Your Comprehensive Guide to Iowa Public Records
Iowa Public Records
Iowa public records are documents, files, and information created, maintained, or received by government agencies in the state of Iowa. These records document the activities, decisions, and operations of public bodies and are generally accessible to the public under Iowa's open records laws. The state's commitment to transparency allows citizens to access a wide range of information about government operations, property ownership, vital statistics, court proceedings, and more.
Public records in Iowa are governed by Chapter 22 of the Iowa Code, commonly known as the Iowa Open Records Law or Iowa Public Records Law. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government information while balancing privacy concerns and confidentiality requirements.
Are Iowa Records Public?
Yes, most records created or maintained by Iowa government agencies are considered public by default. According to Iowa Code Chapter 22, "Every person shall have the right to examine and copy a public record and to publish or otherwise disseminate a public record or the information contained in a public record."
However, not all government records are publicly accessible. The Iowa Code identifies specific categories of records that are confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure. These exemptions are designed to protect personal privacy, ongoing investigations, trade secrets, and other sensitive information.
The presumption under Iowa law is that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically designated as confidential by statute. This "sunshine law" approach reflects Iowa's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability.
What Information Is Included in Iowa Public Records?
Iowa public records encompass a broad range of information created or maintained by state and local government agencies. These records typically include:
- Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, property tax assessments, and land records
- Court Records: Civil and criminal case files, court calendars, and judicial opinions
- Business Records: Corporate filings, business licenses, and professional licenses
- Government Operations: Meeting minutes, budgets, expenditure reports, and contracts
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest records, incident reports, and jail records
- Voter Registration: Voter lists and election results
- Motor Vehicle Records: Vehicle registrations and driver's license information (with restrictions)
- Tax Records: Property tax assessments and certain tax filings
- Environmental Records: Permits, inspections, and compliance reports
The specific information available within these records varies depending on the type of record and applicable confidentiality provisions.
What Does the Iowa Public Records Law Do?
The Iowa Public Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22) establishes the framework for public access to government information in the state. Key provisions of the law include:
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Presumption of Openness: The law establishes that government records are presumed to be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
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Definition of Public Records: The law defines public records as "all records, documents, tape, or other information, stored or preserved in any medium, of or belonging to this state or any county, city, township, school corporation, political subdivision, nonprofit corporation other than a fair... or tax-supported district in this state, or any branch, department, board, bureau, commission, council, or committee of any of the foregoing."
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Exemptions: The law identifies specific categories of records that are confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure, including personal information in personnel records, ongoing law enforcement investigations, trade secrets, and attorney-client privileged communications.
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Procedures for Access: The law establishes procedures for requesting and obtaining public records, including reasonable fees that may be charged for record retrieval and copying.
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Enforcement Provisions: The law provides remedies for individuals who are denied access to public records, including the right to seek judicial review.
The Iowa Public Records Law works in conjunction with the Iowa Open Meetings Law (Iowa Code Chapter 21) to promote transparency and accountability in government operations.
How To Find Public Records in Iowa in 2025
Finding public records in Iowa involves identifying the appropriate government agency that maintains the records you seek and following their specific request procedures. Here are general steps to locate public records in Iowa:
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Identify the Custodian: Determine which government agency or department is likely to maintain the records you need.
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Contact the Agency: Reach out to the agency by phone, email, or in person to confirm they have the records and learn about their specific request procedures.
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Submit a Request: Submit a formal public records request, which can often be done in person, by mail, email, or through online portals depending on the agency.
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Pay Any Required Fees: Be prepared to pay reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records.
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Follow Up: If necessary, follow up on your request to ensure it's being processed.
Key agencies for common public records include:
Iowa Secretary of State
First Floor, Lucas Building
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-5204
Iowa Secretary of State
Iowa Department of Public Health - Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-4944
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Iowa Judicial Branch
Iowa Judicial Branch Building
1111 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 348-4700
Iowa Judicial Branch
Many counties and municipalities also offer online access to certain public records through their websites, which can streamline the search process.
Does Iowa Have Free Public Records?
Iowa law allows government agencies to charge reasonable fees for providing public records, but some records may be available at no cost, particularly if they involve minimal search or copying efforts. The availability of free public records in Iowa depends on several factors:
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Type of Record: Some records, particularly those available online through government websites, may be accessible at no charge.
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Format Requested: Electronic records that can be emailed may incur lower or no fees compared to paper copies.
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Agency Policies: Some agencies may waive fees for small requests or for certain types of requesters (such as those seeking records for non-commercial purposes).
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Public Interest: Fees may sometimes be waived when disclosure of the information is in the public interest.
Many Iowa government agencies now provide certain records online at no cost through their websites, including:
- The Iowa Courts Online Search for basic court record information
- The Iowa Land Records system for property records in participating counties
- The Iowa Legislature's website for legislative records and Iowa Code
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records in Iowa?
Under Iowa Code Chapter 22, government agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the costs associated with retrieving and providing public records. These fees typically include:
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Copying Costs: Agencies may charge for the actual cost of making copies, which typically ranges from $0.10 to $0.50 per page for standard paper copies.
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Search and Retrieval Fees: If significant time is required to locate and prepare records, agencies may charge for staff time at reasonable hourly rates.
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Special Processing Fees: Additional fees may apply for specialized formats, certified copies, or expedited processing.
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Electronic Records: Fees for electronic records may include the cost of storage media or time spent converting records to electronic format.
Specific fee schedules vary by agency. For example:
- Birth and death certificates from the Iowa Department of Public Health cost $20 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Court records typically cost $0.50 per page for copies.
- County recorder offices often charge $5-10 for the first page of property records and $1-5 for each additional page.
Agencies must provide an estimate of fees before processing substantial requests, and requesters have the right to narrow their requests to reduce costs.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Public Records in Iowa?
Iowa's Public Records Law does not specify a definitive timeframe for responding to records requests, requiring only that agencies provide records "promptly" and during normal business hours. In practice, response times vary based on:
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Complexity of the Request: Simple requests for readily available records may be fulfilled immediately or within a few days, while complex requests requiring extensive search or review may take weeks.
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Volume of Records: Requests involving large volumes of records naturally take longer to process.
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Agency Resources: Staffing levels and current workload at the agency affect processing time.
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Review Requirements: Records that require review for confidential information take longer to process.
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Format Requested: Electronic records may be provided more quickly than paper records requiring physical copying.
As a general guideline, straightforward requests are often fulfilled within 10-20 business days, though this is not mandated by law. For time-sensitive requests, it's advisable to communicate the urgency to the agency and consider narrowing the scope of the request to expedite processing.
What Records Are Confidential In Iowa?
Iowa Code Chapter 22 identifies numerous categories of records that are confidential or otherwise exempt from public disclosure. Key categories of confidential records include:
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Personal Information: Records containing personal information in personnel files, student records, medical records, and certain personal information in motor vehicle records.
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Law Enforcement Records: Information related to ongoing investigations, confidential informants, and certain law enforcement techniques.
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Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information and trade secrets submitted to government agencies.
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Attorney-Client Communications: Records that contain attorney-client privileged information.
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Testing and Examination Materials: Test questions, scoring keys, and other examination data.
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Security Information: Records that could jeopardize public safety or security if disclosed.
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Preliminary Drafts and Notes: Records that are preliminary drafts, notes, or memoranda which are not in final form.
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Peace Officers' Investigative Reports: Reports made by peace officers are confidential but basic incident information remains public.
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Library Records: Records that would reveal the identity of library patrons in relation to their use of materials.
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Child Abuse Information: Information contained in child abuse reports and assessments.
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Income Tax Returns: Individual and corporate income tax returns and related information.
The Iowa Code contains approximately 70 specific exemptions to public disclosure, and additional exemptions exist in other state and federal laws.
Who Has the Right To Request Public Records in Iowa
Under Iowa's Public Records Law, "every person" has the right to examine and copy public records. This broad access right applies to:
- Iowa residents
- Non-residents
- Media organizations
- Businesses and corporations
- Non-profit organizations
- Advocacy groups
- Researchers and academics
- Government agencies
- Attorneys and legal representatives
The law does not restrict access based on citizenship, residency, age, or purpose of the request. Requesters are generally not required to provide identification or explain why they want the records, though some specific types of records (such as vital records) may have more restrictive access requirements under other laws.
Government agencies cannot deny access to public records based on:
- The requester's identity
- The intended use of the records
- The requester's motivation
- The requester's political affiliation
However, certain records may have specific statutory access restrictions that limit who can obtain them, such as adoption records, certain vital records, and some law enforcement information.
What Can Be Done With Public Records in Iowa
Public records obtained in Iowa can be used for various legitimate purposes, including:
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Research and Investigation: Conducting background checks, academic research, journalistic investigations, or genealogical research.
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Business Purposes: Verifying property ownership, conducting due diligence, or researching market information.
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Legal Proceedings: Gathering evidence for litigation, verifying facts for legal cases, or conducting legal research.
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Government Accountability: Monitoring government activities, expenditures, and decision-making processes.
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Personal Information: Obtaining copies of one's own vital records, property records, or court documents.
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Publication and Dissemination: Publishing or sharing information contained in public records, subject to applicable laws regarding privacy and defamation.
While public records are generally available for any use, certain restrictions may apply:
- Commercial solicitation using information from motor vehicle records is restricted under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act.
- Using public records for identity theft, fraud, or harassment is prohibited.
- Some records may contain copyrighted material that limits reproduction rights.
- Certain uses of personal information obtained from public records may be restricted by other privacy laws.
Key Agencies and Departments for Public Records in Iowa
Several key agencies maintain and provide access to public records in Iowa:
Iowa Secretary of State
First Floor, Lucas Building
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-5204
Iowa Secretary of State
Maintains business filings, UCC filings, notary records, and election information
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-4944
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Maintains vital records including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates
Iowa Judicial Branch
Iowa Judicial Branch Building
1111 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 348-4700
Iowa Judicial Branch
Maintains court records for state courts
Iowa Department of Transportation
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-1101
Iowa Department of Transportation
Maintains driver's license and vehicle registration records
County Recorder Offices
Located in each of Iowa's 99 counties
Maintain property records, marriage licenses, and certain vital records
County Clerk of Court Offices
Located in each of Iowa's 99 counties
Maintain local court records
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E 7th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 725-6000
Iowa Department of Public Safety
Maintains criminal history records and sex offender registry
Iowa State Archives
600 E. Locust St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-5020
State Historical Society of Iowa
Maintains historical government records
How to Appeal a Denied Public Records Request in Iowa
If your request for public records in Iowa is denied, you have several options for appeal:
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Informal Resolution: Contact the agency that denied your request to discuss the denial and provide additional information that might help resolve the issue.
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Administrative Appeal: Some agencies have internal appeal procedures. Ask the agency about their specific appeal process.
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Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB): File a complaint with the IPIB, which was established to provide an alternative to costly litigation in resolving disputes about access to government information.
Iowa Public Information Board
Wallace Building, Third Floor
502 East 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 725-1781
Iowa Public Information Board -
Judicial Review: File a lawsuit in Iowa District Court challenging the denial. Under Iowa Code Section 22.10, a person who is denied access to a public record may bring an action in district court to compel compliance with the law.
When appealing a denial, it's important to:
- Act promptly, as there may be time limitations for filing appeals
- Clearly identify the records requested and the basis for the appeal
- Provide any relevant documentation, including the original request and denial
- Cite applicable provisions of the Iowa Public Records Law
If a court finds that the lawful custodian violated the Public Records Law, it may order the payment of damages, attorney fees, and court costs to the requester.
Difference Between Federal and Iowa Public Records
Federal public records are governed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. § 552), which grants the right to request records from federal executive branch agencies. Iowa’s public records, on the other hand, are governed by the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22), which applies to state and local government bodies in Iowa.
Key differences include:
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Jurisdiction:
- FOIA applies only to federal agencies and offices (e.g., the IRS, EPA, or FBI). It does not cover state or local government agencies in Iowa.
- Iowa’s Open Records Law applies only to state, county, municipal, and local governmental entities within Iowa; it does not apply to federal agencies.
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Exemptions:
- Federal FOIA has nine statutory exemptions for things like national security, trade secrets, internal personnel rules, law enforcement, and personal privacy.
- Iowa’s Open Records Law has its own set of exemptions, such as confidential personnel records, trade secrets, law enforcement investigatory files, medical records, student records, and other sensitive information.
- The lists of exemptions and their interpretations may differ between federal and state law.
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Who Can Request:
- Both FOIA and Iowa Open Records Law allow any person, regardless of citizenship or residency, to request records.
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Appeals and Enforcement:
- Under FOIA, appeals first go to the federal agency’s FOIA office, and if unresolved, to federal court.
- In Iowa, disputes over open records access can be appealed to the Iowa Public Information Board or resolved through state courts.
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Response Time:
- Federal agencies are required to respond within 20 business days under FOIA, though extensions are common.
- Iowa law requires records to be made available “promptly” and without delay, but does not specify a strict deadline. In practice, simple requests are often fulfilled within 10–20 days.
When seeking records, requests must be directed to the appropriate jurisdiction—federal records from federal agencies, and Iowa records from state or local agencies.
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Information Policy (FOIA)
441 G St NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20530
Phone: (202) 514-3642
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Information Policy (FOIA)
Iowa Public Information Board
510 E. 12th Street, Suite 1A, Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 725-1781
Iowa Public Information Board