Waushara County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Waushara County in 2026
WausharaRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Waushara County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may use this resource to locate data that may include ownership history, assessed values, recorded instruments, tax information, and land use designations. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the source and the age of the document.
Property records in Waushara County may encompass the following categories:
- Deeds and ownership transfers
- Mortgage and lien documents
- Property tax assessments and payment history
- Plat maps and legal descriptions
- Building permits and zoning records
- Easements and encumbrances
Records may be searched through the following official resources:
Waushara County Register of Deeds
209 S. Saint Marie Street
Wautoma, WI 54982
Phone: (920) 787-0444
Waushara County Register of Deeds
Waushara County Treasurer
209 S. Saint Marie Street
Wautoma, WI 54982
Phone: (920) 787-0448
Waushara County Treasurer
Waushara County Land Information / GIS
209 S. Saint Marie Street
Wautoma, WI 54982
Phone: (920) 787-0458
Waushara County Land Information
Online Search Methods
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Waushara County Land Information Office maintains parcel data accessible through the county's online GIS portal. This resource provides free public access with no registration required.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By map/GIS location
- By legal description
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property address and legal description
- Parcel identification number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (lot size, building type, year built)
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Waushara County GIS mapping portal
- Select the desired search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select the specific parcel to view the full property card
- Access maps, sales history, and assessment data from the property detail page
- Print or save the information as needed
2. Register of Deeds Official Records Search
The Waushara County Register of Deeds maintains recorded instruments affecting real property. Basic searches are available at no charge; copies of documents are subject to standard fees.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and satisfactions of mortgage
- Liens (mechanic's, judgment, tax)
- Easements and restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
How to Search:
- Contact the Register of Deeds at (920) 787-0444 or visit the office at 209 S. Saint Marie Street, Wautoma
- Request access to the grantor/grantee index
- Enter the party name or document type
- Review the index results
- Request document images or certified copies as needed
- Note the instrument number or book and page reference for future use
3. Tax Information
The Waushara County Treasurer's Office maintains property tax records. As noted on the Town of Marion's property tax payment page, the second installment of property tax payments is processed by the Waushara County Treasurer's Office.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and payment status
- Outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Payment history
- Delinquency information
4. GIS / Mapping System
The Waushara County Land Information Office operates an interactive GIS mapping system that provides visual property search capabilities, including aerial photography, property boundaries, zoning layers, and flood zone designations.
How to Use:
- Navigate the map to the desired location
- Click on a parcel to view property information
- Access linked assessment and ownership records
- View multiple map layers including zoning and environmental features
In-Person Searches:
Waushara County Register of Deeds
209 S. Saint Marie Street
Wautoma, WI 54982
Phone: (920) 787-0444
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Register of Deeds
Services available in person include viewing official recorded documents, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, and accessing plat books.
Waushara County Treasurer
209 S. Saint Marie Street
Wautoma, WI 54982
Phone: (920) 787-0448
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Treasurer's Office
Services include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, delinquency records, and tax certificate searches.
By Mail Requests:
Members of the public may submit written requests to the Register of Deeds by mail. Requests should specify the property address or parcel number, the type of document sought, and the approximate recording date range. Payment for copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request.
Mailing Address:
Waushara County Register of Deeds
209 S. Saint Marie Street
Wautoma, WI 54982
Through Professionals:
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors provide comprehensive title searches, abstracts of title, and title insurance commitments. These professionals identify all recorded interests in a property and provide legal opinions on ownership. Costs vary by provider and scope of work.
Search Tips:
- When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations
- For historical records not available online, contact the Register of Deeds directly for assistance
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear in online systems due to recording processing time
- Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel ID number across multiple databases
What Is Waushara County Property Records
Waushara County property records are official documents related to real property—land and buildings—maintained by county government offices and accessible to the public. These records constitute the legal foundation for establishing property ownership, documenting transfers, recording encumbrances, and assessing property taxes throughout the county.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish and verify legal ownership
- Provide an unbroken chain of title
- Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
- Document property transfers and sale prices
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights and enable title insurance
- Facilitate real estate transactions
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and delinquency records
- Exemption applications (homestead, veteran, agricultural)
- Special assessments
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Zoning classifications and land use designations
- Code violation records
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Waushara County Register of Deeds is the primary custodian of recorded instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 59.43, which governs the duties of the Register of Deeds in Wisconsin. The Waushara County Land Information Office maintains assessment data, parcel maps, and GIS records. The Waushara County Treasurer's Office administers property tax billing and collection.
The Waushara County Legal Resources page maintained by the Wisconsin State Law Library confirms that the Register of Deeds handles birth, marriage, and death records; real estate records; termination of decedent's property interest; and registered firm names, among other functions.
Legal Framework:
Wisconsin property recording law is governed primarily by Wis. Stat. § 706.05, which establishes the requirements for recording conveyances and other instruments affecting real property. Under this statute, recorded instruments provide constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. The Wisconsin Open Records Law, codified at Wis. Stat. § 19.35, further guarantees public access to government records, including property records maintained by county offices.
Are Property Records Public Information in Waushara County?
Property records in Waushara County are public information. Under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, any person may inspect or obtain copies of public records maintained by government agencies, including property records held by the Register of Deeds, the Treasurer's Office, and the Land Information Office. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access these records.
As the Wisconsin State Law Library notes in its guidance on open government, "the presumption is that all government records are open to the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies." Property records fall squarely within this presumption of openness.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Wisconsin Open Records Law, Wis. Stat. § 19.35
- Wisconsin recording statutes, Wis. Stat. § 706.05
- Common law tradition of public land records
- Centuries-old American practice of open property recording
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency in property ownership serves multiple public interests. The public has a right to know who owns real property within the county, and open records prevent fraudulent transfers and secret encumbrances. The recording system provides constructive notice—meaning that once a document is recorded, all subsequent parties are legally presumed to have knowledge of its contents, regardless of whether they have actually reviewed it.
Commercial and legal uses of property records are equally significant. Title companies, lenders, appraisers, and real estate attorneys rely on open access to property records to conduct title searches, issue title insurance, and facilitate real estate transactions. Researchers, journalists, genealogists, and members of the general public also make regular use of these records.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
While property records are public, certain personal information is protected. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under Wisconsin law. Certain individuals—including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking—may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under Wisconsin's Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the Register of Deeds or Treasurer's Office can provide guidance on applicable policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access Waushara County property records, including:
- Prospective buyers and sellers
- Real estate agents and brokers
- Title companies and abstractors
- Lenders and financial institutions
- Attorneys and legal researchers
- Property owners reviewing their own records
- Investors and developers
- Genealogists and historians
- Journalists and media organizations
- Out-of-state and foreign inquirers
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial use of public property records is permitted under Wisconsin law. Title insurance companies, data aggregators, and real estate information services routinely compile and resell property record data. Anti-harassment laws and fair housing statutes continue to apply regardless of the public nature of the underlying records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Waushara County?
The cost to obtain property records in Waushara County depends on the type of record requested and the method of access. Viewing records in person or online through the county's GIS portal is free of charge. Fees apply when requesting physical copies or certified documents.
Current Fee Schedule — Waushara County Register of Deeds:
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of recorded document (per page) | $2.00 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $5.00 per document + $2.00 per page |
| Recording a document (first page) | $30.00 |
| Recording a document (each additional page) | $2.00 |
| Transfer return (real estate transfer fee) | $3.00 per $1,000 of value |
These fees are established pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 59.43, which governs the fee schedule for the Register of Deeds. Fees are subject to change by the Wisconsin Legislature or county board action.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Online viewing of parcel data through the county GIS portal
- In-person inspection of records at the Register of Deeds office
- Basic property information through the Land Information Office
- Tax payment status through the Treasurer's Office
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check (payable to Waushara County Register of Deeds)
- Money order
- Credit and debit cards (availability may vary; confirm with the office)
Fee Waiver Provisions:
Wisconsin law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. However, government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations may be entitled to reduced fees in specific circumstances. Members of the public seeking fee waivers should submit a written request to the Register of Deeds explaining the basis for the waiver request.
Tax Record Fees:
The Waushara County Treasurer's Office may charge nominal fees for printed copies of tax bills or payment history records. Online access to current tax information is provided at no charge through the county's official website.
What's Included in a Waushara County Property Record?
A complete Waushara County property record contains multiple categories of information drawn from the Register of Deeds, the Land Information Office, and the Treasurer's Office.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners of record, the type of ownership (individual, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, trust, LLC, or corporation), the acquisition date, and the deed instrument number. Previous ownership information provides the chain of title, listing prior owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification:
Each parcel is identified by a unique parcel ID number, a site address, a legal description (including lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and section/township/range where applicable), and a tax account number.
Physical Characteristics:
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, zoning classification, and land use designation. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction materials, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, garage type and capacity, and additional features such as pools, fireplaces, and outbuildings.
Valuation Information:
Assessment records include the land value, building value, total assessed value, and market value estimate. The 2025 Real Estate Equated Assessment Roll for Waushara County, published by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, provides the equated assessment data used for state aid calculations and reflects the acreage and value of property subject to general property tax throughout the county.
Tax Information:
Tax records include the current year tax amount, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, and special districts), payment status, and tax payment history. Delinquency records and tax certificate information are also maintained.
Sales History:
Sales history records document prior transfers, including sale dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed), grantor and grantee names, and document instrument numbers.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded encumbrances include current mortgages (with original amounts, lender names, and recording dates), tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, easements, deed restrictions, and lis pendens notices.
Legal and Regulatory Information:
Zoning classification, land use code, school district assignment, fire district, water district, and flood zone designation (FEMA) are included in the property record. Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants are accessible through the Register of Deeds.
Maps and Images:
Visual information includes aerial photographs, GIS maps with property boundaries, plat maps, and property sketches where available.
What Is Not Typically Included:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Interior photographs
- Confidential exemption application details
- Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
- Private agreements not recorded with the Register of Deeds
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Waushara County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Waushara County are maintained permanently. The Register of Deeds is required by Wisconsin law to preserve all recorded instruments affecting real property indefinitely, as these records form the legal foundation for chain of title and cannot be destroyed without statutory authority.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
Wisconsin's public records retention law, administered by the Public Records Board, establishes retention schedules for government records. Recorded instruments—including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements—are classified as permanent records under the applicable Wisconsin Public Records Board retention schedule. This classification reflects the legal necessity of maintaining an unbroken chain of title from original land grants to the present day.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- All plats, subdivision plats, and re-plats
- All recorded easements, restrictions, and covenants
- All condominium declarations
- All court documents affecting title
- All powers of attorney affecting real property
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Waushara County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording. Very old records are preserved in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records may be available on microfilm. More recent records are maintained as digital scans within an electronic document management system. The Register of Deeds maintains climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm records and employs off-site backup systems for digital records.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20+ years) | Online access through county portal |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | Microfilm or digital; staff retrieval |
| Historical (50+ years) | Original books or microfilm; in-person access |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Property Appraiser and Assessment Records:
Assessment rolls and property cards are maintained permanently by the Land Information Office. Recent assessment history is accessible online through the county's GIS portal. Historical assessment records are available at the office upon request.
Tax Records:
The Treasurer's Office retains tax payment records for a minimum of seven years. Tax deed records are maintained permanently. Delinquency records are retained for several years following resolution.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking historical property records should contact the Register of Deeds directly. Staff can retrieve records from storage, including original books and microfilm. For very old records, advance notice is recommended. Standard copy fees apply regardless of the age of the record.
Waushara County Register of Deeds
209 S. Saint Marie Street
Wautoma, WI 54982
Phone: (920) 787-0444
Register of Deeds
Preservation Efforts:
Many Wisconsin counties, including Waushara, participate in ongoing digitization projects to scan historical record books and microfilm and make them accessible online. These efforts are supported in part by state land information grants administered through the Wisconsin Department of Administration.
How To Find Liens on Property in Waushara County?
Liens on property in Waushara County are recorded instruments and are therefore accessible through the Register of Deeds as part of the public property record. A lien search requires reviewing the grantor/grantee index maintained by the Register of Deeds for any recorded encumbrances against a specific parcel or property owner.
Types of Liens Recorded in Waushara County:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Wisconsin Department of Revenue)
- Judgment liens arising from court proceedings
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors or materialmen
- HOA assessment liens
- Child support liens
- Municipal code enforcement liens
Step-by-Step Lien Search Process:
- Contact the Waushara County Register of Deeds at (920) 787-0444 or visit the office at 209 S. Saint Marie Street, Wautoma, WI 54982
- Request access to the grantor index and search under the property owner's name
- Review all recorded instruments associated with the owner's name for the relevant time period
- Identify any documents classified as liens, judgments, or encumbrances
- Request copies of any lien documents identified, noting the instrument number and recording date
- For federal tax liens, also search the records of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, as federal tax liens are filed with both the Register of Deeds and the DFI
- For judgment liens, review Waushara County Circuit Court records through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access provides free online access to civil judgment records, which may give rise to judgment liens when docketed with the county. Members of the public may search by party name to identify judgments that could affect property ownership.
Federal Tax Liens:
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the county Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. These liens attach to all real and personal property owned by the taxpayer at the time of filing and to property acquired thereafter. Federal tax lien searches may also be conducted through the IRS's online lien search resources.
State Tax Liens:
Wisconsin state tax liens are filed by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and recorded with the Register of Deeds. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue maintains information on state tax lien procedures.
Mechanic's Liens:
Under Wisconsin law, contractors, subcontractors, and materialmen who have provided labor or materials for improvements to real property may file a mechanic's lien with the Register of Deeds. These liens must be filed within specific statutory deadlines and are searchable through the grantor/grantee index.
Professional Lien Searches:
Title companies and licensed abstractors conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. These professionals review the full chain of title and all recorded encumbrances to identify any liens that must be resolved prior to closing a real estate transaction.
Waushara County Register of Deeds
209 S. Saint Marie Street
Wautoma, WI 54982
Phone: (920) 787-0444
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Register of Deeds
What Is Property Owner Rule in Waushara County?
The property owner rule in Waushara County refers to the body of Wisconsin statutes, county ordinances, and common law principles that govern the rights, responsibilities, and limitations of real property ownership within the county. Property ownership in Wisconsin is subject to both state law and local regulations administered by Waushara County and its constituent municipalities.
Fundamental Property Rights Under Wisconsin Law:
Wisconsin recognizes the constitutional right to own, use, and transfer real property. Property owners hold the right to possess, use, enjoy, and dispose of their property, subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and other encumbrances of record. The Wisconsin Constitution, Article I, Section 13, provides that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.
Recording Requirements:
Under Wis. Stat. § 706.05, conveyances of real property in Wisconsin must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located to be effective against subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. An unrecorded conveyance is valid between the parties but does not provide constructive notice to third parties.
Transfer of Ownership:
Property ownership in Waushara County is transferred by deed, which must meet the formal requirements of Wisconsin law, including a legal description of the property, the names of the grantor and grantee, and the grantor's signature acknowledged before a notary public. The deed must be accompanied by a completed Real Estate Transfer Return (Form PE-500) and the applicable real estate transfer fee of $3.00 per $1,000 of value, as required by Wisconsin law.
Property Tax Obligations:
Property owners in Waushara County are subject to annual property tax assessments administered by local assessors and collected by the Treasurer's Office. The first installment of property taxes is due to the local municipality by January 31; the second installment is due to the Waushara County Treasurer by July 31. As confirmed by the Town of Marion's property tax guidance, the second half of property tax payments is processed by the Waushara County Treasurer's Office.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
Property use in Waushara County is regulated by the county's zoning ordinance, administered by the Waushara County Land Conservation and Zoning Department. The Waushara County Land and Water Resource Management Plan, adopted in December 2021, reflects the county's integrated approach to land use planning, erosion control, and natural resource management. Property owners must comply with applicable zoning classifications, setback requirements, and land use designations when developing or modifying their property.
Waushara County Land Conservation and Zoning
209 S. Saint Marie Street
Wautoma, WI 54982
Phone: (920) 787-0458
Land Conservation and Zoning
Adverse Possession:
Wisconsin law recognizes adverse possession as a means of acquiring title to real property. Under Wisconsin statutes, a person who openly, notoriously, continuously, and exclusively possesses real property under a claim of right for a period of 20 years may acquire legal title through a court action. Property owners should be aware of this doctrine when monitoring the use of their land.
Riparian Rights:
Waushara County contains numerous lakes, rivers, and streams. Wisconsin recognizes riparian rights for property owners whose land abuts navigable waters. These rights include the right of access to the water, the right to wharf out to navigable depth, and the right to reasonable use of the water, subject to the public trust doctrine administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Homestead Protections:
Wisconsin law provides homestead protections for owner-occupied residential property. The homestead exemption protects a portion of the value of a primary residence from certain creditor claims. Property owners may also apply for the Wisconsin Lottery and Gaming Credit, which provides a credit against property taxes on an owner-occupied primary residence.
Eminent Domain:
Government entities in Wisconsin may acquire private property through eminent domain for public use, subject to the payment of just compensation as required by the Wisconsin Constitution and applicable state statutes. Property owners subject to condemnation proceedings have the right to contest the amount of compensation offered.