Des Moines County, Iowa Court Records
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Des Moines County sits along the Mississippi River in the southeastern corner of Iowa, with Burlington as its county seat. The county's court system operates under Judicial District 8 of the Iowa Courts and handles the full range of criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. Court records kept by the District Court Clerk are available to the public under both the Iowa Open Records Law and Iowa Court Rule 20.1, which defines what counts as a court record and establishes when those records can be accessed.
If you're starting a records search, Iowa maintains a centralized statewide case search system through its judicial branch website. IowaCourts.us can help you locate publicly available court case information from Des Moines County and across the state. Records can also be found 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). Which method works best depends 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. You have several ways to conduct a records search.
Online Search via Iowa Courts Online
The Iowa Courts Online Search portal gives you free access to the electronic docket — an index of filings and proceedings in Iowa state court cases. To use the case search tool, you'll need at least one of the following:
- The full name of a party 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 lets parties review filings made by other parties, receive notices electronically, and access documents tied to their own cases. If you're not a party and just want to view public case documents, a public access terminal is available at the Des Moines County Courthouse.
In-Person and Mail Requests
You can visit the courthouse during regular business hours and request records with staff assistance. Mail requests should go to the Clerk of Court at the address above. The clerk for the Des Moines County District Court is Shawn R. Showers, reachable at countyclerk.desmoines@iowacourts.gov or (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 — they include any record of judicial proceedings produced by an authorized means, including transcripts filed with the clerk, case file contents 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 gives every person the right to examine and copy public records unless a specific exemption applies.
That said, not everything is 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 or search warrant remains unserved — those stay 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. If you believe records are being improperly withheld, you 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 are generally accessible to the public through Iowa Courts Online or in person at the courthouse, subject to the confidentiality restrictions noted above.
It's important to distinguish between court records and criminal history records. Criminal history reports — which pull together 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
Arrest reports, incident reports, and related law enforcement records are held by the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office, not the court clerk. Public records requests to the Sheriff's Office fall under 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 by email using the Records Request Form on the Sheriff's website. The first 30 minutes of staff time spent processing a request is provided at no charge; 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 heard in the District Court, which handles 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, under Iowa Code 631.1, covers 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, with a $115 filing fee statewide. An additional $20 service fee applies when the clerk mails the Original Notice. Attorneys are not required, though parties may choose representation. The clerk's office can walk you through the procedural steps — just keep in mind that staff can't 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 EDMS once an account is set up.
Property Records
Property-related records in Des Moines County are held by three separate offices. The County Assessor handles property valuations and provides an online Real Estate Search tool searchable by parcel number, deed holder, or address. The County Treasurer maintains property tax information through its Property Search Portal. The County Recorder 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 — divorces, custody disputes, child support proceedings, domestic abuse protective orders, and paternity cases — are all 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 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).
If you're representing yourself, 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 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. In qualifying circumstances, protection orders can be requested at the courthouse without a filing fee.
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 get a certified copy of a marriage record by mail, you'll need to 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. For marriage records inquiries, call the Recorder at (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 takes place 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 becomes valid for use.
Birth and Death Records
The Des Moines County Recorder also holds 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 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, direct your request 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 primarily governed by Iowa Code Chapter 633, which covers the full scope of probate, trust, and guardianship matters.
Probate cases are searchable through the Iowa Courts Online docket system. Parties and interested persons can access filed documents — including inventories, accounting reports, and court orders — either through the public access terminal at the courthouse or via EDMS for registered account holders.
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 sets 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 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 may seek fees under Iowa Code 633A.4102, and personal representatives may also request 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 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 anyone tracing family histories in the county.