are maintained
Self-service computer terminals are available at various county offices for public use in accessing digital records

Fee Waivers:

The county may waive fees when doing so is in the public interest
Indigent individuals may request fee waivers by demonstrating financial hardship
Certain governmental agencies and educational institutions may qualify for fee waivers for research purposes

Limited Free Copies:

Job seekers may receive one free copy of their own criminal background check for employment purposes
Veterans and their immediate family members may receive one free copy of military discharge papers (DD-214)
Victims of crimes may receive one free copy of the incident report related to their case

It should be noted that while inspection of records is free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested, as outlined in the county's fee schedule and in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3).

Who Can Request Public Records In La Crosse County?

Wisconsin's Public Records Law establishes broad access rights for requestors seeking La Crosse County records. The following guidelines apply to who may request public records:

Wisconsin Residency Not Required: Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(a), any person may request access to public records maintained by La Crosse County regardless of citizenship or residency status. The law specifically states that "any requester has a right to inspect any record."

No Statement of Purpose Required: Requestors are not required to identify themselves or state the purpose of their request, except in limited circumstances involving public safety records or where specific statutory provisions apply.

Authorized Representatives: Attorneys, researchers, media representatives, and other agents may request records on behalf of clients or organizations.

Minors: While the law does not explicitly address age restrictions, certain records may have access limitations for minors based on content or other statutory provisions.

Business Entities: Corporations, partnerships, associations, and other legal entities may request public records through authorized representatives.

Incarcerated Individuals: Persons incarcerated in state, county, or municipal detention facilities have more limited rights of access as specified in Wis. Stat. § 19.32(1c) and § 19.35(1)(am).

Government Agencies: Other governmental bodies may request records for official purposes, often with fee waivers available.

La Crosse County record custodians may not deny access to records based on the requestor's identity or presumed purpose, except where specifically authorized by statute. The county may, however, require verification of identity when providing access to confidential records to authorized individuals.

What Records Are Confidential In La Crosse County?

La Crosse County maintains certain records that are exempt from public disclosure pursuant to Wisconsin statutes and federal laws. These confidential records include:

Personal Privacy Protected Records:

Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information
Personnel records containing employee medical information, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions
Individual tax return information and financial data
Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions) per Wis. Stat. § 938.396
Certain victim information in sensitive cases per Wis. Stat. § 950.04(1v)(ag)

Public Safety Exemptions:

Records that would endanger public safety if disclosed
Ongoing law enforcement investigations per Wis. Stat. § 19.36(2)
Emergency response plans and security procedures
Certain law enforcement techniques and procedures
Records identifying confidential informants

Health Information:

Patient health records protected under HIPAA and Wis. Stat. § 146.82
Mental health treatment records
Substance abuse treatment information
Communicable disease reports containing personally identifiable information

Other Protected Records:

Attorney-client privileged communications
Records subject to attorney work product doctrine
Preliminary drafts and notes per Wis. Stat. § 19.32(2)
Computer programs and trade secrets per Wis. Stat. § 19.36(4)
Competitive or bargaining information per Wis. Stat. § 19.36(5)
Records where federal law prohibits disclosure

When a record contains both confidential and public information, La Crosse County will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder, as required by Wis. Stat. § 19.36(6). The county must provide specific statutory citations when denying access to records based on confidentiality provisions.

La Crosse County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

La Crosse County Register of Deeds
212 6th Street North, Room 1800
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 785-9580
La Crosse County Register of Deeds

Public Counter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

The Register of Deeds office serves as the official repository for real estate and vital records in La Crosse County. The office is responsible for recording, maintaining, and providing access to:

Real estate documents including deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, and liens
Vital records including birth, death, and marriage certificates
Military discharge papers (DD-214)
Certified survey maps and condominium plats
Fictitious business name statements

Document recording services are available during all business hours. Customers seeking certified copies of vital records should arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to ensure sufficient processing time. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for payment of fees.

Remote access to certain records is available through the La Crosse County Public Records Portal. Subscription services are available for frequent users such as title companies and legal professionals.