Ames, Iowa Public Records

Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Ames, Iowa.

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Ames Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Ames, Iowa government websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Ames, Story County, Iowa to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Ames, Iowa, you will be transported to the Story County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Story County Court. Under Iowa law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The Story County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://doc.iowa.gov/offender/search where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for City of Ames, Iowa?
The Ames Community School District serves the city of Ames, Iowa. According to the Iowa Department of Education, the district had an overall score of 79.2 out of 100 for the 2018-2019 school year. This score is based on a variety of factors, including student achievement, student growth, and closing achievement gaps. The district also had a graduation rate of 93.2%.
3
What are the school district and education performance data for Ames, Story County, Iowa?
The Ames Community School District serves the city of Ames, Story County, Iowa. According to the Iowa Department of Education, the district had an enrollment of 8,845 students in the 2018-2019 school year. The district's graduation rate was 93.2%, and the average composite ACT score was 22.7. The district's four-year cohort graduation rate was 93.2%, and the five-year cohort graduation rate was 93.7%. The district's average attendance rate was 95.2%.
4
What are the crime statistics for City of Ames, Iowa?
According to the Ames Police Department, the total number of reported crimes in Ames, Iowa in 2019 was 4,845. Of those, there were 1,845 property crimes and 3,000 violent crimes. The most common type of crime reported was larceny/theft, followed by burglary and aggravated assault.
5
What are the crime statistics for Ames, Story County, Iowa?
According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Ames, Story County, Iowa had a total of 1,845 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, 1,717 were property crimes and 128 were violent crimes. The crime rate per 1,000 people was 28.7, which is lower than the national average of 36.7.
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the City of Ames Iowa Library?
The Ames Public Library in Story County, Iowa provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Iowa government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22), which governs access to government documents in Iowa. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Ames Iowa Archives and Genealogy at https://iowaculture.gov/history/research. Contact the Ames Public Library reference desk at (515) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Ames, Story County, Iowa Library?
The Ames Public Library in Story County, Iowa provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Iowa government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22), which governs access to government documents in Iowa. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Ames Iowa Archives and Genealogy at https://iowaculture.gov/history/research. Contact the Ames Public Library reference desk at (515) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
8
Where is the City of Ames, Iowa Public Library located?
The Ames Public Library is located at 515 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA 50010.
9
Where is the Ames, Story County, Iowa Public Library located?
The Ames, Story County, Iowa Library is located at 515 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA 50010.
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in City of Ames, Iowa?
Fingerprinting services in Ames, Story County, Iowa are available through the Ames Police Department and the Story County Sheriff's Office. Services are provided for employment background checks, licensing applications, immigration purposes, and personal record requests. You will typically need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where applicable, a completed fingerprint card from the requesting agency. Appointments can often be scheduled by calling (515) or by visiting the department's website. Fingerprints are submitted to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI for identity verification and criminal history review. Statewide criminal history checks can also be requested through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
11
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Ames, Story County, Iowa?
Fingerprinting services for Ames, Iowa residents are provided at the Ames Police Department, which serves Story County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Ames Police Department at (515) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at https://www.dps.state.ia.us/CriminalHistory/.
12
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from City of Ames, Iowa, and what information is provided in the records?
Ames, Iowa vital records can be obtained from the Story County Recorder's Office. To obtain a vital record, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of relationship to the person whose record you are requesting. The Story County Recorder's Office is located at 900 6th Street, Nevada, IA 50201.

The vital records available from the Story County Recorder's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All of these records include the name of the person, the date of the event, and the place of the event.
13
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Ames, Story County, Iowa, and what information is provided in the records?
In order to obtain vital records from Ames, Story County, Iowa, you must contact the Story County Recorder's Office.

The types of vital records available from the Story County Recorder's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. In order to obtain a vital record, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person listed on the record, and the appropriate fee.
14
About Police Reports
Police reports from Ames, Iowa can be obtained from the Ames Police Department, located in Story County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22), most police reports are public records in Iowa, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Ames Police Department Records Division at (515) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.dps.state.ia.us/CriminalHistory/.
15
About background check
A background check in Ames, Story County, Iowa typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Iowa. Criminal background checks are processed through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Iowa residents. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation provides official criminal history checks at https://www.dps.state.ia.us/CriminalHistory/. Under the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.