Official Government Sources
Des Moines Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Des Moines, Iowa government websites.
About Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa, serves as the capital city of the state and is located in Polk County. As of the 2020 Census, the population of Des Moines is 214,133, making it the most populous city in Iowa. The city is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, including the Historic East Village, which features a mix of boutiques, restaurants, and cultural attractions, and the trendy Court Avenue District, known for its nightlife and dining options.
One notable landmark in Des Moines is the Iowa State Capitol, which boasts a distinctive gold dome and houses the offices of the Governor and the Iowa General Assembly. Another significant site is the Des Moines Art Center, renowned for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Economically, Des Moines has a strong insurance and financial services sector, with companies like Principal Financial Group and Nationwide Insurance headquartered in the city. The city has been recognized as a top place for business and careers, reflecting its robust economic landscape.
One notable landmark in Des Moines is the Iowa State Capitol, which boasts a distinctive gold dome and houses the offices of the Governor and the Iowa General Assembly. Another significant site is the Des Moines Art Center, renowned for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Economically, Des Moines has a strong insurance and financial services sector, with companies like Principal Financial Group and Nationwide Insurance headquartered in the city. The city has been recognized as a top place for business and careers, reflecting its robust economic landscape.
Des Moines, Iowa Public Records & Government Resources
Des Moines Iowa Archives and Genealogy
Iowa State Historical Society archives and genealogy for Des Moines.
Des Moines Iowa Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Northern District of Iowa for Des Moines.
Iowa Judicial – Des Moines Case Search
Iowa Courts case information for Des Moines.
Des Moines Iowa Vital Records
Iowa Department of Public Health vital records for Des Moines.
Des Moines Iowa Inmate Search
Iowa Department of Corrections offender search for Des Moines.
Des Moines Iowa Missing Persons
Iowa Missing Person Clearinghouse for Des Moines.
Des Moines Iowa Sex Offender Registry
Iowa Sex Offender Registry – search by Des Moines.
Des Moines Iowa Criminal History Records
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation criminal history for Des Moines.
City of Des Moines
Directory of Des Moines city records and information 400 Robert D Ray Drive Des Moines, Iowa 50309 Phone: (515) 283-4500
Des Moines Police Department
25 East First Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 (515) 283-4811
Des Moines Fire Department
900 Mulberry Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 Phone: (515) 283-4237
Des Moines Iowa City Clerk
Find official city records and documents 400 Robert D Ray Drive Des Moines, Iowa 50309 Phone: (515) 283-4500
Des Moines Office of the Mayor
400 Robert D Ray Drive Des Moines, Iowa 50309 Phone: (515) 283-4500
Des Moines Information and Technology Department
Armory Building 602 Robert D Ray Drive Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1881 Phone: (515) 283-4060 Fax: (515) 237-1775
Des Moines International Airport
Flight and airline information 5800 Fleur Drive Des Moines, IA 50321
Des Moines Public Library
1000 Grand Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 283.4152
Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
Business directory information The Partnership Building 700 Locust St., Suite 100 Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515-286-49
Park and Recreation Department
Find things to do in Des Moines Administration Office Capitol Center I, Suite 200 600 East Court Avenue Des Moines, IA 5
Des Moines Iowa Finance Department
Find information on city finances 400 Robert D Ray Drive Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1891 Phone: (515) 283-4921
Des Moines Public Schools
Education and school information 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 Telephone: 515-242-7911 Fax: 515-242-7579
Des Moines Register
Searchable newspapers and archives 715 Locust St. Des Moines IA 50309 (515) 284-8000
Des Moines U.S. Census Information
Quick, easy access to facts about people, business and geography
Des Moines Iowa Official Criminal History Background Check
215 East 7th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50319 (515) 725-6066 or cchinfo@dps.state.ia.us
Des Moines Upcoming Criminal and Civil Cases
Iowa Judicial Branch Directories Help Desk at 515-281-5703 or helpdesk@iowa.gov
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Des Moines Inmate Search
Iowa Department of Corrections 510 East 12th Street Des Moines, IA 50319 (515)725-5701
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Des Moines, Iowa, you will be transported to the Polk County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Polk County Court. Under Iowa law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The Polk County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://doc.iowa.gov/offender/search where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for City of Des Moines, Iowa?
The Des Moines Public Schools district serves the city of Des Moines, Iowa. According to the Iowa Department of Education, the district had an overall graduation rate of 87.2% in 2019, with a four-year cohort graduation rate of 86.7%. The district's average composite ACT score was 20.2 in 2019, and the average composite SAT score was 1020. The district's overall proficiency rate in reading was 68.2%, and in math it was 63.2%.
3
What are the school district and education performance data for Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa?
The Des Moines Public Schools district serves the city of Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. According to the Iowa Department of Education, the district had an overall graduation rate of 87.2% in 2019, with a four-year graduation rate of 88.2%. The district's average composite ACT score was 21.2 in 2019, and the average composite SAT score was 1045. The district's average attendance rate was 94.2% in 2019.
4
What are the crime statistics for City of Des Moines, Iowa?
According to the Des Moines Police Department, the total number of reported crimes in Des Moines in 2019 was 11,945. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 10,100 property crimes. The violent crime rate per 1,000 residents was 24.3, and the property crime rate per 1,000 residents was 125.7.
5
What are the crime statistics for Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa?
According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, the total number of reported crimes in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa in 2019 was 11,945. Of those, 8,845 were property crimes and 3,100 were violent crimes.
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the City of Des Moines Iowa Library?
The Des Moines Public Library in Polk County, Iowa provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Iowa government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22), which governs access to government documents in Iowa. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Des Moines Iowa Archives and Genealogy at https://iowaculture.gov/history/research. Contact the Des Moines Public Library reference desk at (515) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa Library?
The Des Moines Public Library in Polk County, Iowa provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Iowa government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22), which governs access to government documents in Iowa. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Des Moines Iowa Archives and Genealogy at https://iowaculture.gov/history/research. Contact the Des Moines Public Library reference desk at (515) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
8
Where is the City of Des Moines, Iowa Public Library located?
The Des Moines Public Library is located at 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309.
9
Where is the Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa Public Library located?
The Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa Library is located at 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309.
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in City of Des Moines, Iowa?
Fingerprinting services in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa are available through the Des Moines Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Services are provided for employment background checks, licensing applications, immigration purposes, and personal record requests. You will typically need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where applicable, a completed fingerprint card from the requesting agency. Appointments can often be scheduled by calling (515) or by visiting the department's website. Fingerprints are submitted to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI for identity verification and criminal history review. Statewide criminal history checks can also be requested through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
11
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa?
Fingerprinting services for Des Moines, Iowa residents are provided at the Des Moines Police Department, which serves Polk County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Des Moines Police Department at (515) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at https://www.dps.state.ia.us/CriminalHistory/.
12
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from City of Des Moines, Iowa, and what information is provided in the records?
The Iowa Department of Public Health is responsible for issuing vital records for Des Moines, Iowa. To obtain a vital record, you must submit a completed application form, along with a valid photo ID and the applicable fee.
The vital records available from the Iowa Department of Public Health include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. Each record includes the name of the individual, the date of the event, and the place of the event. Birth certificates also include the name of the parents, and death certificates include the cause of death. Marriage certificates and divorce decrees include the names of both parties.
The vital records available from the Iowa Department of Public Health include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. Each record includes the name of the individual, the date of the event, and the place of the event. Birth certificates also include the name of the parents, and death certificates include the cause of death. Marriage certificates and divorce decrees include the names of both parties.
13
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, and what information is provided in the records?
The Polk County Recorder's Office is responsible for issuing vital records for Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. To obtain a vital record, you must submit a completed application form, along with a valid photo ID and the appropriate fee.
The vital records available from the Polk County Recorder's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. Each record includes the name of the person, the date of the event, and the place of the event. Birth certificates also include the names of the parents, and death certificates include the cause of death.
The vital records available from the Polk County Recorder's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. Each record includes the name of the person, the date of the event, and the place of the event. Birth certificates also include the names of the parents, and death certificates include the cause of death.
14
About Police Reports
Police reports from Des Moines, Iowa can be obtained from the Des Moines Police Department, located in Polk County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22), most police reports are public records in Iowa, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Des Moines Police Department Records Division at (515) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.dps.state.ia.us/CriminalHistory/.
15
About background check
A background check in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Iowa. Criminal background checks are processed through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Iowa residents. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation provides official criminal history checks at https://www.dps.state.ia.us/CriminalHistory/. Under the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Nearby Cities in Polk County, Iowa
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: