Des Moines County Court Records Search
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Des Moines County, Iowa sits along the Mississippi River in the southeastern corner of the state, with Burlington as its county seat. The county’s court system operates under Judicial District 8 of the Iowa Courts and handles the full spectrum of criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. Court records held by the District Court Clerk are available to the public under both the Iowa Open Records Law and Iowa Court Rule 20.1, which formally defines what constitutes a court record and establishes the conditions under which those records are accessible.
For anyone beginning a records search, Iowa maintains a centralized statewide case search system through its judicial branch website. IowaCourts.us can assist in locating publicly available court case information from Des Moines County and other Iowa counties. Court records can also be located through in-person requests at the county courthouse, public access terminals in the clerk’s office, and the Iowa Judicial Branch’s Electronic Document Management System (EDMS). Each method serves a different purpose depending on whether you need basic case index information, full case documents, or certified copies for legal use.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Des Moines County?
Primary Court Location
Des Moines County District Court
Address: 513 North Main Street, P.O. Box 158, Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-8262
Fax: (319) 753-8253
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Des Moines County District Court Clerk is the central repository for all court records filed in the county. There are several ways to conduct a records search:
Online Search via Iowa Courts Online
The Iowa Courts Online Search portal provides free access to the electronic docket, which is an index of filings and proceedings in Iowa state court cases. To use the case search tool effectively, you will need one or more of the following:
- The full name of a party involved in the case
- A case number or citation number
- A docket date range
Viewing the docket index is free, but accessing or printing full case documents through the portal may involve fees. Copies obtained in person cost $0.50 per page under Iowa Code § 602.8105.
EDMS — Electronic Document Management System
Registered users and case parties can file and track court documents through the Iowa Judicial Branch’s EDMS eFile portal. This system allows parties to review filings by other parties, receive notices electronically, and access documents related to their own cases. Non-parties wishing to view public case documents can use the public access terminal available at the Des Moines County Courthouse.
In-Person and Mail Requests
Visitors to the courthouse may request records in person during regular business hours, with staff assistance available for locating specific files. Mail requests should be directed to the Clerk of Court at the address above. The clerk’s contact for the Des Moines County District Court is Shawn R. Showers, reachable at countyclerk.desmoines@iowacourts.gov or by phone at (319) 753-8262. Certification of a court document carries a fee of $50 under Iowa Code § 602.8105(2)(b).
Are Court Records Public in Des Moines County?
Iowa Court Rule 20.1 defines court records broadly to include any record of judicial proceedings produced by an authorized means — covering transcripts filed with the clerk, the contents of case files documenting case activities, and documentary exhibits in the clerk’s custody. These records are presumptively public under Iowa Code Chapter 22, the Iowa Open Records Law, which grants every person the right to examine and copy public records unless a specific exemption applies.
However, not all court records are open. Iowa law and court rules designate certain categories as confidential and exempt from disclosure. The following records are withheld from public access:
- Adoption records
- Juvenile delinquency and child in need of assistance (CINA) cases
- Mental health proceedings
- Investigative filings and minutes of testimony in criminal cases
- Names of minor children in relevant proceedings
- Witness information forms and Guardian Ad Litem reports
- Drug and alcohol testing records
- Criminal booking sheets
- County attorney subpoenas
- Child abuse assessment reports
- Social security numbers, financial account numbers, and taxpayer identification numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Criminal cases where an outstanding arrest warrant or search warrant remains unserved — these remain sealed until the warrant is executed
The Iowa Judicial Branch publishes guidance on protecting personal information in court filings, which applies to both represented parties and self-represented litigants. Requesters who believe records are improperly withheld may seek review through the Iowa Public Information Board or through the courts under Iowa Code Chapter 22.
Des Moines County Criminal Court Records
All criminal cases in Des Moines County — from misdemeanors to felonies — originate in the District Court for Judicial District 8. The clerk’s office maintains criminal case records, including charging documents, court orders, sentencing records, and docket entries. These records are generally accessible to the public through Iowa Courts Online or in person at the courthouse, subject to the confidentiality restrictions noted above.
It is important to distinguish between court records and criminal history records. Criminal history reports — which compile arrest and conviction data across multiple jurisdictions — are maintained by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), not the court clerk. Background checks through the DCI cost $15 per last name and can be requested online, by mail, fax, or email at dps.iowa.gov/divisions-iowa-department-public-safety/iowa-division-criminal-investigation. The DCI form DCI-77 is used for written requests.
Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest reports, incident reports, and related law enforcement records. Public records requests to the Sheriff’s Office are governed by Iowa Code Chapter 22.
Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office — Records Division
Phone: (319) 753-8212
Email: so-clerical@dmcounty.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or via email using the Records Request Form available on the Sheriff’s website. The first 30 minutes of staff time spent processing a request is provided at no charge; any additional time is billed at cost. Payment by cash, check, or money order is required before records are released, and prepayment estimates may be required for larger requests. Most requests are fulfilled within 10 business days.
Daily arrest logs for the City of Burlington are published separately through the Burlington Police Department’s public archive at burlingtoniowa.org.
Des Moines County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Des Moines County are adjudicated in the District Court. The court handles a broad range of matters including contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, landlord-tenant actions (forcible entry and detainer), and small claims. All civil case records are maintained by the District Court Clerk and are searchable through Iowa Courts Online.
Civil Filing Fees
The following fees are set by the Iowa Legislature under Iowa Code § 602.8105 and apply statewide, including in Des Moines County:
| Case Type | Filing Fee | Iowa Code |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Petition (general) | $215 | § 602.8105(1)(a) |
| Small Claims (≤ $6,500) | $115 | § 631.6 |
| Small Claims Appeal | $215 | § 602.8105(1)(g) |
| Jury Trial Fee | $100 | § 625.8(1) |
| Certification and Seal | $50 | § 602.8105(2)(b) |
| Filing a Lis Pendens | $80 | § 602.8105(2)(g) |
| Copies | $0.50/page | – |
Small Claims
Iowa’s small claims docket, governed by Iowa Code § 631.1, handles money judgment claims, replevins, and forcible entry and detainer (FED) actions involving $6,500 or less. Small claims cases are filed in the District Court, and the filing fee is $115 statewide. An additional $20 service fee applies when the clerk mails the Original Notice. Attorneys are not required, though parties may choose to have representation. The clerk’s office can provide procedural guidance, though staff are not permitted to offer legal advice.
Civil court forms, including small claims filings, are available through the Iowa Judicial Branch Court Forms page. Parties can also access civil case records through the EDMS system once an account is established.
Property Records
Property-related records in Des Moines County are maintained by three offices. The County Assessor manages property valuations and provides an online Real Estate Search tool allowing searches by parcel number, deed holder, or address. The County Treasurer maintains property tax information accessible through its Property Search Portal. The County Recorder also maintains deed records and other land instruments. Copies of property records from any of these offices cost $0.50 per page; certified copies are $5.00 per document.
Des Moines County Family Court Records
Family law matters — including divorces, custody disputes, child support proceedings, domestic abuse protective orders, and paternity cases — are handled by the Des Moines County District Court. The clerk maintains records for all family law cases, and most are accessible as public records through Iowa Courts Online, unless sealed or restricted by law.
Divorce Proceedings
Dissolution of marriage petitions must be filed with the District Court Clerk. The filing fee for a divorce in Iowa is $285 under Iowa Code § 602.8105(1)(b), which covers both the filing fee and the docketing of the dissolution decree. Modifications to existing dissolution decrees and other domestic relations actions (other than initial dissolution filings) carry a $130 fee under § 602.8105(1)©–(d).
For self-represented parties, the Iowa Judicial Branch offers Iowa Interactive Court Forms — a free, guided interview tool for preparing court documents for divorce cases with or without minor children. These forms are available directly through the Iowa Judicial Branch and are accepted by courts across the state.
Domestic Abuse and Protective Orders
Domestic abuse protective orders can be initiated through the District Court. The Interactive Court Forms system includes forms for domestic abuse and elder abuse proceedings. Requests for protection orders can be submitted at the courthouse without a filing fee in qualifying circumstances.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and certified marriage records are managed by the Des Moines County Recorder, not the court clerk. The Recorder holds marriage records dating back to 1839. Marriages occurring since 1954 are available electronically in every Iowa county regardless of where the ceremony took place.
To obtain a certified copy of a marriage record by mail, applicants must submit:
- A completed, notarized application (available through the Iowa DHHS vital records portal)
- A photocopy of a valid, government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for $15.00 per copy, payable to the Des Moines County Recorder
Note: Effective July 1, 2026, the fee for certified copies of all vital records — including marriage, birth, and death certificates — increases from $15 to $20.
Non-certified genealogical copies of marriage records are $1.00 per record and are available in person only. The Recorder’s phone number for marriage records inquiries is (319) 753-8221. Mail requests go to: Des Moines County Recorder, 513 N. Main St., Burlington, IA 52601.
Marriage Licenses
New marriage licenses can be applied for at any Iowa county recorder’s office, provided the ceremony is conducted within the state. The couple, along with one witness aged 18 or older, must appear in person with valid photo identification. The fee is $35.00 and includes a certified copy of the marriage certificate. There is a mandatory three-day waiting period between the date of application acceptance and the date the license is valid for use.
Birth and Death Records
The Des Moines County Recorder also maintains birth and death records dating back to 1880. Certified copies of birth records are $20.00 each and are restricted to immediate family members, who must demonstrate entitlement before a copy is released. Births occurring from 1984 onward are available electronically statewide. Uncertified copies of birth records are available in person only at $1.00 per record.
Certified death certificates are similarly $20.00 per copy (with the same entitlement requirement). For records from 1921 to 1941, as well as certain adoption-related birth records, requests should be directed to:
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075
Des Moines County Probate Court Records
Probate proceedings in Iowa — including estate administration, will filings, guardianships, and conservatorships — fall under the jurisdiction of the District Court. In Des Moines County, the District Court Clerk at 513 North Main Street, Burlington, maintains all probate case records. These proceedings are governed primarily by Iowa Code Chapter 633, which covers the full range of probate, trust, and guardianship matters.
Probate cases are searchable through the Iowa Courts Online docket system. Parties and interested persons may access filed documents — including inventories, accounting reports, and court orders — either through the public access terminal at the courthouse or via EDMS for those with registered accounts.
Types of Probate Proceedings
- Testate estates (where a valid will exists) and intestate estates (where no will was filed) are both administered through the District Court
- Guardianships and conservatorships protecting minors or incapacitated adults are filed and supervised by the court under Iowa Code §§ 232D and 633
- Will filing: Original wills may be deposited with the Clerk for safekeeping prior to the testator’s death
- Small estate administration: Iowa allows simplified procedures for qualifying estates under Iowa Code § 635
Court Costs in Probate
Iowa Code § 633.31 establishes a sliding-scale fee structure for probate proceedings based on the gross value of the estate. The clerk collects these costs as part of the estate administration process. The general civil filing fee of $215 applies to petitions for appointment of guardians and conservators under § 602.8105(1)(a). Additional fees for certified documents ($50 per certification) and copies ($0.50 per page) apply throughout the proceeding.
Attorneys representing estates are entitled to fees under Iowa Code § 633A.4102, and personal representatives may also seek compensation. For small estates, representative fees under Iowa Code § 635.8(4) are generally capped at 3% of the gross probate estate value.
For historical probate records with genealogical value — including wills, bonds, petitions, accounts, inventories, and decrees — the State Historical Society of Iowa maintains an archival collection for Des Moines County available through the State Historical Society of Iowa county records collection. These records complement the court clerk’s holdings for older estates and are a useful resource for researchers tracing family histories in the county.