Milwaukee County Property Records
What Is Milwaukee County Property Records
Milwaukee County property records constitute official government documents that record and track the ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership history and current status for all parcels of land and attached structures within county boundaries. Property records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.43, which establishes the duties of the Register of Deeds regarding the recording and maintenance of property documents.
The primary purposes of Milwaukee County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership through documentation of the chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests and encumbrances
- Protecting property rights through official documentation
- Facilitating real estate transactions by providing reliable ownership information
- Supporting property taxation through accurate ownership records
- Enabling property valuation through historical transaction data
The Milwaukee County Register of Deeds serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining a comprehensive system of property documentation in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 706.05, which governs the formal requisites for recording property instruments.
Milwaukee County Register of Deeds
901 N. 9th Street, Room 103
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4021
Milwaukee County Register of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Milwaukee County?
Property records in Milwaukee County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Wisconsin law. The public nature of these records is established by the Wisconsin Public Records Law, specifically Wisconsin Statute § 19.31-19.39, which declares that providing citizens with the greatest possible information about government affairs is a fundamental principle of democracy.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Wisconsin Statute § 59.43(4), which mandates that registers of deeds must permit any person to examine and copy any recorded documents during office hours
- The principle that property ownership is inherently a matter of public record to establish clear title and prevent fraud
- The recognition that transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by facilitating commerce and protecting property rights
- The statutory requirement that recording of property transfers must be accessible to provide constructive notice to all parties
Any member of the public may access Milwaukee County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects Wisconsin's strong commitment to government transparency and public information access as articulated in Wisconsin Statute § 19.31, which states that the public records law "shall be construed in every instance with a presumption of complete public access."
How To Search Property Records in Milwaukee County in 2026
Milwaukee County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:
Online Search Options:
- Access the Milwaukee County Land Records Portal through the Register of Deeds website
- Navigate to the Property Search function and select the appropriate search criteria
- Enter relevant information such as property address, owner name, or parcel identification number
- Review search results and select specific records for detailed information
- Download or print available documents for a nominal fee
In-Person Search Methods:
- Visit the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Request assistance from staff at the public service counter
- Use public terminals to conduct searches independently
- Submit specific document requests using the appropriate request form
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents
Mail or Email Requests:
- Complete the official Records Request Form available on the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds website
- Include specific information about the property records being requested
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Include payment for applicable fees as detailed on the request form
- Submit the completed form via mail or email to the Register of Deeds office
Milwaukee County Register of Deeds
901 N. 9th Street, Room 103
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4021
Milwaukee County Register of Deeds
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.43(2)(b), the Register of Deeds maintains an index system that allows for efficient retrieval of property records by grantor, grantee, document type, and property location.
How To Find Property Records in Milwaukee County Online?
Milwaukee County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The following step-by-step process enables efficient online property record searches:
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Access the Milwaukee County Land Information Office (MCLIO) Interactive Mapping Service at MCLIO Map Milwaukee
- This platform provides integrated property information including ownership, assessment, and tax data
- No login is required for basic property information searches
- Advanced features may require registration for professional users
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Utilize the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds Online Records Access:
- Navigate to the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds website
- Select "Search Records Online" from the available options
- Create a user account if accessing non-public documents or ordering certified copies
- Search by name, document type, recording date, or document number
- View document images for a nominal fee per document
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Access the City of Milwaukee Property Assessment Database at Milwaukee Property Assessment Data:
- Enter an address or tax key number in the search field
- Review property characteristics, assessment history, and ownership information
- Access links to related property tax information
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Search the Milwaukee County Treasurer's Property Tax Portal:
- Visit the Milwaukee County Treasurer website
- Select "Property Tax Information" from the available services
- Search by address, owner name, or tax key number
- View current and historical tax information, including payment status
When conducting online searches, users should note that while basic property information is generally available at no cost, fees may apply for viewing or downloading document images, obtaining certified copies, or accessing certain specialized records. All online access is provided in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 59.43(4)(c), which authorizes counties to provide electronic access to public records.
How To Look Up Milwaukee County Property Records for Free?
Milwaukee County residents and interested parties can access certain property records at no cost through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide free access to basic property information:
Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Milwaukee County Courthouse and use the public terminals located in the Register of Deeds office
- These terminals provide free access to basic property information including ownership records, property characteristics, and recorded documents
- Staff members are available to assist with navigating the search system
- While viewing basic information is free, printing or obtaining certified copies will incur standard fees
Milwaukee County Register of Deeds
901 N. 9th Street, Room 103
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4021
Milwaukee County Register of Deeds
Online Free Resources:
- The Milwaukee County Land Information Office provides free access to basic property information through their public GIS portal
- The City of Milwaukee offers free property assessment data through their Property Assessment Database
- Basic ownership information, property characteristics, and assessment values are available without charge
- Document images and detailed historical records may require payment of nominal fees
Public Libraries:
- Milwaukee County public libraries offer free internet access and assistance with navigating public records websites
- Library staff can help direct patrons to appropriate online resources for property information
- Some libraries maintain reference materials related to property research and local history
Milwaukee Public Library - Central Library
814 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 286-3000
Milwaukee Public Library
Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), the public has a right to inspect public records during regular office hours. While inspection is free, agencies may charge the "actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction, which explains why viewing basic information is free while obtaining copies may incur fees.
What's Included in a Milwaukee County Property Record?
Milwaukee County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the Register of Deeds, Assessor's Office, and Treasurer's Office, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.
Property records in Milwaukee County typically include:
Ownership Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty, trustee's)
- Land contracts and installment sales agreements
- Transfer returns documenting sale prices and conditions
- Death certificates affecting property ownership
- Court orders affecting title (divorce decrees, probate orders)
- Powers of attorney related to property transactions
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Construction liens and lien releases
- Tax liens and releases
- Judgment liens affecting real property
- Mechanics' liens for unpaid construction work
- Lis pendens notices of pending litigation
Property Description Documents:
- Certified survey maps
- Subdivision plats
- Condominium declarations and amendments
- Easements and right-of-way agreements
- Restrictive covenants and deed restrictions
- Boundary agreements between adjacent owners
Assessment and Taxation Information:
- Property classification (residential, commercial, agricultural)
- Assessed value history
- Tax payment records
- Special assessment information
- Tax exemption status
- Property improvement details
The content and maintenance of these records are governed by Wisconsin Statute § 706.05, which establishes the formal requirements for recording instruments affecting real estate. Additionally, Wisconsin Statute § 77.22 requires the filing of a real estate transfer return with the Register of Deeds for most property transfers, providing valuable transaction data.
It is important to note that Milwaukee County distinguishes between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets) in its record-keeping systems, with the records described above pertaining specifically to real property.
How Long Does Milwaukee County Keep Property Records?
Milwaukee County maintains property records in perpetuity for most essential documents related to property ownership and transfers. The retention of these records is governed by the Wisconsin Public Records Board and specific retention requirements established in Wisconsin Statute § 59.43(12), which mandates that registers of deeds must "safely keep and return to the party entitled thereto, on demand within a reasonable time, every instrument that is properly filed for record with the register of deeds."
The retention periods for various property-related documents in Milwaukee County include:
- Deeds, mortgages, and instruments affecting title: Permanent retention
- Plats and certified survey maps: Permanent retention
- Condominium declarations and amendments: Permanent retention
- Real estate transfer returns: Permanent retention (confidential portions redacted after 10 years)
- Tax liens: Retained until satisfied plus 30 years
- Construction liens: Retained until satisfied plus 30 years
- Lis pendens notices: Retained until final disposition of case plus 20 years
- Powers of attorney: Permanent retention
- Military discharge records affecting property: Permanent retention
- Property tax records: 7 years after final payment, with assessment rolls retained permanently
- Building permits and inspection records: Retained for life of structure plus 7 years
The Milwaukee County Register of Deeds has implemented a comprehensive digital archiving system to preserve historical property records, with documents dating back to the county's formation in 1835. This digitization effort ensures the long-term preservation of these vital records while improving public accessibility.
The county's retention practices comply with the Wisconsin Public Records Law and specific retention schedules approved by the Wisconsin Public Records Board. These schedules establish minimum retention periods, though many property records are maintained permanently due to their ongoing legal and historical significance.
How To Find Liens on Property In Milwaukee County?
Identifying liens and encumbrances on Milwaukee County properties requires searching multiple official records repositories. Members of the public may utilize the following methods to conduct comprehensive lien searches:
Milwaukee County Register of Deeds Search:
- Access the Register of Deeds online records portal through the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds website
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review results for recorded liens, including:
- Mortgage liens
- Construction liens
- Judgment liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Municipal special assessment liens
- Note document numbers and recording dates for all identified liens
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Records:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website (CCAP)
- Search by property owner name
- Review civil judgments, which may constitute liens on real property
- Note case numbers and judgment dates for further research
Milwaukee County Treasurer's Office:
- Access the Milwaukee County Treasurer website
- Search property tax records by address or tax key number
- Identify any delinquent property taxes, which constitute automatic liens
- Note amounts and years of any tax delinquencies
In-Person Comprehensive Search: For the most thorough lien search, visit the following offices in person:
Milwaukee County Register of Deeds
901 N. 9th Street, Room 103
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4021
Milwaukee County Register of Deeds
Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
901 N. 9th Street, Room G-8
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4120
Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
Milwaukee County Treasurer
901 N. 9th Street, Room 103
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4033
Milwaukee County Treasurer
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 779.07, construction liens must be filed with the clerk of circuit court and recorded with the register of deeds to be valid, illustrating why searching multiple offices is necessary for a comprehensive lien search.
Professional title companies also offer lien search services for a fee, which may be advisable for complex properties or transactions requiring title insurance.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Milwaukee County?
The Property Owner Rule in Milwaukee County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, recording requirements, and the rights and responsibilities of property owners. These rules are established through Wisconsin state statutes and Milwaukee County ordinances.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Recording Requirements:
- All documents affecting real property interests must be recorded with the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to third parties
- Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 706.05, documents must meet specific formatting requirements to be accepted for recording
- Recording establishes priority of interests based on the date and time of recording
- Unrecorded documents remain valid between the parties but may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers or creditors
Ownership Disclosure Requirements:
- Milwaukee County requires transparency in property ownership
- Corporate and LLC owners must register their legal entity with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
- Property tax bills are sent to the owner of record as established in the Register of Deeds office
- Property owners must update their address information with the county when it changes
Property Maintenance Responsibilities:
- Property owners are legally responsible for maintaining their properties in compliance with local building codes and ordinances
- Failure to maintain property may result in municipal citations, fines, or special assessments
- Property owners are responsible for sidewalk maintenance adjacent to their property
- Snow and ice removal requirements apply to all property owners
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
- Tax bills are typically issued in December with payment options including full payment or installments
- Failure to pay property taxes results in automatic tax liens and potential foreclosure
- Property tax appeals must follow specific procedures and timelines established by state law
Transfer Disclosure Requirements:
- When selling property, owners must complete a Real Estate Transfer Return disclosing sale price and conditions
- Residential property sellers must provide a Real Estate Condition Report to potential buyers
- Certain property transfers between family members or entities with common ownership may be exempt from transfer fees
These property ownership rules are enforced through various Milwaukee County departments, including the Register of Deeds, Treasurer's Office, and Department of Administrative Services. The rules aim to ensure clear property rights, transparent ownership records, and proper maintenance of properties throughout the county.