Racine County Property Records
What Is Racine County Property Records
Property records in Racine County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout Racine County, Wisconsin.
Property records maintained by Racine County fulfill several essential functions:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Provide public notice of property interests
- Protect property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitate real estate transactions
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Enable mortgage lending and title insurance
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43, the Racine County Register of Deeds is responsible for recording, maintaining, and providing access to these vital property records. The statute mandates that the Register of Deeds "shall record and file all deeds, mortgages, maps, instruments and writings authorized by law to be recorded in his or her office."
The primary repository for Racine County property records is the Register of Deeds office:
Racine County Register of Deeds
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3208
Racine County Register of Deeds
Property records in Racine County date back to the county's formation in 1836, with the earliest records being handwritten documents that have since been preserved through various conservation and digitization efforts.
Are Property Records Public Information In Racine County?
Property records in Racine County are public information, accessible to all citizens without restriction. This public access is guaranteed under both Wisconsin state law and county regulations. The legal foundation for this public access is established in Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39, known as the Wisconsin Public Records Law, which declares 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."
The public nature of property records serves several important purposes:
- Ensures transparency in land ownership and transfers
- Provides notice of property interests to potential buyers and creditors
- Protects property rights by creating an official record of ownership
- Facilitates real estate transactions and property development
- Supports property tax assessment and collection
Any member of the public may access Racine County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the records or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects the fundamental principle that property ownership is inherently a matter of public record in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access government records, including property records, noting in Newspapers, Inc. v. Breier that the public records law "reflects a basic tenet of the democratic system that the people have a right to know about the activities of their government."
While property records are public, certain personal information contained within these records may be subject to redaction under privacy laws, particularly when records are made available online.
How To Search Property Records in Racine County in 2026
Racine County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:
In-Person Searches:
- Visit the Racine County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a records request form, available at the public counter.
- Provide specific information about the property (address, parcel number, or owner name).
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records.
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents.
Racine County Register of Deeds
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3208
Racine County Register of Deeds
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the Records Request Form.
- Include specific information about the property records needed.
- Enclose the appropriate fee payment (check or money order).
- Mail the request to the Register of Deeds office.
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing and return mail.
Email Requests:
- Email the Register of Deeds office at registerofdeeds@racinecounty.com.
- Include detailed information about the records being requested.
- Staff will respond with information about available records and fees.
- Payment can be made by credit card over the phone.
- Records can be delivered electronically or by mail.
For property tax records and assessments, the Racine County Treasurer's Office maintains separate records:
Racine County Treasurer's Office
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3239
Racine County Treasurer
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 59.72(5), Racine County also maintains a Land Information Office that provides geographic information system (GIS) data related to property boundaries and characteristics.
How To Find Property Records in Racine County Online?
Racine County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These online resources allow users to search and retrieve property information without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resources for Racine County property records include:
-
Racine County Land Records System
- Visit the Racine County Land Records Portal
- Create a free account or log in as a guest user
- Search by address, parcel ID, or owner name
- Access property information, tax data, and GIS maps
- View and print unofficial copies of property records
-
Register of Deeds Online Records Search
- Navigate to the Racine County Register of Deeds website
- Select "Search Records Online"
- Create an account or continue as a guest
- Search by grantor/grantee name, document type, or recording date
- Access document images for a nominal fee
-
Racine County Property Tax Portal
- Access the Racine County Treasurer's property tax search
- Search by parcel number, address, or owner name
- View current and historical tax information
- Access assessment values and tax payment history
-
Wisconsin Land Records Portal
- Visit the Wisconsin Land Information Association portal
- Select Racine County from the county list
- Access statewide property information integrated with county records
When using online systems, users should note that:
- Some records may require payment to view or download
- Certified copies can only be obtained from the Register of Deeds office
- Historical records prior to digitization may not be available online
- System maintenance may occasionally limit access during off-hours
The online systems are regularly updated to reflect new recordings, typically within 1-3 business days of document processing at the Register of Deeds office.
How To Look Up Racine County Property Records for Free?
Racine County offers several options for accessing property records at no cost. These free resources provide basic property information, though some limitations may apply to the depth and format of available data.
Free access options include:
-
Public Access Terminals
- Visit the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours
- Use the public computer terminals provided at no charge
- Search the complete database of county property records
- View document images and property information
- Print copies for a nominal fee ($0.25-$2.00 per page)
Racine County Register of Deeds
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3208
Racine County Register of Deeds -
Racine County GIS Viewer
- Access the Racine County GIS Portal
- No account creation required for basic searches
- Search by address or parcel number
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and basic ownership information
- Access assessment data and property characteristics
-
Racine County Public Library Resources
- Visit any Racine County public library location
- Use library computers to access county property databases
- Receive assistance from library staff for basic searches
- Access historical property records and maps
Racine Public Library
75 Seventh Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-9217
Racine Public Library -
Wisconsin Department of Revenue Property Records
- Access the Wisconsin Department of Revenue property assessment data
- Search by county and municipality
- View basic property assessment information
- Access sales data and property classifications
While these free options provide substantial information, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Document images may not be available for download without payment
- Certified copies require payment of statutory fees
- Complex title searches may require professional assistance
- Historical records may have limited availability in free systems
Per Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43(2)(b), the Register of Deeds may charge fees for certified copies and certain document reproductions, but basic record inspection remains free to the public.
What's Included in a Racine County Property Record?
Racine County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data related to real property within county boundaries. These records contain detailed information about property ownership, characteristics, and legal status.
Property records in Racine County typically include:
Ownership Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Land contracts
- Transfer returns
- Death certificates affecting property ownership
- Court orders affecting title
- Probate records related to property
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Construction liens
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanics liens
- Lis pendens (pending litigation notices)
Property Description Documents:
- Legal descriptions
- Certified survey maps
- Subdivision plats
- Condominium declarations
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
Assessment and Tax Information:
- Current assessed value
- Historical assessment data
- Property classification
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments
- Tax exemption status
Property Characteristics:
- Building specifications
- Land dimensions
- Zoning classification
- Improvement details
- Year built
- Building permits
The information contained in these records is maintained by multiple county offices, including:
- Register of Deeds - Records legal documents affecting property ownership and encumbrances
- County Assessor - Maintains property valuation and characteristic data
- County Treasurer - Manages property tax records and payment information
- Land Information Office - Maintains GIS data and mapping information
- Planning and Development - Maintains zoning and land use records
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 706.05, all documents submitted for recording must meet specific requirements regarding format, content, and authentication to be accepted into the official property records.
How Long Does Racine County Keep Property Records?
Racine County maintains property records permanently, with retention schedules governed by Wisconsin state law and county records management policies. The permanent preservation of these records ensures the continuity of property ownership documentation and protects the interests of property owners throughout generations.
The retention of property records follows these guidelines:
Permanent Retention:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Plats and certified survey maps
- Condominium declarations
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Original land patents
Extended Retention (75+ years):
- Construction liens (75 years after satisfaction)
- Judgment liens (75 years after satisfaction)
- Lis pendens (75 years after resolution)
- Tax liens (75 years after satisfaction)
Limited Retention:
- Property tax payment records (7 years)
- Building permits (life of structure plus 7 years)
- Temporary easements (duration plus 7 years)
- Assessment rolls (10 years)
The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes retention schedules for county records under the authority of Wisconsin Statutes § 16.61, which mandates that "no public records may be destroyed without the written approval of the public records board."
Racine County has implemented comprehensive preservation strategies to ensure the longevity of property records, including:
- Climate-controlled storage for original documents
- Digital scanning and backup of historical records
- Microfilm preservation of critical documents
- Off-site backup storage for disaster recovery
- Regular conservation treatment of deteriorating historical records
The oldest property records in Racine County date back to 1836 when the county was established, and these historical documents have been preserved through successive generations of records management practices.
How To Find Liens on Property In Racine County?
Locating liens on property in Racine County requires searching multiple record sources, as different types of liens may be recorded with various government offices. The following methods provide comprehensive access to lien information:
Register of Deeds Search:
- Visit the Racine County Register of Deeds office or access their online records system
- Search by property address, parcel number, or property owner name
- Request a "lien search" or "title search" from staff
- Review records for mortgages, construction liens, and private liens
- Pay applicable fees for certified copies if needed
Racine County Register of Deeds
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3208
Racine County Register of Deeds
Circuit Court Records Search:
- Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Portal
- Search by party name (property owner)
- Review civil judgments that may constitute liens
- Note case numbers and judgment amounts
- Contact the Clerk of Courts for certified copies
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3333
Racine County Clerk of Courts
Tax Lien Search:
- Contact the Racine County Treasurer's Office
- Provide the property address or parcel number
- Request information on delinquent taxes or tax liens
- Obtain a tax certificate if available
Racine County Treasurer
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3239
Racine County Treasurer
Federal Tax Lien Search:
- Visit the Register of Deeds office
- Request a search for federal tax liens
- Provide the property owner's name
- Review federal tax lien index
Municipal Lien Search:
- Contact the specific municipality where the property is located
- Request information on special assessments or municipal liens
- Provide the property address and parcel number
For the City of Racine:
City of Racine Clerk's Office
730 Washington Avenue, Room 103
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-9171
City of Racine
Professional title companies also offer comprehensive lien searches for a fee, which may be more efficient for complex properties or when a complete title report is needed for real estate transactions.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Racine County?
The Property Owner Rule in Racine County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions within the county. These rules are derived from Wisconsin state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Ownership Recording Requirements:
Under Wisconsin Statutes § 706.02, all property conveyances must be in writing and properly recorded to establish legal ownership. The statute specifies that:
- Deeds must contain the names of the grantor and grantee
- Property must be adequately described
- Documents must be properly signed and acknowledged
- Recording must occur with the Register of Deeds
Property Tax Responsibilities:
Property owners in Racine County are legally obligated to:
- Pay annual property taxes by January 31 or opt for installment payments
- Notify the assessor of significant property improvements
- Appeal assessments within the statutory timeframe if disputes arise
- Pay special assessments for municipal improvements
Disclosure Requirements:
When selling property, Racine County property owners must comply with Wisconsin's real estate disclosure laws, which require:
- Completion of a Real Estate Condition Report
- Disclosure of known defects and material issues
- Disclosure of environmental hazards
- Disclosure of boundary disputes or encroachments
Zoning and Land Use Compliance:
Property owners must adhere to:
- Zoning classifications that determine permitted uses
- Building code requirements for construction and renovation
- Setback requirements from property lines
- Height restrictions and lot coverage limitations
- Historic preservation requirements in designated districts
Riparian Rights:
For properties adjacent to waterways, the Property Owner Rule incorporates Wisconsin's riparian rights doctrine, which:
- Grants property owners certain rights to adjacent waterways
- Establishes public access rights to navigable waters
- Regulates shoreline modifications and structures
- Requires permits for piers, boathouses, and other water structures
Adverse Possession:
Under Wisconsin law, property boundaries may be affected by adverse possession claims when:
- Another party uses land openly and continuously for 20 years
- The use is actual, visible, notorious, and exclusive
- The use is hostile to the owner's rights
The Racine County Register of Deeds, Planning and Development Department, and municipal building departments all play roles in administering and enforcing various aspects of the Property Owner Rule.