What are Des Moines County Public Records?
In Des Moines County, public records are created and preserved by authorized local agencies. Applicants can look up and obtain copies of these records from the relevant record custodian. For example, court records are obtainable from the Clerk of Court's Office, while arrest records are available from the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office. Visitors can also go to the central state repository to get Des Moines County public records.
It's worth noting that records deemed confidential by a court or state and federal statutes are not public. Some typically restricted public records include confidential trading activities and documents showing sensitive information such as social security numbers (SSN) and driver's license numbers.
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users can search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Des Moines County Crime Statistics
According to data provided by the FBI's Uniform Reporting Program, the 2019 crime report for Des Moines County shows 132 offenses. Compared to the 2017 crime report that enumerated 164 offenses, it is evident that crime in Des Moines County has decreased by 19.5%. Although violent crime increased from 7 incidents in 2017 to 14 incidents in 2019, property crime in Des Moines County has reduced by 24.5% within the same period.
Are Des Moines County Criminal Records Public?
Yes. However, the amount of information available to public requestors depends on prior authorization. Typically, law enforcement will release criminal history information of fewer than 18 months to public requestors. For a more detailed report, especially for employment and licensing purposes, a requestor must obtain a signed authorization from the subject.
In any way, a person who wishes to obtain Des Moines County criminal records must complete a Criminal History Request Form. Next, the requestor must attach a check or money order for the $15.00 search fee to the completed form. Finally, mail the application packet to the Criminal History Record Dissemination Unit or submit the application materials in person.
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
Support Operations Bureau, 1st Floor
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Fax: (515) 725-6080
Phone: (515) 725-6066
How to Obtain Des Moines County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Des Moines County Sheriff's Office is the record custodian for arrest records, incident reports, and crash reports. These records are open to the public and interested requestors may obtain copies at the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours.
Alternatively, the requestor may prepare a written letter describing the record sought. The letter must contain the names of the persons involved, as well as the date, time, and address where the incident or arrest happened. Providing the names of the police officers who took a person into custody or responded to the incident of interest will also help narrow down the search. Finally, prepare a not-to-exceed (NTE) check and attach it to the request letter. Mail the application materials to the Sheriff's Office or submit them in person.
Des Moines County Sheriff
512 North Main Street
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-8212
Fax: (319) 754-6910
Email: DMCSheriff@dmcounty.com
Meanwhile, residents can visit the police department that has jurisdiction over the location where the arrest or incident happened to request arrest records and police reports. The same process applies, only this time, the request is submitted to the police department.
Burlington Police Department
201 Jefferson Street
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-8366
West Burlington Police Department
122 Broadway Street
West Burlington, IA
Phone: (319) 754-8555
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Des Moines County
Residents can use the Iowa Sex Offender Registry to locate the registered sex offenders in Des Moines County. The registry lets interested persons look up information on suspected sex offenders using the person's name, address, phone number, vehicle details, and online monikers. The Basic Search option is perfect for finding sex offender information when a searcher has minimal information on a suspected sex offender. The Advanced Search feature lets users refine their search with the suspected sex offender's race, color, gender, height, and proximity to their current location.
How to Find Des Moines County Inmate Records
Applicants can use the Current Inmate List maintained by the Sheriff's Office to access Des Moines County inmate records. Interested persons can utilize the search tool in the database or navigate through the list to locate county jail detainees. The online database contains details like the incarcerated full name, bond details, charges, booking date, and time on the list.
Alternatively, contact the Sheriff's Office directly to request information on an inmate of interest. Either way, requestors must be prepared to provide relevant information to facilitate the search, including the inmate's name and arrest or conviction date.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Des Moines County Jail?
Persons convicted of misdemeanors typically serve time at the Des Moines County Correctional Center. The family and friends of inmates may visit inmates during visiting hours based on the inmates' housing.
All intending visitors must be on the inmate's visitation list and schedule visits at least 24 hours in advance. Furthermore, visitors must present a valid photo ID and dress formally at the time of visitation. The Des Moines County Correctional Center is located at:
3630 Bauer Drive
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-8275
Fax: (319) 753-8706
Des Moines County Court Records
The court system in Des Moines County comprises a District Court, which has a Probate Division, a Small Claims Division, a Juvenile Court Division, as well as Criminal and Civil Divisions.
Des Moines County court records are documents created during civil and criminal cases adjudicated in the District Court. Commonly sought court records include statements, affidavits, briefs, motions, court transcripts, documentary evidence, and judgment records. The District Court Clerk is the record custodian for Des Moines County court records.
Locations of Courts in Des Moines County
Des Moines County District Court
513 North Main Street
P.O. Box 158
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-8272
Are Des Moines County Court Records Public?
Yes, all requestors can view and obtain copies of Des Moines County court records maintained at the Clerk's Office unless the court record sought is sealed by court order. Sealed court records are typically documents that contain sensitive information, such as medical records and records containing information about minors or victims of domestic violence.
How to Obtain Des Moines County Civil Court Case Records
A person who wishes to obtain civil court records must visit the Clerk's Office at the Des Moines County District Court in person during business hours or send a written request letter describing the record sought.
Either way, all requestors must provide the necessary details to facilitate a search for the record sought, including the litigants' names, case number, and filing date if known. The Clerk's Office typically charges copying and certification fees that a requestor must pay before administrative staff processes the request. Visit or send request letters to:
Des Moines County Clerk of Court
513 North Main Street
P.O. Box 158
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-8272
Fax: (319) 753-8253
Email: Jackie.Myers@iowacourts.gov
Better still, it is possible to obtain Des Moines County civil court records online through the Iowa Court Online Search. The portal lets the public access limited case data for free, but interested persons may obtain detailed case data for a $25.00 monthly subscription fee.
How to Obtain Des Moines County Criminal Court Records
Des Moines County criminal court records are available for public perusal at the Clerk's Office. Interested persons may visit in person or send a mail request to obtain copies of criminal court records.
In any way, the requestor must provide the necessary details to facilitate a search for criminal court records, especially the names of the persons involved and the case number. Details such as the attorneys' names, the presiding judge's name, and the filing date also help narrow down the search faster. Armed with this information, visit or mail a written request letter to:
Des Moines County Clerk of Court
513 North Main Street
P.O. Box 158
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-8272
Fax: (319) 753-8253
Email: Jackie.Myers@iowacourts.gov
Meanwhile, the Iowa Judiciary makes it possible to obtain Des Moines County criminal court records online through the aforementioned Iowa Court Online Search. Public requests have limited access to case data for free, but interested persons may obtain detailed case data for a $25.00 monthly subscription fee.
What are Des Moines County Vital Records?
Des Moines County's vital records are official documents issued during important life events. These include birth records, marriage records, divorce records, and death records. The Des Moines County Clerk of Court, the Des Moines County Recorder, and the Bureau of Health Statistics are the record custodians for various vital records at the county and state levels, respectively. It is possible to obtain copies of vital records from these record custodians in person or by mail, depending on convenience.
While interested members of the public may obtain informational copies of vital records, only eligible persons may obtain certified copies of vital records. These eligible persons are the record subject, their immediate family members, and authorized representatives of these persons. Eligible requestors must complete the vital records request form and provide the necessary means of identification before the record custodian processes their requests.
Where and How to Obtain Des Moines County Divorce Records
The District Court Clerk Office is the designated record custodian for divorce records in Des Moines County. These documents are available in person or by mail to applicants. Applicants must complete and submit the aforementioned vital record request form describing the record sought with the divorcees' names and the divorce date.
Furthermore, before granting full access to the documents, the clerk will require copies of state-issued identification, utility bills, driver's licenses, or passports. All written requests with fees, necessary papers, and information should be sent to the following address:
Des Moines County Clerk of Court
513 North Main Street
P.O. Box 158
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-8272
Fax: (319) 753-8253
Email: Jackie.Myers@iowacourts.gov
Generally, most district court clerks in Iowa charge $20.00 for a copy of a divorce certificate. However, requestors should call the Clerk of Court to find out the specific amount and payment methods.
Where and How to Get Public Des Moines County Marriage Records
Record seekers can reach out to the County Recorder's Office or the Bureau of Health Statistics to obtain copies of Des Moines County marriage records. An intending applicant must complete and submit the aforementioned vital records request form. Then, the individual must attach a check or money order for the applicable fees and mail the application materials to the Recorder's Office or the Bureau of Health Statistics.
Des Moines County Recorder
513 North Main Street
Burlington, IA 52601
P.O. Box 277
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-8221
Fax: (319) 753-8721
Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
1st Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
The choice of where to send the application depends on convenience and the marriage year, but contacting the County Recorder is typically faster. The Bureau of Health Statistics makes only certified copies of marriage records from 1954 available to eligible persons. All requests must be accompanied by the applicant's state-issued identification card.
Where and How to Obtain Confidential Marriage Records in Des Moines County
Marriage records in Des Moines County and other communities in Iowa are available to all individuals. As such, there are no confidential marriage records in the county.
Where and How to Find Des Moines County Birth Records
Record seekers can reach out to the County Recorder's office or the Bureau of Health Statistics for Des Moines County birth records. Eligible requestors can access birth records from 1880-1920 and from 1942 till the present.
Applicants must submit the aforementioned vital records request form or write a request letter describing the birth record with the subject's name, birth date, parents' names, and relationship to the subject. All submissions must be accompanied by the applicant's state-issued identification and payment in form of a check or money order. Keep in mind that each copy of a Des Moines County birth record costs $15.00.
Des Moines County Recorder
513 North Main Street
Burlington, IA 52601
P.O. Box 277
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-8221
Fax: (319) 753-8721
Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
1st Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
Where and How to Find Des Moines County Death Records
Record seekers can reach out to the County Recorder's Office or the Bureau of Health Statistics for Des Moines County death records. Eligible requestors can access birth records from 1880-1920 and from 1942 till the present.
Applicants must submit the aforementioned vital records request form or write a request letter describing the death record with the subject's name, date of death, and relationship to the subject. All submissions must be accompanied by the applicant's state-issued identification and payment in form of a check or money order. Note that each copy of a death record costs $1500.
Des Moines County Recorder
513 North Main Street
Burlington, IA 52601
P.O. Box 277
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-8221
Fax: (319) 753-8721
Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
1st Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
