OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Iowa Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Iowa. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 99 counties across 8 judicial districts
  • Federal courts: 2 U.S. District Courts (Northern, Southern)
  • Background checks: Iowa DCI — Criminal History Record Check
  • Records law: Iowa Open Records Law
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Iowa DCI
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Iowa has 99 counties across 8 judicial districts. You can search court cases using Iowa Courts Online, the official statewide case search run by the Iowa Judicial Branch.

County-level court records include district courts handling all trial-level cases. Iowa has a unified court system — district courts are the general trial courts.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Iowa are handled by two U.S. District Courts:

  • Northern District — Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, Waterloo
  • Southern District — Des Moines, Davenport, Council Bluffs

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Iowa Courts Online — Case Search 🏛️ Iowa Judicial Branch Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Iowa are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) provides criminal history record checks.

🔍 Iowa DCI — Criminal History Information 📋 Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Iowa operates under Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Ch. 22). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond promptly.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Iowa

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's clerk of the district court. Criminal history is centralized through the Iowa DCI. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Iowa

Iowa has 99 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Iowa state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Iowa for free?
Use Iowa Courts Online, the official statewide case search system.
Are arrest records public in Iowa?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Iowa Open Records Law. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Iowa?
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation provides criminal history checks. Visit dci.iowa.gov for details.
What is the Iowa Open Records Law?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. The Iowa Public Information Board handles disputes.
How many court systems does Iowa have?
Iowa has a unified court system with 8 judicial districts: district courts (trial level), the Court of Appeals, and the Iowa Supreme Court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026