Iowa court records are filed with the Clerk of District Court. The District Court (unified) handles trial-level cases. Iowa offers a statewide court search through Iowa Courts Online, which covers most case types across all counties courts.
What this page covers: Iowa state court case records — criminal, civil, family, and probate filings. What it does not cover: Federal court cases (those are on PACER) or sealed/juvenile records.
Where to start: Use Iowa Courts Online for online case search. If you need documents beyond docket information, contact the Clerk of District Court in the specific county where the case was filed.
Common mistake: Iowa Courts Online covers state courts only. Federal cases filed in Iowa (bankruptcy, federal criminal, federal civil) require PACER — a separate federal system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a statewide court search for Iowa? ▼
Are federal cases included in Iowa state court records? ▼
Can I search Iowa court records by name? ▼
Are juvenile or sealed cases included? ▼
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