Public Records Resources for Des Moines, Iowa
Official government websites for Des Moines, Iowa and the surrounding area. All links point to .gov, .us, or .mil domains.
- Iowa Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the Iowa Secretary of State.
- Iowa Death and Vital RecordsRequest copies of death and vital records from the Iowa Department of Public Health.
- Iowa Federal CasesSearch the Iowa Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.
- Iowa Marriage SearchRequest a copy of a marriage certificates from the Iowa Bureau of Health Statistics.
- Iowa Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by individual name or business thru the state treasurer.
About Des Moines County
Area
416 square miles
County Seat
Burlington
Established
1834
Named After
the Des Moines
Court Records & Case Information
Des Moines County Iowa Court is located in the Des Moines County Courthouse at 506 N. Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601. It is a district court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. The court is presided over by a judge and has a clerk of court. The court also has a jury system.
Des Moines County Iowa court jurisdiction is located in the city of Burlington, Iowa. The address is: Des Moines County Courthouse, 509 South Gear Avenue, Burlington, IA 52601. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases in this county.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.
- Iowa law requires that agencies respond to public records requests promptly, typically within a reasonable time frame not to exceed a few business days unless the request is unusually broad or complex.
513 N Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk of Court's office at the courthouse, with fees typically ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 per page for standard copies and higher fees for certified copies.
- Traffic citations and minor infractions are also processed through the District Court system.
513 N Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601
Property & Public Records
- Recording fees vary based on document type and page count, with standard deeds typically costing between $30-50 to record.
- Des Moines County Assessor's Office, also located at 513 N Main Street (phone: 319-753-8272), maintains property assessment records, property tax information, parcel data, and ownership information.
- Des Moines County Treasurer's office handles property tax collection and provides information on tax payments, delinquencies, and tax sale properties.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Recorder's office for a fee, typically $5-15 depending on the document.
513 N Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601 • Phone: 319-753-8272
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- The state office charges $20 for the first copy of a birth certificate and $15 for additional copies requested at the same time; death certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies.
- Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Des Moines County Recorder's Office at 513 N Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601 (phone: 319-753-8203).
- The marriage license fee is established by state statute and county ordinance.
- Online ordering of Iowa vital records is available through VitalChek, an authorized vendor, at www.vitalchek.com, though additional processing fees apply.
513 N Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601 • Phone: 319-753-8203
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- This searchable database is available free online at sos.iowa.gov under the Business Services section, allowing users to look up business names, registered agents, formation dates, and status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Des Moines County, Iowa?
To search for someone recently arrested in Des Moines County, Iowa, you can contact the Des Moines County Correctional Center. They provide an inmate lookup service where you can find information about current detainees. You may also visit their official website or call the facility directly for the most up-to-date information on recent arrests and inmate status.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Des Moines County, Iowa?
Mugshots or booking photos in Des Moines County, Iowa, can be obtained from the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office. They maintain records of all bookings and may provide access to these photos through their office. Some mugshots may be available through online databases or local news websites that report on recent arrests.
How do I get a criminal background check in Des Moines County, Iowa?
To obtain a criminal background check in Des Moines County, Iowa, you should contact the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). The DCI provides background checks for the state, and you can request one through their website. Locally, you may also inquire at the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process.
How can I look up sex offenders in Des Moines County, Iowa?
You can look up sex offenders in Des Moines County, Iowa, by accessing the Iowa Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Iowa Department of Public Safety and provides a searchable database of registered sex offenders in the state. You can search by name, location, or other criteria to find information about offenders in Des Moines County.
How do I register to vote in Des Moines County, Iowa?
To register to vote in Des Moines County, you can register online at mymvd.iowadot.gov if you have an Iowa driver's license or non-operator ID, or submit a paper registration form to the Des Moines County Auditor's office at 513 N Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601. Iowa requires voter registration at least 10 days before an election, though same-day registration is available at your polling place on Election Day with proper identification and proof of residence. You can also request an absentee ballot for any election without providing an excuse by contacting the County Auditor's office.
How do I look up property records in Des Moines County, Iowa?
Property records in Des Moines County can be accessed through the Des Moines County Recorder's Office at 513 N Main Street, Burlington (phone: 319-753-8203) for recorded documents like deeds, mortgages, and liens. The this county Assessor's office at the same location (phone: 319-753-8272) provides property tax records, assessments, and parcel information, typically offering an online property search tool on the county website. Most property searches are available free online, though certified copies of recorded documents require fees and must be requested from the Recorder's office.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Des Moines County, Iowa?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Des Moines County can be obtained from the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Statistics, 321 E 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0075, or potentially through the Des Moines County Public Health Department. Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and death certificates cost $15 for the first copy when ordered from the state. Processing takes 2-4 weeks for mail requests, and expedited service is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional fees. Valid photo identification and proof of eligibility are required for restricted birth records.
How do I find business license records in Des Moines County, Iowa?
Business records in Des Moines County can be found through multiple sources depending on business type. Fictitious business name (DBA) filings are maintained by the Des Moines County Recorder's Office at 513 N Main Street, Burlington. For corporations, LLCs, and other formal business entities, search the Iowa Secretary of State's free online database at sos.iowa.gov. Local business licenses and permits for specific cities should be requested from the respective city clerk's office in Burlington, Mediapolis, West Burlington, or other municipalities where the business operates.