Did you know that Wisconsin’s earliest deed was dated in 1793 and officially recorded in Brown County in 1828? Recognizing the importance of public land records, the Register of Deeds office was established in 1836, and in 1848 our constitution designated it as a permanent component of county government. Registers of Deeds are elected every four years, with vacancies appointed by the Governor.
Despite our long history, many people remain unaware of the vital role of their local Register of Deeds. Our responsibility as a constitutional officer is to faithfully discharge the statutory duties of the office mainly identified in Wis. Stats. 59.43 and 69. Registers not only preserve history but also play a significant role in the legal framework that supports property rights and vital records.
Over time, records have evolved from handwritten transcripts to photocopies, scanned images, and now fully electronic submissions, reflecting significant technological progress. These advancements have strengthened protections for our office and the people we serve particularly in property fraud notifications and cybersecurity. Register of Deeds remain committed to improving service quality to support effective record management and to protect constituents.
The Wisconsin Register of Deeds Association (WRDA) was established in 1918 and continues to collaborate with a diverse network of business partners across government and private sectors to enhance and improve our services. Strengthening our connections with legislators has always been a priority for the WRDA. Most notably, this past year, we focused on ensuring that ACT 235 was written in a way that allows for effective implementation in our offices while also protecting the best interests of our constituents.
Register of Deeds must interpret and implement Wisconsin statutes daily in the recording of land records. Land records serve as the foundation for real estate transactions, tax rolls, GIS mapping, zoning, and other essential county functions. In 2024 alone, over $907 billion* in real property ownership records were maintained across Wisconsin.
Register of Deeds are custodians of vital records, including birth, marriage, divorce and death records. The Register of Deeds files and issues certified copies of these records that are crucial to the community and to its citizens. Statewide issuance of these records allows our constituents access at any Register of Deeds office. Having access to these records at your local office is convenient when trying to obtain driver’s licenses, insurance, marriage licenses, or even apply for a new job.
As a constitutional officer, Register of Deeds are dedicated to strengthening Wisconsin, safeguarding critical records, and ensuring they remain accessible for generations to come.
*2024 equalized value of real property, WI Dept. of Revenue