Story County Court Records Search
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Story County occupies a central position in Iowa, anchored by the county seat of Nevada and home to the city of Ames, site of Iowa State University. The Story County District Court, part of Iowa’s Second Judicial District, adjudicates the full spectrum of legal matters—criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, dissolution of marriage, probate proceedings, juvenile cases, small claims, and mental health commitments. All court paperwork flows through the Clerk of District Court, a state-employed office that operates within the Story County Justice Center and serves as the primary custodian of case files and official records.
Individuals seeking court records in Iowa can begin their search through several channels. The Iowa Judicial Branch maintains an online electronic docket that indexes filings and proceedings in state court cases, and IowaCourts.us may help users orient themselves within the state’s judicial structure. At the local level, records are available through the Clerk of Court’s office in Nevada, through public access terminals at the courthouse, and via written or in-person requests. The Iowa Judicial Branch also offers Iowa Interactive Court Forms and a library of official court forms for self-represented litigants who need to initiate or respond to proceedings.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Story County?
The Story County District Court handles every category of case within the county’s jurisdiction, organized into divisions that address criminal, civil, dissolution, probate, juvenile, small claims, and mental health matters. All divisions operate from the same courthouse facility.
Story County District Court / Clerk of District Court
Address: 1315 South B Avenue, P.O. Box 408, Nevada, IA 50201
Phone: (515) 382-7410
Fax: (515) 382-7522
Email: countyclerk.story@iowacourts.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding state holidays)
Clerk of Court: Amy Moore
Story County Juvenile Court Office
Address: 126 South Kellogg Avenue, Suite 202, Ames, IA 50010
Phone: (515) 233-3346
Four ways to search for a case:
- Online docket search. Visit the Iowa Courts Online Search portal and select the search option. The public search provides basic docket information for cases statewide. For more detailed records—including party information, lis pendens data, judgment and lien details, and exhibit lists—create a free account through the Advanced Case Search portal. All public trial cases after 1998 are searchable. Search by case number, party name, or attorney name.
- In person. Visit the Clerk of Court’s office at the Justice Center during business hours. Public access terminals at the courthouse allow users to search the electronic docket directly.
- By phone or email. Call (515) 382-7410 or email countyclerk.story@iowacourts.gov to inquire about a specific case. Staff can provide basic case information and explain the process for obtaining copies.
- Pay fines online. The Iowa Judicial Branch offers a 24/7 online payment service that accepts major credit cards for fines, surcharges, and court fees.
Electronic filing is mandatory in all Iowa court cases pursuant to Chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules, which governs the Iowa Judicial Branch electronic document management system (EDMS). There is no fee to register for electronic filing.
Are Court Records Public in Story County?
Iowa’s Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22) grants every person the right to examine and copy public records and to publish or disseminate the information they contain. Court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court in Story County are generally public and available for inspection during office hours.
The Iowa Legislature has established specific exceptions, however, and certain categories of court records remain confidential or restricted from public access under state and federal law.
Records that are not publicly accessible include:
- Juvenile court records
- Sealed or expunged cases (Iowa Code Chapter 901C governs expungement of acquittals and dismissals)
- Records related to active law enforcement or judicial investigations
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment files
- Domestic abuse protective order details where confidentiality is ordered
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Confidential victim information
- Records containing protected financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, or information shielded by federal or state privacy statutes
- Deferred judgment records where sealing has been ordered
Under the Chapter 16 redaction rules, filers must redact sensitive personal identifiers—including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth of minors—from all documents filed electronically or submitted on paper in electronic cases. This requirement applies uniformly across all case types.
Copies of public court records are available from the Clerk’s office at $0.50 per page. Certification and seal of a court document costs $30 (Iowa Code § 602.8105(2)(b)).
Story County Criminal Court Records
Criminal prosecutions in Story County proceed through the District Court’s criminal division. The Clerk of Court maintains all case files, including complaints, charges, indictments, motions, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and post-judgment documents. Criminal records are public documents under both Iowa and federal law, subject to the confidentiality exceptions described above.
How to search criminal court records:
- Online: Use the Iowa Courts Online Search to look up criminal cases by defendant name, case number, or attorney. The advanced search option provides additional detail.
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Court’s office at 1315 South B Avenue, Nevada, and request copies. A valid photo ID may be required, and copy fees apply ($0.50 per page; $30 for certification).
- By mail: Send a written request to the Clerk at P.O. Box 408, Nevada, IA 50201, including the case number or party name, the specific records sought, and payment for copy fees.
Arrest records and law enforcement resources:
Arrest information is maintained separately by law enforcement agencies. Several resources are available for Story County:
-
Story County Sheriff’s Office — maintains a current inmate roster viewable online and publishes daily news releases that include arrest incidents in downloadable PDF format.
Story County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 1315 South B Avenue, Nevada, IA 50201
Phone: (515) 382-7462
Email: sheriffweb@storycountyiowa.gov -
Ames Police Department — the Central Iowa Police to Citizen site provides access to the City of Ames arrest report.
Ames Police Department Records Division
Address: 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
Phone: (515) 239-5135
Record seekers may also contact local law enforcement agencies within Story County to request access to arrest records and other criminal records in their possession. Written, in-person, email, and mail requests are all accepted by the Sheriff’s Office, though specific access policies may vary depending on the nature of the record and any ongoing investigations.
Story County Civil Court Records
Civil case records in Story County encompass the full range of non-criminal litigation heard by the District Court, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, consumer complaints, forcible entry and detainer actions, and other civil matters. The Clerk of District Court’s office processes, files, and stores all civil records.
Filing fees for common civil actions (set by the Iowa Legislature):
| Action | Fee | Iowa Code |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Petition (general) | $195 | § 602.8105(1)(a) |
| Dissolution of Marriage | $265 | § 602.8105(1)(b) |
| Other Domestic Relations Action (modification, annulment, separate maintenance) | $110 | § 602.8105(1)©–(d) |
| Small Claims (damages of $6,500 or less) | $95 | § 631.6 |
| Appeal of Small Claims Judgment | $195 | § 602.8105(1)(g) |
| Foreign Judgment | $195 | § 626A.5 |
| Name Change | $195 | § 602.8105(1)(a) |
| Motion to Show Cause for Contempt | $60 | § 602.8105(1)(h) |
Miscellaneous fees:
| Service | Fee | Iowa Code |
|---|---|---|
| Filing and entering statutory liens | $60 | § 602.8105(2)(a) |
| Certification and seal | $30 | § 602.8105(2)(b) |
| Certifying change of title (real estate) | $60 | § 602.8105(2)© |
| Filing a lis pendens | $60 | § 602.8105(2)(g) |
| Jury trial fee | $100 | § 625.8(1) |
| Court reporter fee | $40/day | § 625.8(2) |
| Copies | $0.50/page | — |
If a filer cannot afford the filing fee, the court may defer costs. An Application to Defer Costs can be prepared through the Iowa Interactive Court Forms program and filed with the Clerk.
How to search civil records:
- Use the Iowa Courts Online Search to locate civil docket information by case number, party name, or attorney.
- For the advanced search with detailed party, lien, and exhibit information, register for a free account through the advanced login page.
- Visit the Clerk’s office at the Justice Center to view records on public access terminals or request certified copies.
- Submit a mail request to the Clerk of Court at P.O. Box 408, Nevada, IA 50201.
Property and land records are maintained separately by the Story County Recorder’s Office. Property records can be searched through the Beacon property search portal or the statewide Iowa Land Records website, which provides 24/7 online access to real estate documents. Registration is required for the Iowa Land Records search portal but there is no charge for basic access.
Story County Recorder’s Office
Address: 900 6th Street, P.O. Box 55, Nevada, IA 50201
Phone: (515) 382-7230
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Story County Family Court Records
Family law proceedings in Story County—including dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, domestic abuse protective orders, and paternity actions—are heard by the District Court’s domestic relations division. The Clerk of Court maintains all family case files.
Divorce records are public, though certain information within a divorce file may be restricted. Financial account details, Social Security numbers, child custody evaluations, and domestic abuse-related materials may be sealed or redacted by court order. Certified copies of divorce decrees and related documents are obtainable through the Clerk’s office.
To search for divorce records, use the Iowa Courts Online Search or visit the Clerk of Court in person. The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage petition is $265 (Iowa Code § 602.8105(1)(b)). Modifications to an existing dissolution decree cost $110 to file.
Marriage records in Story County are maintained by the Story County Recorder’s Office. Marriage certificates can be requested by submitting a completed Application for a Copy of Vital Record Certificate form along with a photocopy of the requester’s ID and a $15 fee. The form must be notarized and mailed to:
Story County Recorder
900 6th Street, P.O. Box 55
Nevada, IA 50201
Per Iowa law, information about a specific vital record is not available over the telephone. Iowa law provides for public viewing in the county where the record is maintained, or certified copies issued to entitled persons. Entitled persons include the individual named on the record, their spouse, children, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, or legal representative. Applicants must be 18 or older. As of July 1, 2026, the certified record fee increases to $20.
Alternatively, marriage certificates may be ordered through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office. Each certified copy costs $15 (search fee included). Requests may be submitted by mail to P.O. Box 55, Nevada, IA 50201 (for county-level) or to the state office at Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor, 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0075. Telephone orders using a credit card are available at (866) 809-0290 (Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST), though an additional $13.00 authentication fee applies.
Birth and death records have restricted access in Iowa. Birth certificates become public 75 years after the event; death records become public after 50 years. Before those periods expire, certified copies are available only to the record subject (age 18 or older), immediate family members, legal representatives, persons with a court order, or authorized genealogists. The fee is $15 per certified copy (increasing to $20 on July 1, 2026). Requests should be directed to the Story County Recorder using the same application form referenced above.
Story County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Story County are handled by the District Court’s probate division. Iowa does not operate a separate probate court; instead, the District Court exercises jurisdiction over decedent estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, trust administration, escheat proceedings, and partition actions. The Clerk of Court maintains all probate case files.
Probate records typically include petitions for probate, last wills and testaments, letters testamentary or letters of administration, inventories of assets, notices to creditors, creditor claims, executor accountings, petitions for final distribution, orders of distribution, affidavits of heirship, bonds, and small estate affidavits.
How to obtain probate records:
- Online: Search the Iowa Courts Online docket using the decedent’s name or the case number. The advanced search provides additional detail on filings, parties, and proceedings.
- In person: Visit the Clerk of District Court at 1315 South B Avenue, Nevada, during business hours. Request copies of specific probate documents and pay the applicable fees ($0.50 per page for copies; $30 for certification under seal).
- Through an attorney: Attorneys handling an estate often have direct access to case files through Iowa’s EDMS electronic filing system and may provide copies to persons with legitimate interests in the probate matter.
- By mail: Direct a written request to the Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 408, Nevada, IA 50201, identifying the estate name, case number, and the specific documents needed, along with payment for anticipated fees.
The filing fee for a petition to appoint a guardian or conservator is $195 (Iowa Code § 602.8105(1)(a)), the same as for a general civil petition. Probate cases follow the procedures outlined in Iowa Code Chapters 633 (Probate Code) and 232D (guardianships). Iowa’s electronic filing mandate under Chapter 16 of the Court Rules applies to probate filings, meaning all documents must be submitted through the EDMS unless an exception is granted.
For case scheduling inquiries in the Second Judicial District, contact Kellie Orres at (515) 574-3752. The ADA Coordinator for the district is Bill Watson, reachable at (515) 576-6336 or bill.watson@iowacourts.gov, for individuals who require accessibility accommodations when accessing court services or records.