Wisconsin Department of Justice — Public Records Requests

Wisconsin Public Records Law (general information)

Wisconsin’s Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31–19.39) gives any requester the right to inspect and copy most government records. There is no fixed deadline— authorities must respond “as soon as practicable and without delay.” If you’ve heard nothing after about 7–10 business days, a polite written follow-up is reasonable. Authorities may charge for the actual cost of copies and, in some cases, location. A denial must state the reason and the statutory basis.

General information only, not legal advice. See the Wisconsin DOJ Office of Open Government for the official guidance.

Frequently asked questions

How do I request public records from Wisconsin Department of Justice?

Send a written request to the Open Records Custodian at Wisconsin Department of Justice. Describe the records you want as specifically as you can, and keep a copy with the date sent. Email is usually fastest; mail works for offices without a published address for records. You do not need to explain why you want the records or cite the statute.

Is there a deadline for Wisconsin Department of Justice to respond?

Wisconsin's Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31–19.39) sets no fixed deadline — an authority must respond “as soon as practicable and without delay.” If you've heard nothing after about 7–10 business days, a brief written follow-up restating the request and the date you sent it is reasonable.

Can Wisconsin Department of Justice charge fees for records?

An authority may charge the actual, necessary cost of reproduction (copies) and, for larger requests, the cost of locating records when that cost is $50 or more. It cannot charge for the time spent reviewing or redacting. Ask for a fee estimate before the work is done, and request a fee waiver where appropriate.

What if Wisconsin Department of Justice denies my request?

A denial of a written request must be in writing and state the specific reasons. You can ask the authority to reconsider, refer the matter to the District Attorney or the Attorney General, or bring a mandamus action under § 19.37. A requester who substantially prevails can recover costs and reasonable attorney fees.