Brown County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Brown County in 2026
BrownCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Brown County. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, and encumbrance data through this resource. Available record categories include deeds and transfers, mortgage and lien filings, tax assessment records, plat maps, and building permit information. Access to records is subject to availability and the completeness of underlying official databases.
Property records in Brown County may be searched through several official channels maintained by county government offices. The primary resources include the Brown County Register of Deeds, the Brown County Treasurer's office, and the Brown County Planning and Land Information Department. Each office maintains distinct categories of records, and requesters are encouraged to identify the specific document type needed before initiating a search.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — the most convenient option for recent records
- In-person visits — required for certified copies and older documents
- By mail — written requests submitted with applicable fees
- Through professionals — title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Brown County Land Records portal serves as the primary online resource for property information. Members of the public may access the Brown County Land Records system at no charge and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By subdivision name
- By map or GIS location
- By legal description
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property site address and legal description
- Parcel identification number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics including square footage, year built, lot size, and building type
- Assessed value (land and improvements separately)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history and transfer dates
- GIS map location and aerial imagery
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Brown County Land Information Office 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 card
- Review ownership data, valuation history, and sales records
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Clerk / Register of Deeds Official Records Search
The Brown County Register of Deeds maintains the official index of recorded instruments affecting real property. Basic searches are available at no cost through the county's online portal.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller or transferor)
- Grantee name (buyer or transferee)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Instrument number
- Book and page number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and subdivision surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Lis pendens filings
- HOA declarations and covenants
How to Search:
- Access the Brown County Register of Deeds online search system
- Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the results and select the relevant document
- View document images where available online
- Note the instrument number or book and page for future reference
- Request certified copies if official documentation is required
3. Tax Collector / Treasurer Website
The Brown County Treasurer's office maintains tax payment records and assessment data accessible to the public through the county's online portal.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and payment status
- Payment history by year
- Outstanding balances and delinquency status
- Exemptions applied and millage rates
- Tax certificate information for delinquent parcels
- Installment plan status and payment options
4. GIS / Mapping System
The Brown County GIS Division maintains an interactive mapping system that allows visual property searches overlaid with assessment and ownership data.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the property location
- Click on a parcel to retrieve linked property information
- View property boundaries, zoning layers, flood zones, and aerial photography
- Access linked records from the property appraiser and recorder databases
- Measure distances and view multiple data layers simultaneously
In-Person Searches:
Brown County Register of Deeds
305 E. Walnut Street, Room 245
Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: (920) 448-4470
Register of Deeds
Services available in person include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor and grantee indexes, accessing record books, and receiving staff assistance with document retrieval.
Brown County Land Information Office
305 E. Walnut Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: (920) 448-6480
Land Information Office
Services include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, plat maps, and GIS data.
Brown County Treasurer's Office
305 E. Walnut Street, Room 101
Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: (920) 448-4074
Treasurer's Office
Services include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, delinquency records, and tax certificate searches.
By Mail Requests:
Register of Deeds — Mail Requests:
- Address requests to: Brown County Register of Deeds, 305 E. Walnut Street, Room 245, Green Bay, WI 54301
- Specify the document by instrument number, book and page, or property address with approximate date range
- Include payment for applicable copy and certification fees
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Land Information Office — Mail Requests:
- Address requests to: Brown County Land Information Office, 305 E. Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI 54301
- Include the property address or parcel identification number
- Specify the type of information requested
- Include payment for any applicable copying fees
Through Professionals:
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and produce abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Licensed appraisers and real estate agents may access MLS data, comparable sales histories, and property records as part of professional representation.
Search Tips:
- By address: Use the complete street address; try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- By owner name: Search last name first; try spelling variations and both current and previous owner names
- By legal description: Use the exact legal description from the deed, including subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section, township, and range where applicable
- For historical records: Records predating digitization may require an in-person visit to the courthouse; staff can assist with microfilm and bound record books
Common Search Challenges:
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear due to recording processing delays
- Older records not yet digitized require in-person retrieval
- Common names or similar addresses may return multiple results; verify by parcel number or legal description
- Unrecorded documents, private agreements, and documents filed under seal are not accessible through public search systems
What Is Brown County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by Brown County government offices as part of the public record. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and provide the foundation for property tax assessment. Under Wisconsin Statute § 59.43, the Register of Deeds is charged with recording, filing, and preserving instruments affecting real property within the county.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
- Chain of title documentation
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- HOA declarations and lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemption records
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Survey records and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violation records
- Zoning and land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
Brown County Register of Deeds records and indexes all instruments affecting title to real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats.
Brown County Land Information Office maintains property valuation data, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications.
Brown County Treasurer's Office administers tax billing, payment records, delinquent tax accounts, and tax certificate information.
Brown County Planning and Land Services Department maintains zoning records, land use designations, building permits, and code enforcement records.
Legal Framework:
Wisconsin's property recording system operates under § 706.05 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which establishes the requirements for recording conveyances and other instruments affecting real property. The recording system provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers, protecting the integrity of property ownership and the real estate marketplace.
Are Property Records Public Information in Brown County?
Property records in Brown County are public information. Under Wisconsin's Open Records Law, § 19.35, any person has the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including property records held by the Register of Deeds, the Land Information Office, and the Treasurer's office. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access these records.
Why Property Records Are Public:
The public nature of property records serves several essential functions:
- Transparency: Public access to ownership information prevents secret transfers and supports accountability in property taxation
- Commercial necessity: Real estate transactions, title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on open access to recorded instruments
- Legal protection: The recording system provides constructive notice, establishes chain of title, and protects against fraudulent conveyances
- Public interest: Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on open property records
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and property addresses
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics including size, age, and building type
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected even within public property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under state and federal law. Under Wisconsin law, certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may request that their personal address information be protected from public disclosure. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public inspection; the Land Information Office can provide guidance on applicable policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access Brown County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, property investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial aggregation of public property records is legally permitted. Title insurance companies, property data services, and real estate analytics firms routinely compile and resell public property information. Anti-harassment laws, fair housing statutes, and other applicable regulations continue to govern how such information may be used, regardless of its public nature.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Brown County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge at the offices of the Brown County Register of Deeds and the Land Information Office. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. Under Wisconsin Statute § 59.43(2), the Register of Deeds is authorized to collect fees for recording, copying, and certifying instruments.
Current Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of recorded document (per page) | $2.00 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $5.00 per document + $2.00 per page |
| Recording a document (first page) | $30.00 |
| Recording a document (each additional page) | $2.00 per page |
| Real Estate Transfer Fee | $3.00 per $1,000 of value |
| Online document viewing | Free (no charge for viewing) |
| Online document download/print | Fees may apply depending on system |
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Online viewing of property records through the county portal
- In-person inspection of records at the Register of Deeds office
- Access to the GIS mapping system
- Review of assessment data through the Land Information Office portal
- Tax payment status through the Treasurer's online system
Accepted Payment Methods:
The Register of Deeds accepts cash, check, and money order for in-person transactions. Mail requests must include a check or money order payable to Brown County Register of Deeds. Credit and debit card payment availability should be confirmed directly with the office prior to submitting a request.
Fee Waivers:
Fee waivers are not broadly available for standard copy requests. Certain government agencies and nonprofit organizations may qualify for reduced fees in specific circumstances. Members of the public seeking fee waiver consideration should submit a written request to the Register of Deeds explaining the basis for the request.
Fees are subject to change by action of the Brown County Board of Supervisors. Current fee schedules are posted at the Register of Deeds office and on the county's official website.
What's Included in a Brown County Property Record?
A complete Brown County property record draws from multiple county databases and may include the following categories of information:
Ownership Information:
Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners by name, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, and the deed instrument number or book and page reference. Mailing addresses for tax billing purposes are also included. Previous ownership information provides the chain of title, listing prior owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification:
Each parcel is identified by a unique parcel identification number, site address, mailing address if different, and legal description. Legal descriptions include lot and block numbers, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and section, township, and range coordinates where applicable. Condominium unit numbers are included for applicable properties.
Physical Characteristics:
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, street frontage, corner lot designation, and land use and zoning classification. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and total room count. Additional features such as garages, pools, porches, fireplaces, heating and cooling systems, water source, and sewer system are recorded where available.
Valuation Information:
Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, and estimated market value. Historical assessed values for prior years are typically available for review. Agricultural classification data is included where applicable.
Tax Information:
Tax records include the current year tax bill, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, and a breakdown of taxes by taxing authority including county, school district, municipality, and special districts. Payment status, due dates, and discount information are included. Tax history shows prior years' payments and any delinquency records.
Exemptions Applied:
Exemption records identify homestead exemptions, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, veteran exemptions, widow and widower exemptions, agricultural exemptions, conservation exemptions, and historic preservation exemptions where applicable.
Sales History:
Sales records include transfer dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, or other), grantor and grantee names, deed instrument numbers, and qualified or unqualified sale designations. Documentary stamp amounts are recorded for each transaction.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages are listed with lender names, recording dates, original mortgage amounts, and instrument references. Liens including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens are listed with amounts, lienholders, and recording dates. Easements, restrictions, covenants, life estates, and lis pendens filings are also included.
Legal and Regulatory Information:
Zoning classification, land use designation, future land use designation, special district assignments, deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, HOA information, flood zone designation (FEMA), and environmental constraints are included where maintained by the county.
Maps and Images:
Property records typically include exterior property photographs, aerial imagery, GIS maps with parcel boundaries, plat maps, and property sketches or floor plan outlines.
What Is Not Typically Included:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded instruments
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Documents filed under seal
How Long Does Brown County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Brown County are maintained permanently. The Register of Deeds is required by law to preserve all recorded instruments affecting real property indefinitely, as these records form the legal foundation for chain of title and cannot be destroyed without compromising the integrity of the property ownership system.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
Wisconsin Statute § 59.43 requires the Register of Deeds to record, index, and preserve instruments affecting real property. The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes retention schedules for government records, and recorded property instruments are classified as permanent records not subject to destruction.
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
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Court documents affecting title
- All other instruments recorded in the official records
Format and Storage:
Historical records from the early periods of Brown County's existence are preserved in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records exist in typed form and on microfilm. Current records are maintained in electronic document management systems with scanned images of original instruments. Digital records are backed up to off-site and cloud-based systems. Original bound record books are stored in climate-controlled facilities at the Register of Deeds office.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20–30 years) | Fully online; immediate access |
| Moderate age (30–50 years) | Partially online; microfilm available |
| Historical (50–100 years) | In-person access; microfilm or bound books |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be needed |
Property Appraiser / Land Information Records:
Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently. Exemption applications are retained for a minimum of several years following the applicable assessment year. Recent assessment history is available online through the county portal; historical assessments are available at the Land Information Office.
Tax Collector / Treasurer Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years. Tax certificates remain on file until redeemed or a tax deed is issued. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking records predating the county's online database should contact the Register of Deeds directly. Staff can retrieve documents from microfilm archives or bound record books. Advance notice is helpful for very old records that may require retrieval from off-site storage. Standard copying fees apply to historical records.
Brown County Register of Deeds
305 E. Walnut Street, Room 245
Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: (920) 448-4470
Register of Deeds
Brown County Land Information Office
305 E. Walnut Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: (920) 448-6480
Land Information Office
Digitization projects are ongoing in Brown County, with efforts to expand online access to older records. The public access guarantee extends to all records regardless of format or age, and staff assistance is available for historical research requests.
How To Find Liens on Property in Brown County?
Liens on property in Brown County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Register of Deeds. Members of the public may search for liens using the county's official records search system or by visiting the Register of Deeds office in person.
Types of Liens Recorded in Brown County:
- Tax liens — filed by the IRS or Wisconsin Department of Revenue for unpaid federal or state taxes
- Judgment liens — arising from court judgments against a property owner
- Mechanic's liens — filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid construction work
- HOA liens — filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
- Code enforcement liens — filed by local government for unresolved code violations
- Child support liens — filed pursuant to court order
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Access the Brown County Register of Deeds online search portal
- Select the grantee or grantor search option (liens are indexed under the property owner's name)
- Enter the property owner's name as it appears on the deed
- Filter results by document type to isolate lien filings
- Review all results within the relevant time period
- Note instrument numbers and recording dates for any liens identified
- Request copies of specific lien documents if needed
Federal Tax Lien Searches:
Federal tax liens filed by the IRS are recorded with the Register of Deeds and are searchable through the county's official records system. The IRS Centralized Lien Operation provides additional information on federal tax lien procedures.
Wisconsin Department of Revenue Tax Liens:
State tax liens are filed with the Register of Deeds and are searchable through the county portal. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue maintains information on state tax lien procedures and warrant filings.
In-Person Lien Searches:
Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Register of Deeds office. Staff can assist with searches of the grantor and grantee indexes and can retrieve document images from the official records system.
Professional Lien Searches:
Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. A professional title search is the most reliable method for identifying all recorded liens and encumbrances prior to a real estate transaction.
Brown County Register of Deeds
305 E. Walnut Street, Room 245
Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: (920) 448-4470
Register of Deeds
What Is Property Owner Rule in Brown County?
The property owner rule in Brown County refers to the body of Wisconsin law and local regulations governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Property ownership in Brown County is governed primarily by Wisconsin Statutes, recorded instruments, and applicable local ordinances.
Establishing Ownership:
Legal ownership of real property in Brown County is established through a recorded deed. Under Wisconsin law, a conveyance of real property must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and recorded with the Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. An unrecorded deed may be valid between the parties but does not protect the grantee against a subsequent bona fide purchaser who records first.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Brown County:
- Individual ownership — a single person holds title in their own name
- Joint tenancy — two or more persons hold equal shares with right of survivorship; upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant or tenants take the deceased's share automatically
- Tenancy in common — two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
- Marital property — Wisconsin is a marital property state; property acquired during marriage is generally treated as marital property under Wisconsin Statute § 766.31
- Trust ownership — a trustee holds title on behalf of trust beneficiaries
- Entity ownership — LLCs, corporations, and other legal entities may hold title to real property
Marital Property Considerations:
Wisconsin's marital property law has significant implications for property ownership. Under current law, both spouses generally have an equal interest in property acquired during the marriage, regardless of which spouse's name appears on the deed. Transfers of marital property typically require the signature of both spouses.
Transfer of Ownership:
Property ownership is transferred by recorded deed. The deed must identify the grantor and grantee, contain a legal description of the property, state the consideration or recite nominal consideration, and be signed and notarized. The Real Estate Transfer Return must be filed with the Register of Deeds at the time of recording, and the Real Estate Transfer Fee is collected based on the value of the transfer.
Property Owner Rights and Obligations:
Property owners in Brown County hold the right to use, enjoy, and transfer their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and other encumbrances of record. Property owners are obligated to pay real property taxes assessed by the county, municipality, school district, and applicable special districts. Failure to pay property taxes may result in the imposition of a tax lien and, ultimately, a tax deed proceeding transferring ownership to the taxing authority.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
The Brown County Planning and Land Services Department administers zoning regulations that govern permissible uses of property within unincorporated areas of the county. Property owners must comply with applicable zoning classifications, setback requirements, and land use designations. The Brown County Planning and Land Services office maintains current zoning maps and ordinances.
Brown County Planning and Land Services
305 E. Walnut Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: (920) 448-6480
Planning and Land Services