Iowa public records and people search guide
In Iowa, the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code ch. 22) governs access to government records. Court cases are generally public at the court where they were filed. Searching public records for personal reasons is legal; using them to screen tenants or employees requires an FCRA-compliant report.
At a glance
What is usually public in Iowa
- Court records: civil, criminal, small claims and most probate filings, unless sealed or confidential by law.
- Property records: owner of record, deeds and tax assessments, from the county assessor and recorder. See how to find a property owner.
- Business filings: companies registered with the Iowa Secretary of State (or equivalent office).
- Professional licenses: through Iowa's licensing boards. See how to verify a license.
- Sex offender registry: Iowa's registry is included in the national search at NSOPW.gov.
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce): access rules vary; many are restricted to the people named or their families. Contact the Iowa vital records office or the county.
How to request records from a Iowa agency
- Identify the agency that holds the record (city, county or state).
- Send a written request that describes the records as specifically as you can, citing the Iowa Open Records Law. Many agencies have an online portal.
- The law does not set a fixed number of days; agencies must respond within a reasonable time.
- Ask about copy fees up front.
- If denied, ask for the specific exemption relied on. Appeal options are summarized in the guide below.
Detailed, maintained legal summary: Reporters Committee Open Government Guide: Iowa.
Searching Iowa court records
- Iowa Judicial Branch: court directory, forms and access policies.
- Iowa Courts Online offers a free statewide trial court case search from the Judicial Branch website.
- Federal cases in Iowa: PACER.
Reading results: an arrest is not a conviction, and similar names are easy to confuse. Match the date of birth and county. See how to check criminal records legally.
Public profiles, photos and phone data. Private: nobody is notified.
Iowa area codes
Questions
Are court records public in Iowa?
Most Iowa court records are open to the public unless sealed, expunged or confidential by law (for example juvenile and many family matters). Start at the Iowa Judicial Branch website or the clerk of the court where the case was filed.
What is Iowa's public records law?
The Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code ch. 22) gives the public a right to inspect and copy government records, with exemptions set by law.
Can I run a background check on someone in Iowa?
You can search public records yourself for personal reasons. For hiring, renting, lending or insurance decisions, federal law (the FCRA) requires a consumer reporting agency and the person's permission, and Iowa may add its own rules.
How do I look up a Iowa phone number?
Enter it in a reverse phone lookup. Iowa area codes include 319, 515, 563, 641, 712.
Updated 2026-10-28. Links checked 2026-10-28. General information, not legal advice; statutes change, so confirm details with the agency or the Reporters Committee guide.
TrueSearch is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use TrueSearch or anything on this page to make decisions about employment, housing or tenant screening, credit, insurance, or any other FCRA-covered purpose. Results come from publicly available information and licensed telecom data and may be incomplete or out of date.