Public Records Resources for Lee, Iowa
Official government websites for Lee, 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 Lee County
Population
34,000 residents
Established
1836
- The Mississippi River provides significant recreational and economic opportunities.
Court Records & Case Information
Lee County Courthouse Lee County Courthouse 25 North 7th Street Fort Madison, IA 52627 Phone: (319) 372-2421 Fax: (319) 372-2422 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Lee County Iowa court jurisdiction is located in Fort Madison, Iowa. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and small claims. The court is located at: Lee County Courthouse\n25 North 7th Street\nFort Madison, IA 52627
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Citizens can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office or the relevant municipal police department in writing or in person.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office jail roster, which may be accessible online or by direct request.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports.
- Iowa law requires agencies to respond to public records requests promptly, generally within a reasonable time frame.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Iowa District Court case records can be searched through the Iowa Judicial Branch's online portal at www.iowacourts.state.ia.us using the Iowa Courts Online Search system.
- Certified copies of court documents cost approximately $20 for the first page and $5 for each additional page, though fees are subject to change.
Property & Public Records
- While basic searches are typically free, printed or certified copies require payment of statutory fees (generally $1 per page for standard copies and $5 for certified documents).
- An online GIS mapping system provides parcel viewers with property boundaries, tax information, and assessment history.
- To obtain certified copies of recorded documents, requesters must visit or contact the Recorder's Office with specific document information (book and page or instrument number).
- Same-day service is typically available for in-person requests.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Requesters must complete an application form and provide valid photo identification.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $35 and there is no waiting period in Iowa.
- Online ordering of vital records may be available through VitalChek or the Iowa Department of Public Health website, though service fees apply for third-party vendors.
321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- This free database includes business status, registered agent information, formation dates, and annual report status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Lee County, Iowa?
To search for someone recently arrested in Lee County, Iowa, you can contact the Lee County Jail located at 2530 255th Street, Montrose, IA 52639. The area Sheriff's Office provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about recent arrests. You can also call the jail directly at (319) 524-1414 for more information on an inmate's status and charges.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Lee County, Iowa?
Mugshots and booking photos in Lee County, Iowa, can be obtained from the Lee County Sheriff's Office. You may visit their office at 2530 255th Street, Montrose, IA 52639, or check their official website for any available online portals. It is important to note that access to these records may be subject to certain restrictions under Iowa law.
How do I get a criminal background check in Lee County, Iowa?
To obtain a criminal background check in Lee County, Iowa, you need to contact the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). You can request a background check through their website or by submitting a request form to the DCI office.
How can I look up sex offenders in Lee County, Iowa?
You can look up sex offenders in Lee County, Iowa, by accessing the Iowa Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Iowa Department of Public Safety and provides information on registered sex offenders throughout the state. You can search the registry online by name, location, or proximity to a specific address.
How do I register to vote in Lee County, Iowa?
Voter registration in Lee County is handled by the Lee County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections with offices in Fort Madison (319) 372-3523) and Keokuk (319) 524-4507). You can register online at sos.iowa.gov/voters, in person at the Auditor's Office, or by mail, with the registration deadline being 10 days before an election for advance registration. Iowa also offers same-day voter registration through Election Day at your polling place or the Auditor's Office. To request an absentee ballot, contact the Auditor's Office or submit a request through the Iowa Secretary of State's online absentee ballot portal starting 120 days before any election.
How do I look up property records in Lee County, Iowa?
Property records in Lee County are maintained by the Lee County Recorder's Office at 933 Avenue H in Fort Madison (319) 372-3523) and 701 Main Street in Keokuk (319) 524-4507). The Recorder provides online access to search deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded land documents through the county's web-based record search system. For property tax assessments, valuations, and parcel information, contact the Assessor's Office at the same addresses, which offers an online GIS parcel viewer. Basic online searches are typically free, though certified copies require statutory fees and must be obtained from the Recorder's Office directly.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Lee County, Iowa?
Birth and death certificates in Lee County are issued by the Lee County Recorder's Office, which is the local registrar, with locations in Fort Madison at 933 Avenue H (319) 372-3523) and Keokuk at 701 Main Street (319) 524-4507). The fee for a certified copy is $15 for the first certificate and $10 for additional copies ordered at the same time. In-person requests are typically processed the same day, while mail requests take 5-10 business days; you must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate eligibility to receive certified copies. Alternatively, you can order through the Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Health Statistics in Des Moines or through VitalChek online ordering services.
How do I find business license records in Lee County, Iowa?
Business entity registrations in Iowa are primarily maintained by the Iowa Secretary of State, not at the county level. You can search for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and trade names free of charge using the Business Entity Search at sos.iowa.gov, which provides formation dates, registered agents, and business status. Local business licenses or permits for operating within Fort Madison, Keokuk, or other municipalities are issued by the respective city clerk offices. For professional licenses (contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, etc.), contact the relevant Iowa state licensing board, as these are regulated at the state rather than county level.