County Clerk

TO SCHEDULE A MARRIAGE LICENSE APPOINTEMENT, PLEASE CALL THE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE AT 715-468-4600

To obtain a marriage license you will need the following information:

• Proof of Identification
• True and Certified copy of your birth certificate
  • In lieu of birth record: Passport, Real ID, Permanent Resident Card or Naturalization paper
• Provide Social Security number if you have one
• Date and location of your upcoming marriage
  • What Municipality is it?  Ex: Township, City, Village
• Officiant Information
  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone Number
• If you were married before, bring a copy of the Divorce Decree or Death Certificate from the previous marriage
• There is a 3 day waiting period after which time the license is valid for 60 days
  • A waiver for the waiting period can be made for extenuating circumstances
  • Please contact the County Clerk’s Office to make a request at 715-468-4600
• Both parties need to be present to sign the application

You must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a Legal Guardian/Parent.

Please note that the current fee for a marriage license is $100. We accept cash or check, no credit cards.

Cutting Permits are required prior to cutting any trees for wood or sale on your property. There is no charge. To obtain a cutting permit you must provide the following information: Township where the parcel is located, Legal Description of the parcel, Owner’s Name and Address, Cutter’s Name and Address, and a contact phone number.

To apply by mail or FAX download and complete the cutting permit application and send to:

Fax it to (715) 468-4725
Mail it to P.O. Box 639, Shell Lake,WI 54871
Email to: [email protected] 

To apply by mail or FAX download and complete the cutting permit application and send to:

Fax it to (715) 468-4725
Mail it to P.O. Box 639, Shell Lake,WI 54871
Email to: [email protected] 

To obtain a burning permit you will need to provide your name, mailing address, phone number and sign your permit. The permits expire at the end of each calendar year. You are responsible for checking the DNR website at: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ForestFire, click on the “Check” tab to view Burning Permit Restrictions or by calling the DNR Permit number 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) to obtain burning information, bans, and hours each time before you burn.

You can also obtain a burning permit through the Department of Natural Resources. Dates and times of allowable burning depend on the weather and fire danger conditions.

NOTICE TO ALL WASHBURN COUNTY DOG OWNERS

Pursuant to WI Stat. 174.052, notice is hereby given to all Washburn County dog owners that you are required to license and vaccinate for rabies, under the provisions of WI Stat. 95.21(2), any dog over 5 months of age.  (Statute defines a “dog owner” as anyone who owns, harbors or keeps a dog.)   The license year  is defined as January 1 – December 31.

Minimum Dog License fees are as follows:  $5.00 for spayed or neutered dogs, $10.00 for  unspayed or unneutered dogs.  Local municipalities may supplement these fees, please check with your local treasurer for current fee amount.  Multiple dog license fees are:  $50 for up to 12 dogs and $5.00 for each additional dog.

Dogs not licensed by April 1^st, or within 30 days of acquiring ownership,  or after reaching 5 months of age,  are subject to a late fee of not less than $5.00 per dog.  Owners who fail to license or vaccinate a dog pursuant to the above statutes are subject to citation and forfeiture.

Dog licenses are obtained through your local municipal treasurer.

Please contact the County Clerk’s Office with questions at 715-468-4600.

Plat books are available for sale at the County Clerk’s office. (courthouse, Shell Lake). We will gladly mail them to you at a cost of $25.00* each plus an additional $10.00 for postage, for a total of $35.00 (paid by check only please). They are also available for pickup at the County Clerk’s Office for cost of $25.00*. We are not able to accept credit card payments. Plat Books are also available at Washburn County Tourism in Spooner, Wisconsin for $25.00*.

*$25.00 charge is inclusive of sales tax.

The Washburn County Clerk’s Office offers notary services to assist residents with authenticating important documents. Whether you need a signature verified, an oath administered, or certified copies of legal papers, the notary service provides a convenient and reliable option. This service ensures your documents are legally binding and properly executed. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Washburn County Clerk’s Office directly.