Conduct a Free Iowa Warrant Search on Any Resident

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Free Iowa Warrant Search

Find out if you or someone else has a warrant out for their arrest in Iowa, free of charge.

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Begin your free Iowa warrant search, possible thanks to the state’s Open Records Law.

Citizens looking to run a warrant lookup can tap into publicly available information at the federal, state, and local levels. While active, yet-to-be-served warrants in Iowa remain confidential, any already issued are part of the public record.

Learn more about the agencies that can assist with a warrant search in Iowa to obtain information on anyone in the state.

The Public Availability of Warrants Issued in Iowa

Good news for records seekers is that Iowa’s Open Records Act gives citizens access to a wealth of government information, allowing them to conduct searches on other state residents.¹

Arrest warrants are one such type of record, although their access is protected by Iowa law. Chapter 804.29 of Iowa law states that arrest warrants remain confidential until the peace officer serves the warrant or makes the arrest.²

During this time, only certain governmental officers, such as law enforcement officials, county attorney employees, and attorneys, have access to this information. These warrants remain confidential so that their release does not inhibit law enforcement operations or tip off known fugitives that the police are looking for them.

However, once law enforcement services that arrest warrant, it becomes a part of the public record in Iowa, making it convenient for record seekers to find.

Several types of search warrants exist in Iowa, and the type issued depends on the nature of the offense.

Individuals can conduct a warrant search by accessing online resources and contacting local agencies throughout Iowa for more information.

Finding warrant information varies depending on the agency. This article will detail precisely how to find the needed data from different state and local agencies.

A Synopsis of Running an Iowa Warrant Search

Before diving into a warrant search, it’s important to know how to find this information. First, it’s essential to have the individual’s first and last name and where they live (or where the warrant was issued) to conduct the search. Additional information, such as the Iowa county or the individual’s birthdate, can make the search even easier.

Several state and local agencies can provide information on current arrest warrants. If information on the individual is limited, start with state-level agencies for the broadest search results. On the other hand, if a wealth of information on the individual is available, then a county- or city-level agency might be the best place to start.

Many ways to find arrest and bench warrants are available, often for free, allowing citizens to make public record requests or conduct searches online, in person, by phone, and by email.

For the broadest search results, start with state court databases. These resources provide information on all warrants issued in the state. Iowa counties have a couple of agencies that can also assist with a warrant search, so check out the county sheriff’s office or county clerk of court office, too.

Municipalities may also maintain information on arrest warrants in their city. For example, local police departments can be a go-to resource for warrant searches at the city level.

How To See if You or Someone Else Has a Warrant in Iowa

Citizens can find arrest warrants through Iowa Courts Online Electronic Docket Record Search. Using this online search, enter the individual’s full name to pull up any Iowa court cases associated with them. Individuals may also search by the case ID or citation number if that information is available.

For searches of common names, additional data can help narrow results and speed up the search process. Try entering the Iowa county or type of case, such as criminal. After finding a case related to the person in question, citizens should click the case number and then select Filings.

On this page, they will be able to see all available information, including the date that law enforcement put in an order, the date the court approved the arrest warrant, and the date that it was served.

This online search can be the most convenient and efficient option for citizens because they can conduct it from the comfort of home. However, there are other ways to run a warrant search through the Iowa Judicial Branch. Note that any records obtained through the Judicial Branch come with fees, including per-page printing fees and postage fees. The Judicial Branch will let citizens know how much they owe at the time of their request.

Another search option is through the state’s district courts, which issue arrest warrants. Make an in-person request for such information by visiting the district courts in any Iowa county.

This court directory lists all district court locations in Iowa.⁴ Specific guidelines on how to request warrant information varies by county and is discussed later in this resource.

Unlike other states, Iowa doesn’t publish a most wanted list of individuals who have active arrest warrants or who have violated their probation or parole. However, many local agencies, such as sheriff’s departments, have active most wanted lists, which we’ll discuss in further detail below.

Look Up Warrants in Iowa at the County Level

An Iowa warrant search is also possible at the county level; so, if the information isn’t available through the state agencies, then it’s time to turn to county-based organizations to conduct a warrant search.

Here are some tips on finding arrest warrant information in Iowa’s most populous counties.

Polk County, which includes the greater Des Moines area, can assist people with arrest warrant searches. Start a search at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which invites interested citizens to make in-person warrant searches at its office during business hours (Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).⁵

Simply complete a Warrant Request Form, which isn’t available online but the office can provide, to find out if an active one exists.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office also publishes detailed lists of current jail and arrest information on its website.⁶ Check out the current inmate listing, bookings in the previous 24 hours, and earlier jail bookings. All of these lists are searchable by name, which can help determine if someone has been recently arrested in Polk County.

While these lists do not explicitly show arrest warrant information, they can supplement a search by confirming if the individual in question was ultimately arrested. So, looking through these lists can be a helpful aide to any warrant search.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office
5995 NE 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50313

Phone: (515)286-3814
Email: [email protected]

Another local agency that can assist with a warrant search is the Polk County Clerk of Court’s Office. The office accepts phone calls related to record searches, so citizens can call (515)286-3765 to inquire about the status of an arrest warrant.

No online searches or request forms are available, so making a phone call is the best way to verify arrest warrant information.

Polk County Clerk of Court
110 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309

Phone: (515)286-3765

Like Polk County, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office can assist with arrest warrants. While no online database of active arrest warrants exists, citizens can contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office to inquire about active cases. They can do so in person, by phone, by mail, or by email.

Contact the sheriff’s office during business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). When making a request by mail or email, clearly explain the information they’re seeking in writing.

The sheriff’s office also publishes a current list of Linn County inmates. Individuals can search this list by name to see if the person they’re researching has been arrested after a warrant has been issued. This list, then, can confirm that an active warrant was out for the individual in question.

Linn County Sheriff’s Office
310 Second Ave. Southwest
Cedar Rapids, Iowa – 52404

Phone: 319.892.6276
Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box (669)
Cedar Rapids, Iowa – 52406

Another helpful resource is the Linn County Clerk of Court Office, which can verify warrant information for cases related to the county court. Stop by the self-service terminal in the courthouse to search for this information or make a request for such information in person or over the phone.

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Linn County Clerk of Court
50 Third Ave. Bridge,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa – 52401

Phone: 319.398.3411

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office publishes a list of recent arrest warrants for individuals in the county. Search this list by name, providing additional information, including warrant number, charge, a data range, and status, to narrow the results.

Once the results appear, click on the number to find out additional information about the arrest warrant. This information includes details about the fugitive, such as full name and birthdate, as well as charges, warrant issue date, and status.

Individuals interested in additional Scott County arrest data can also view the Wanted Warrants list, which the sheriff’s office updates weekly.⁹ Note that warrant information available online through the sheriff’s office dates back 18 months for active cases and 30 days for disposed and served cases.

For additional information on arrest warrants in Scott County, individuals may contact the sheriff’s office in person, by phone, or by email using the contact information below. More details on arrest warrants are available on the office’s Warrants FAQ page.

Scott County Sheriff’s Office
400 West 4th Street
Davenport, IA 52801

Phone: (563)326-8625
Email: [email protected]

As the records custodian for local cases, the Scott County Clerk of Court Office assists individuals who have active warrants. The Clerk of Court Office does not help citizens with record searches, but like other Iowa counties, it has public access terminals in the courthouse that can aid in private searches. So, individuals searching for historical arrest warrant information may find this in-person search useful.

The office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Scott County Clerk of Court Office
400 West 4th Street
Davenport, IA 52801

Phone: (563)326-8787

Find Warrants Through Municipal Agencies in Iowa

The search for arrest warrants in Iowa doesn’t stop there. Municipal agencies—namely, local police departments—can release this information to citizens once it becomes a part of the public record. Here are some tips on accessing arrest warrant information through municipalities in Iowa.

The Des Moines Police Department accepts public record requests online, by mail, or in person. Individuals can complete the online Public Records Request Form, providing their contact information and details about the case. If the arrest warrant is a part of the public record, the police department can provide more details about it.

They may also print and complete the Application for Public Records form and drop it off in person or mail it into the address below. The police station lobby accepts requests from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Fees for these records vary depending on the request; the police department will provide more information on costs on a case-by-case basis.

Des Moines Police Department
25 East 1st Street
Des Moines, IA 50309

Phone: (515)283-4899

Individuals researching Cedar Rapids arrest warrant information can contact the local police department for assistance. First, check out the Cedar Rapids Police Department’s Daily Arrest Report.¹⁰ While this may not provide warrant information, it can confirm whether an individual with one has been arrested recently.

For additional information, the police department accepts public records requests online or by telephone. Simply complete the online request form or call the office at (319)286-5491 for additional information about local arrest warrants.

Cedar Rapids Police Department
505 1st Street Southwest
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Phone: (319)286-5491

Like other municipalities in Iowa, the Davenport Police Department can fulfill public records requests, which may include arrest warrants that have been served. Individuals can submit a public records request online for various criminal information and data in Davenport.

Complete the Public Records Request Form, providing as many details as possible about the type of information being requested. Fees vary and are listed on the form. The police department will respond to the request within 20 days, confirming whether the information is available and how much it will cost.

Individuals may also visit the Davenport Police Department in person to make a public records request. The department’s Records Bureau is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can answer arrest warrant questions.

Davenport Police Department
416 Harrison Street
Davenport, IA 52801

Phone: (563)326-7790

Obtain arrest warrant information in Sioux City any time—the Police Department’s Records Division is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.¹³ Record technicians oversee distributing information on police reports and arrest histories and may be able to assist in a warrant search. Citizens can reach out to the division by phone or in person at the address below:

Sioux City Police Department
601 Douglas Street
Sioux City, IA 51101

Phone: (712)279-6440

The Iowa City Police Department accepts records requests in person and via email, helping citizens determine who has an active arrest warrant in the city. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m, so visit the police department during those hours to discuss their records request or call or email for more information about arrest warrants in Iowa City.

Iowa City Police Department
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240

Phone: (319)356-5275
Email: [email protected]

Expand Your Search Beyond Iowa & Access Federal Warrants

Citizens seeking information on Iowa residents with a federal arrest warrant can tap into several other resources. National most wanted lists might reveal fugitives from Iowa, aiding in an arrest warrant search. Check out the following resources for a broader search range.

• FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives: This list details fugitives from across the country accused of committing a variety of serious crimes. The FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division determines who this list features.
• DEA Fugitives: Published by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, this list highlights the nation’s most-wanted fugitives charged with violating controlled substances laws.
• U.S. Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted Fugitives: This list features some of the nation’s most dangerous fugitives, including career criminals accused of violent and financial crimes and drug offenses.

Citizens can also explore federal arrest and search warrants using PACER, or Public Access to Court Electronic Records. Users will need to create an account before they can search for someone by name. Then, they can select the case number and choose the docket sheet/docket report or history/documents query to pull up any warrant information. Fees for using this online service vary.¹⁴

If the above federal resources don’t turn up the needed information, individuals can file a Freedom of Information Act Request through the U.S. Marshall Service. Through this request, the service may be able to identify individuals with federal warrants or in federal custody. Individuals should visit the FOIA Portal to complete their request.

More details on completing these requests and associated fees are available as well, and can be helpful to review prior to conducting an Iowa warrant search.

Types of Warrants in Iowa & What Each Means

Iowa courts may issue different warrants for various cases. Chapter 804 of the Iowa legal code defines the following types of warrants:¹⁵

• Arrest warrants: When the court accepts a criminal complaint against an individual and when probable cause exists to confirm such a complaint, it issues an arrest warrant for the individual. The court may also issue arrest warrants for people who fail to pay traffic fines or child support payments.
• Bench warrants: Iowa judges issue bench warrants that direct police officers to arrest someone if they’re found. These warrants are typically issued after someone misses a court date, fails to pay a fine or court costs, or doesn’t complete the terms of their sentence.
• Probation and parole violation warrants: According to Iowa’s Chapter 908, judges can issue an arrest warrant for individuals who violate the terms of their probation or parole.¹⁶
• Fugitive warrants: When someone with an outstanding warrant in another state flees to Iowa, a fugitive warrant may be issued for their arrest.
• Search warrant: According to Chapter 808, a search warrant permits a police officer to search a person, place, or thing or place, track, and monitor a GPS device to assist with an investigation.¹⁷

Steps To Consider if You or Someone Else Has an Active Arrest Warrant in Iowa

During a warrant search, citizens may uncover important information about themselves or someone they know. When an active arrest warrant exists, prompt attention to this matter is essential.

First, they may notify the individual with an active warrant to let them know it exists. However, never try to apprehend the person—local authorities should complete that task. If a safety concern exists, citizens should contact their local police department or the police department in the jurisdiction where the warrant was issued to help police find the individual.

Most local police departments operate anonymous tip lines. Alternatively, individuals can contact Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa at (515)223-1400 or Crime Stoppers of Quad Cities at (309)762-9500.

If the individual conducting the search realizes they have a warrant out for their arrest, it’s essential to contact local authorities promptly. Contact local law enforcement or an attorney to begin the process. They’ll appear before a judge who will determine next steps, which may include paying fines, setting a court date, or establishing bail.¹⁸

Before the process begins, it’s smart to reach out to a lawyer, a bail bondsman, and family to prepare for the legal issues to come.

Streamline an Iowa warrant search by exploring these free, accessible resources that make this data readily available.