Fond du Lac County Property Records
What Is Fond du Lac County Property Records
Property records in Fond du Lac County are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns land and buildings throughout Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to establish legal ownership through a documented chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Under Wisconsin Statute § 59.43, county registers of deeds are required to record, file, and maintain various instruments related to real property. This statute establishes the legal framework for property recording in Fond du Lac County and throughout Wisconsin. The Register of Deeds office serves as the central repository for these vital records.
Property records maintained by Fond du Lac County include:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Land contracts
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Plats and certified survey maps
- Tax liens and other encumbrances
- Condominium declarations
The Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds maintains these records to ensure transparency in property ownership and to protect the interests of property owners, lenders, and the general public.
Are Property Records Public Information In Fond du Lac County?
Property records in Fond du Lac County are indeed public information, accessible to anyone without the need to demonstrate a specific interest or reason for access. This public access is mandated by both Wisconsin's Public Records Law § 19.31-19.39 and the specific property recording statutes under Wisconsin Statute § 59.43.
The legal basis for this public access rests on several important principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes explicitly require public accessibility to property records
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research
Wisconsin's Public Records Law specifically states 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 principle extends to property records, which document not only private ownership but also the official acts of government in recording and maintaining these records.
The Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds is the designated custodian of these public records and is required by law to make them available for inspection and copying during regular business hours. While access to the records is guaranteed by law, certain fees may apply for copies or certified documents as permitted under Wisconsin statutes.
Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds
City-County Government Center
160 S. Macy Street, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 929-3018
Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds
How To Search Property Records in Fond du Lac County in 2026
Searching property records in Fond du Lac County can be accomplished through several methods, each offering different levels of convenience and detail. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property records:
Online Search Portal:
- Visit the Fond du Lac County Land Records Portal
- Create a user account if conducting advanced searches
- Enter search criteria such as property address, owner name, or parcel number
- Review search results and select the property of interest
- Access available documents and property information
In-Person Research:
- Visit the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Request assistance from staff to locate specific property records
- Use public terminals available for searching the county's land records database
- Submit requests for copies of documents as needed
Mail or Email Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Register of Deeds office
- Include specific information about the property (address, parcel number, owner name)
- Provide contact information and specify preferred delivery method
- Include payment for any applicable fees (check or money order)
For complex property research, the county offers access to historical records that may not be available online. These records can be accessed with staff assistance at the Register of Deeds office. Additionally, the Fond du Lac County GIS mapping system provides visual representations of property boundaries and related information.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.43(2m), the county maintains a land information system that integrates property records with geographic information, making comprehensive property data available to the public.
How To Find Property Records in Fond du Lac County Online?
Fond du Lac County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These online resources allow members of the public to conduct research remotely at any time. The following steps outline the process for finding property records online:
Using the Land Records Portal:
- Navigate to the Fond du Lac County Land Information Portal
- Select the appropriate search option based on available information:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel identification number
- Document number
- Enter the search criteria in the designated fields
- Review the search results and select the property of interest
- Access available property information, including ownership details, tax information, and document images
Using the GIS Mapping System:
- Visit the Fond du Lac County GIS Portal
- Use the map navigation tools to locate the property of interest
- Click on the property to view basic information
- Access links to more detailed property records when available
- Utilize the measurement and printing tools for additional functionality
Using the Tax Information System:
- Access the Fond du Lac County Tax Information System
- Search by parcel number, owner name, or property address
- Review tax assessment information, payment history, and property details
- Access links to related property documents when available
For documents not available online or for certified copies, users may need to contact the Register of Deeds office directly. While many recent documents are digitized and accessible online, some historical records may only be available through in-person research.
Fond du Lac County Land Information Office
City-County Government Center
160 S. Macy Street, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 929-3139
Fond du Lac County Land Information
How To Look Up Fond du Lac County Property Records for Free?
Fond du Lac County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost. While certain services and document copies may incur fees, the following methods allow for free access to basic property information:
Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours
- Use the public computer terminals provided at no charge
- Search property records using the county's database system
- View document images and property information on-screen
- Note that printing or obtaining certified copies will incur fees
Online Basic Search:
- Access the Fond du Lac County Real Estate Tax Parcel database for free
- Conduct basic searches without creating an account
- View limited property information at no cost
- Access property tax assessment data and ownership information
- Note that some advanced features may require registration
Public Library Access:
- Visit the Fond du Lac Public Library
- Use public computers to access county property record websites
- Receive assistance from library staff if needed
- Access digital archives of local property information
GIS Mapping System:
- Use the Fond du Lac County GIS mapping portal at no cost
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and basic ownership information
- Access aerial photography and other mapping layers
- Identify neighboring properties and geographic features
While basic property information is available at no cost, fees apply for document copies, certified records, and some advanced search features. According to Wisconsin Statute § 59.43(2)(i), the Register of Deeds is authorized to collect statutory fees for copies and certified documents. Current fee schedules are available on the county website or by contacting the Register of Deeds office directly.
What's Included in a Fond du Lac County Property Record?
Property records in Fond du Lac County contain comprehensive information about real property within the county's jurisdiction. Real property refers to land and anything permanently attached to it, such as buildings and fixtures, as distinguished from personal property, which includes movable items not attached to land.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 706.05, property records must contain specific information to be properly recorded. A typical Fond du Lac County property record includes:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner's full legal name
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
- Deed references and recording information
Property Identification:
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description of the property
- Property address
- Lot and block numbers (if in a platted subdivision)
- Section, township, and range information
Physical Characteristics:
- Property dimensions and acreage
- Building descriptions and improvements
- Year of construction
- Building square footage
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Construction materials and quality
Financial Information:
- Assessed value
- Fair market value
- Purchase price (from transfer returns)
- Current tax information
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments
Encumbrances and Restrictions:
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Homeowners association information
These records are maintained by multiple county offices, including the Register of Deeds, County Assessor, and Treasurer, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation. The integration of these records provides a comprehensive view of each property's legal status, physical characteristics, and financial obligations.
How Long Does Fond du Lac County Keep Property Records?
Fond du Lac County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Wisconsin state law and administrative rules. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important property information while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records.
Under Wisconsin Statute § 59.52(4) and the Wisconsin Public Records Board's General Records Schedules, property records are subject to specific retention requirements:
Permanent Retention Records:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Plats and certified survey maps
- Condominium declarations
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Original land patents and government surveys
- Subdivision plats
Long-Term Retention Records (7-75 years):
- Tax rolls and assessment records (7 years after created)
- Special assessment records (7 years after final payment)
- Building permits (life of structure plus 7 years)
- Property tax payment records (15 years)
- Zoning variance records (permanent for approved, 7 years for denied)
Medium-Term Retention Records (3-7 years):
- Property inspection reports (7 years)
- Temporary easements (3 years after expiration)
- Building code violation records (7 years after compliance)
- Property maintenance complaints (7 years after resolution)
The Register of Deeds office has implemented digital preservation systems to ensure the long-term accessibility of property records. Many historical records have been digitized to protect them from physical deterioration while maintaining their legal validity.
For research purposes, the county maintains microfilm backups of essential property records as a redundant preservation measure. These preservation efforts ensure that property records remain available for future generations, even as technology and storage methods evolve.
How To Find Liens on Property In Fond du Lac County?
Liens on property in Fond du Lac County are public records that indicate claims against a property due to unpaid debts or obligations. Members of the public may search for liens through several methods provided by county offices. The following procedures outline how to locate lien information:
Register of Deeds Search:
- Visit the Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds office or online portal
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review the property's chain of title for recorded liens
- Check for specific lien types:
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Tax liens
- Child support liens
- Federal tax liens
Circuit Court Records:
- Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal
- Search by the property owner's name
- Review civil judgments that may have resulted in liens
- Note any money judgments that could attach to real property
Tax Lien Search:
- Contact the Fond du Lac County Treasurer
- Provide the property address or parcel number
- Request information about delinquent property taxes
- Inquire about special assessments or municipal liens
Federal Tax Lien Search:
- Visit the Register of Deeds office in person
- Request a search of federal tax lien records
- Provide the property owner's name
- Review any federal tax liens filed against the property owner
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 779.97, liens must be properly filed with the appropriate county office to be legally effective against real property. The statute specifies filing requirements for different types of liens, ensuring that these claims are properly documented and accessible to the public.
Fond du Lac County Treasurer
City-County Government Center
160 S. Macy Street, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 929-3010
Fond du Lac County Treasurer
What Is Property Owner Rule In Fond du Lac County?
The Property Owner Rule in Fond du Lac County refers to the regulations governing property ownership, rights, and responsibilities within the county. These rules are established through a combination of state statutes, county ordinances, and local regulations that collectively define the legal framework for property ownership.
Under Wisconsin Statute § 706.02, several key provisions apply to property ownership in Fond du Lac County:
Ownership Documentation Requirements:
- All conveyances of real property must be in writing
- Documents must identify the parties involved (grantor and grantee)
- Legal descriptions must accurately identify the property
- Documents must be properly signed by the parties or their authorized representatives
- Conveyances must be properly witnessed and acknowledged
- Documents must be recorded with the Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice
Property Rights and Restrictions:
- Property owners have the right to use, enjoy, and dispose of their property
- These rights are subject to zoning regulations, building codes, and other local ordinances
- Easements, covenants, and deed restrictions may limit property use
- Property owners must comply with Fond du Lac County Zoning Ordinances
- Special regulations apply to properties in shoreland, floodplain, or environmentally sensitive areas
Ownership Disclosure Requirements:
- Property sellers must provide Real Estate Condition Reports
- Disclosure of known defects is required by state law
- Failure to disclose may result in legal liability
- Property transfers require Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Returns
Tax Responsibilities:
- Property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
- Tax bills are typically issued in December
- Payments may be made in full or in installments
- Delinquent taxes may result in tax liens and eventual foreclosure
The Fond du Lac County Land Use Planning Committee and Zoning Department administer many of these regulations, ensuring compliance with property use restrictions and building requirements. Property owners should consult with these offices before undertaking significant changes to their property to ensure compliance with all applicable rules.
Fond du Lac County Planning and Zoning Department
City-County Government Center
160 S. Macy Street, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 929-3139
Fond du Lac County Planning and Zoning