wisconsin background check online: what to know before you search

Official sources and scope

Wisconsin’s Department of Justice, through the Crime Information Bureau, offers an online name-based record check that returns reportable convictions and open cases. It’s convenient, but not the same as a fingerprint search, and it may exclude sealed, juvenile, or out-of-state data. For many routine needs, this state-level query is enough; for sensitive roles, combine it with county court lookups and verification.

Practical uses and consent

Landlords, small employers, and volunteer coordinators often run checks to confirm identity and criminal history. Obtain written permission, give required disclosures, and follow adverse action steps if using a consumer report. When in doubt, consult your policy and applicable laws.

How to proceed

1. Gather full legal name, former names, and date of birth.
2. Search the DOJ portal, then review results for accuracy.
3. Cross-reference county cases via public court access (CCAP).
4. For high-trust roles, consider fingerprinting for higher reliability.
5. Document decisions and keep records securely.

Timing, cost, and accuracy

Results often arrive in minutes, though manual reviews can add days. Fees apply per search. Accuracy improves when you verify identifiers and reconcile any similar-name matches before making a decision.