Iowa Criminal Records

To begin, add a criminal record or view a list of locations and resources for Iowa criminal records.

In the state of Iowa, criminal records are handled by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, who since 1939 has been the chief law enforcement agency within the state. The DPS headquarters is located on the Capitol Complex in Des Moines as well as having satellite offices around the state.

The Support Operations Bureau of the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) serves as the department that handles criminal records in Iowa as well as missing persons information, the sex offender registry and many clerical, inventory and budgeting duties. As of July 1, 1996, Iowa criminal records are available to the public for a small fee.

It is important to note that an Iowa criminal records check is based on name and date of birth and without the inclusion of fingerprints there is not way to ensure a positive identification match. Only the DCI can perform these statewide Iowa criminal records searches.

To order a criminal background check, fill out the Iowa Criminal Record mail-in form. Mail your application to:

Iowa offers two different ways in which a criminal background check can be done. Mailed in requests (Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Identification, 1st Floor 215 E 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319) cost $13 and faxed in/faxed back forms cost $15. The fax method requires a credit card number to process an Iowa criminal records check. For more information, visit: