Kewaunee County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Kewaunee County in 2026
KewauneeRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find data pertaining to ownership history, assessed values, tax information, recorded documents, and parcel details. Available record categories may include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, zoning designations, and tax assessment rolls. Access and completeness of records vary by record type and the custodial office maintaining them.
Property records in Kewaunee County may be searched through several official channels, including online databases, in-person visits to county offices, mail requests, and through licensed professionals such as title companies or real estate attorneys.
Online Search Methods:
1. Kewaunee County Property Assessment Records
The Kewaunee County website serves as the primary online resource for property assessment information. As noted by the City of Kewaunee, "The Kewaunee County website allows persons to access assessment information not only for the City of Kewaunee, but properties in all of Kewaunee County." Members of the public may search assessment data at no cost and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By municipality or township
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Kewaunee County property assessment portal
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- 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 record
- Print or save the information as needed
2. Register of Deeds — Recorded Document Search
The Kewaunee County Register of Deeds maintains official recorded documents, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. Under Wisconsin Statute § 59.43, the Register of Deeds is responsible for recording, filing, and indexing all instruments affecting real property within the county.
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens and judgment liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Lis pendens notices
How to Search:
- Visit the Kewaunee County Register of Deeds in person or contact the office for online access options
- Search by grantor name (seller), grantee name (buyer), document type, or recording date range
- Retrieve the instrument number or book and page reference
- Request document images or certified copies as needed
Kewaunee County Register of Deeds
810 Lincoln Street, Room 7
Kewaunee, WI 54216
Phone: (920) 388-7141
Kewaunee County Register of Deeds
3. Tax and Assessment Records
Tax payment and assessment information for properties within the City of Kewaunee is accessible through the Taxes & Assessments page maintained by the City of Kewaunee. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue also publishes the 2025 Real Estate Equated Assessment Roll for Kewaunee County, which documents assessed values for all taxable real property subject to general property tax, including manufacturing classifications across townships.
Information Available:
- Current tax bill amounts
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Delinquency status
Kewaunee County Treasurer
810 Lincoln Street, Room 9
Kewaunee, WI 54216
Phone: (920) 388-7131
Kewaunee County Treasurer
4. GIS and Zoning Map
The City of Kewaunee maintains a publicly accessible zoning map that provides visual property boundary information, zoning classifications, and land use designations. The map is available for public inspection during regular business hours.
City of Kewaunee City Hall
401 Fifth Street
Kewaunee, WI 54216
Phone: (920) 388-5000
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
City of Kewaunee
In-Person Searches:
Members of the public may visit the following offices to inspect property records, access public terminals, and request copies:
Kewaunee County Register of Deeds
810 Lincoln Street, Room 7
Kewaunee, WI 54216
Phone: (920) 388-7141
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Register of Deeds
Kewaunee County Treasurer
810 Lincoln Street, Room 9
Kewaunee, WI 54216
Phone: (920) 388-7131
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
County Treasurer
By Mail Requests:
Members of the public may submit written requests for property records by mail to the Register of Deeds or Treasurer's office. Requests should specify the property address, parcel number, or legal description, along with the document type and approximate recording date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request.
Through Professionals:
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers provide comprehensive property record searches, abstracts of title, and title insurance commitments. These services involve professional fees that vary by provider and scope of work.
What Is Kewaunee County Property Records
Kewaunee County property records are official legal documents related to real property — including land and buildings — maintained by county government offices and accessible to the general public. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support property tax assessment and collection.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and trustee's 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 exemption records
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions and Plats:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Survey documents
- Lot and block information and metes and bounds descriptions
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Zoning information and land use designations
- Code violation records
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Kewaunee County Register of Deeds records, indexes, and maintains all instruments affecting real property pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.43. The County Treasurer maintains tax payment and assessment records. The City of Kewaunee's planning and zoning office maintains zoning maps and land use designations. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue publishes equalized assessment rolls for all counties, including Kewaunee.
Are Property Records Public Information in Kewaunee County?
Property records in Kewaunee County are public information. Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35, any person has the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by state and local government agencies. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records. This principle reflects centuries of American common law tradition establishing that land records must be open to public inspection to provide constructive notice of ownership and encumbrances.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency in property ownership and taxation prevents fraud and secret transfers
- Public access enables real estate transactions, title searches, and title insurance
- Lenders, appraisers, and investors rely on open records for market analysis
- Researchers, journalists, and genealogists use property records for historical investigation
- Tax assessment transparency supports accountability in local government
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel numbers
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Deeds and other recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected within property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under applicable state and federal law. Wisconsin law also provides address confidentiality protections for certain individuals, including law enforcement officers, judges, domestic violence victims, and stalking victims, who may request that their residential address be withheld from public disclosure. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public inspection; members of the public should contact the relevant assessing authority for specific policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public — regardless of residency, ownership status, or business purpose — may access Kewaunee County property records. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, attorneys, appraisers, investors, genealogists, and journalists.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Kewaunee County?
The cost to obtain property records in Kewaunee County depends on the type of record requested and the office providing it. Online inspection of assessment data and tax information is available at no charge through the county and city websites. Fees apply when requesting physical copies or certified documents.
Standard Fee Schedule — Kewaunee County Register of Deeds:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a document (first page) | $30.00 |
| Recording a document (each additional page) | $3.00 |
| Copy of recorded document (per page) | $2.00 |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $5.00 (plus copy fee) |
| Plat copies | Varies by size |
Recording fees in Wisconsin are governed by Wisconsin Statute § 59.43(2), which establishes the fee structure applicable to the Register of Deeds. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check (payable to Kewaunee County Register of Deeds)
- Money order
Free Access:
- Online assessment data via the Kewaunee County website
- In-person inspection of recorded documents at the Register of Deeds office
- Tax information via the City of Kewaunee Taxes & Assessments page
- The Wisconsin Department of Revenue's equalized assessment roll is publicly available at no cost
Fee waiver provisions are not broadly established for property record requests under current Wisconsin law, though government agencies and certain nonprofit entities may be exempt from specific fees in limited circumstances.
What's Included in a Kewaunee County Property Record?
A complete Kewaunee County property record contains several categories of information drawn from multiple custodial offices.
Ownership Information:
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the current deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, or life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed instrument number or book and page reference
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
- Chain of title reflecting previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range, or metes and bounds)
- Parcel ID number and tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, and frontage
- Zoning classification and land use designation
- Total living area in square feet, year built, number of stories, and building type
- Construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Additional features including garage, pool, porch, fireplace, heating type, water source, and sewer system
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and estimated market value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification and value, if applicable
Tax Information:
- Total tax amount due and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate and breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
- Payment status, due dates, and payment history
- Exemptions applied, including homestead, senior, disability, veteran, and agricultural exemptions
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers for recent transfers
- Sale type (warranty deed, quitclaim deed, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, or inheritance)
- Grantor and grantee names for each transaction
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages, including lender name, recording date, and original amount
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens notices
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- School district, fire district, water district, and other special taxing districts
- Flood zone designation (FEMA) and any wetlands or conservation area designations
Maps and Images:
- Property exterior photograph
- Aerial photograph and GIS map with property boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
What Is Not Typically Included:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted)
- Interior photographs
- Private agreements not recorded with the Register of Deeds
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Kewaunee County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Kewaunee County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed. This permanent retention is both a legal requirement and a practical necessity, as the chain of title for any parcel depends on an unbroken historical record extending from the original land grant to the present owner.
Under Wisconsin's public records retention framework and the requirements of Wisconsin Statute § 59.43, the Register of Deeds is obligated to preserve all recorded instruments and maintain them in a condition accessible to the public. The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes retention schedules for government records, and property records affecting title are classified for permanent retention.
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
- Plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Court documents and powers of attorney affecting property
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Kewaunee 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. Current records are maintained in electronic document management systems with scanned images of original instruments. The Register of Deeds maintains climate-controlled storage and backup systems to ensure long-term preservation.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Typical Access Method |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20 years) | Online database, immediate access |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | Microfilm or digital terminals at courthouse |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person retrieval, staff assistance |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage, advance notice may be required |
Property Appraiser and Tax Records:
Assessment records and property cards are maintained permanently by the assessing authority. Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard government retention schedules, while tax deed records are permanent. Members of the public seeking historical assessment data beyond what is available online should contact the relevant municipal assessor or the Kewaunee County Treasurer's office directly.
Kewaunee County Register of Deeds
810 Lincoln Street, Room 7
Kewaunee, WI 54216
Phone: (920) 388-7141
Register of Deeds
How To Find Liens on Property in Kewaunee County?
Liens on property in Kewaunee County are recorded with the Register of Deeds and are searchable through the official records index. A lien is a legal claim against real property that must be satisfied before the property can be transferred with clear title. Common lien types include federal and state tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens.
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Visit the Kewaunee County Register of Deeds in person at 810 Lincoln Street, Room 7, Kewaunee, WI 54216, or contact the office at (920) 388-7141 to inquire about available online search options.
- Search the grantor/grantee index by the property owner's name to identify any recorded liens.
- Search by parcel number or legal description to locate documents associated with the specific property.
- Review all recorded instruments for the subject property, including releases and satisfactions, to determine whether any lien has been discharged.
- Request copies of relevant lien documents; standard copy fees apply as described above.
Federal Tax Liens:
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Register of Deeds pursuant to applicable federal law. Members of the public may also search the IRS Centralized Lien Operation for federal tax lien information.
State Tax Liens:
Wisconsin Department of Revenue tax warrants, which function as liens against real property, are filed with the Register of Deeds and are also searchable through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue online warrant search tool.
Judgment Liens:
Judgment liens arise from court judgments and are docketed with the Kewaunee County Clerk of Courts. Once docketed, a judgment lien attaches to all real property owned by the judgment debtor in the county. Members of the public may search court records through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal.
Kewaunee County Clerk of Courts
810 Lincoln Street
Kewaunee, WI 54216
Phone: (920) 388-7149
Kewaunee County Clerk of Courts
Mechanic's Liens:
Mechanic's liens are filed by contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers who have not been paid for work performed on real property. These liens are recorded with the Register of Deeds and are searchable through the standard grantor/grantee index.
Title Search Recommendation:
A comprehensive lien search requires reviewing all recorded instruments in the grantor/grantee index, the court judgment docket, and federal and state tax lien databases. Title companies and real estate attorneys perform full title searches that encompass all lien types and provide title insurance commitments identifying any encumbrances of record.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Kewaunee County?
The property owner rule in Kewaunee County refers to the body of Wisconsin law and local ordinance governing the rights, responsibilities, and limitations applicable to owners of real property within the county. Property ownership in Wisconsin is governed primarily by state statute, common law principles, and local zoning and land use regulations.
Ownership Rights Under Wisconsin Law:
Property owners in Kewaunee County hold the right to use, enjoy, and transfer their real property subject to applicable law. Wisconsin recognizes several forms of property ownership, including individual ownership, joint tenancy with right of survivorship, tenancy in common, marital property ownership (for married couples under the Wisconsin Marital Property Act, Chapter 766 of the Wisconsin Statutes), trust ownership, and ownership by legal entities such as LLCs and corporations.
Recording Requirements:
Under Wisconsin law, instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, and easements — must be recorded with the Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. An unrecorded instrument is valid between the parties but may be subordinate to the interests of a subsequent purchaser who records first without notice of the prior instrument, pursuant to Wisconsin's recording act principles.
Property Tax Obligations:
Property owners in Kewaunee County are subject to annual property taxation based on the assessed value of their real property. Assessments are conducted by municipal assessors in accordance with Wisconsin law, and property owners have the right to appeal their assessments through the local Board of Review. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue oversees the equalization process to ensure uniform assessment across municipalities, as reflected in the publicly available equated assessment roll for Kewaunee County.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
Property owners must comply with applicable zoning regulations established by the City of Kewaunee, the county, and individual townships. The City of Kewaunee zoning map designates permitted uses for each parcel within city limits. Zoning classifications determine allowable uses, setback requirements, building height limits, and lot coverage standards. Variances and conditional use permits may be available through the applicable zoning board of appeals.
Riparian Rights:
Kewaunee County borders Lake Michigan, and properties adjacent to navigable waters are subject to Wisconsin's riparian rights doctrine. Riparian owners hold certain rights to use the water and shoreline adjacent to their property, subject to the public trust doctrine, which reserves navigable waters for public use. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulates shoreland zoning and waterfront development.
Homestead Protections:
Wisconsin law provides homestead protections for owner-occupied residential property, including exemptions from certain creditor claims and property tax exemptions for qualifying owners. The homestead exemption under Wisconsin law protects a portion of the value of an owner-occupied primary residence from unsecured creditor claims.
Transfer of Ownership:
Property ownership in Kewaunee County is transferred by recorded deed. The grantor must execute a deed meeting Wisconsin's statutory requirements, including a legal description of the property, the grantor's signature, and notarization. The deed must be recorded with the Register of Deeds to complete the transfer of record title. Wisconsin also imposes a real estate transfer fee at the time of recording, calculated based on the consideration paid for the property.