Getting a Copy of Your Iowa Criminal Record
Which Iowa agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), runs Iowa criminal history record checks (Iowa criminal history held by DCI). Iowa Department of Public Safety, DCI, Record Check Forms
| Getting a copy of your criminal record | The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), runs Iowa criminal history record checks (Iowa criminal history held by DCI). Submit a Request Form and Billing Form online through Iowa Record Check Online, or by mail, fax or email, or in person at the Oran Pape State Office Building, 215 E 7th St, Des Moines, IA 50319 (8 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon-Fri, with government photo ID; immediate results are available in person only when you request your own record). Requests need first and last name and exact date of birth. The fee is $15 per last name; cash, checks, money orders and MasterCard, Visa or Discover are accepted. Phone requests are not accepted; questions: 515-725-6066. Online portal linked from the page: http://stateofiowa.seamlessdocs.com/f/DPS_DCI_Criminal_History_Billing_and_Request_Form |
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| What relief the state offers | Iowa offers "expungement" by court order, which makes the court record confidential and exempt from public access (not destroyed). It covers criminal cases ending in acquittal or dismissal of all charges, deferred judgments after probation is discharged, and a one-time expungement of eligible misdemeanor convictions after eight years. Juvenile records can be sealed. The governor can grant pardons and restore citizenship rights. |
Where to get help in Iowa
More Iowa expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Iowa
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Iowa
- How to File for Expungement in Iowa
- Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Iowa
- All Iowa expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do I check my own criminal record in Iowa?
The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), runs Iowa criminal history record checks (Iowa criminal history held by DCI). Submit a Request Form and Billing Form online through Iowa Record Check Online, or by mail, fax or email, or in person at the Oran Pape State Office Building, 215 E 7th St, Des Moines, IA 50319 (8 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon-Fri, with government photo ID; immediate results are available in person only when you request your own record). Requests need first and last name and exact date of birth. The fee is $15 per last name; cash, checks, money orders and MasterCard, Visa or Discover are accepted. Phone requests are not accepted; questions: 515-725-6066.
Can you get a criminal record expunged in Iowa?
Iowa offers "expungement" by court order, which makes the court record confidential and exempt from public access (not destroyed). It covers criminal cases ending in acquittal or dismissal of all charges, deferred judgments after probation is discharged, and a one-time expungement of eligible misdemeanor convictions after eight years. Juvenile records can be sealed. The governor can grant pardons and restore citizenship rights.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.