Iowa Criminal Background Check: Statewide Criminal Records Search
Order an Iowa criminal background check built on the state’s official criminal history repository. In addition, each report covers felonies, indictable misdemeanors, and court dispositions statewide. Moreover, results arrive in a clear, FCRA-compliant format your team can act on.
- $20+ $15 DPS DCI fee
- 99Iowa counties
- 24 hrTypical turnaround
What an Iowa Criminal Background Check Includes
Our Iowa statewide criminal search queries the criminal history repository kept by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Specifically, that repository combines arrest data from Iowa law enforcement with Iowa court dispositions. It also adds custody data from the Iowa Department of Corrections. As a result, one search reflects records from all 99 Iowa counties.
Included in Your Report
- Felony and indictable misdemeanor records statewide
- Case numbers, originating county, and filing dates
- Original charges, statutes, and charge classes
- Adjudications, amended charges, and disposition dates
- Sentences, fines, restitution, and court costs
- Iowa Department of Corrections custody information
Not Included in a State Search
- Records from other states or federal courts
- FBI fingerprint-based criminal history
- Expunged or sealed Iowa records
- Completed deferred judgments without a signed waiver
- Many simple misdemeanors and non-fingerprinted arrests
- Juvenile court records
Tip: Close those gaps by pairing this search with a federal criminal search and a nationwide background check.
How the Iowa Statewide Criminal Search Works
Ordering takes only a few minutes, so you can screen applicants quickly. Afterward, BCS Background Screening LLC handles the DCI request and report formatting for you.
- 1
Open an Account
Sign up online, and verify your business for FCRA permissible purpose.
- 2
Enter Applicant Details
Submit full name, date of birth, and the signed FCRA authorization.
- 3
We Search Iowa Records
Then our team runs the DCI statewide check and reviews every possible match.
- 4
Review Your Report
Finally, log in to view charges, dispositions, sentences, and financials in one place.
Iowa Criminal Background Check Pricing
Pricing stays simple and transparent. In short, you pay one search fee plus the state’s pass-through repository fee.
| BCS Background Screening LLC search fee | $20.00 |
| Iowa Department of Public Safety DCI fee | $15.00 |
| Total per last name | $35.00 |
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Charged Per Last Name
Note that the DCI charges $15 for each last name searched. Therefore, maiden names and aliases each need a separate search.
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Fast Turnaround
Most Iowa searches finish within 24 hours. Occasionally, possible matches need extra review before release.
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Order Anytime Online
Order from your secure account whenever a position opens. Then view results as soon as they post.
Iowa Criminal Background Check Sample Report
This sample shows how an Iowa criminal record appears in your account. For privacy, the subject, case number, and dates are fictitious.
- Originating County
- LEE
- Created
- 06/09/2025
- Disposition Status
-
GUILTY PLEA/DEFAULT
- Disposition Date
- 11/18/2025
- Reopened Date
- —
- Microfilm Ref
- —
- Speedy Trial
- W (Waived)
| Count | Original Charge | Offense Date | Charge Class | Adjudication | Adjudication Charge | Adjudication Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 3RD DEGREE | 06/02/2025 | AGGRAVATED MISDEMEANOR | GUILTY – NEGOTIATED/VOLUN PLEA | CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 5TH DEGREE | SIMPLE MISDEMEANOR |
- Defendant
- BRANDT, TRAVIS OWEN
- Citation Number
- —
- Count
- 01
- Charge
- 716.5
- Description
- CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 3RD DEGREE
- Offense Date
- 06/02/2025
- Arrest Date
- —
- Against Type
- —
- DPS Number
- F060225-01
- Charge Class
- AGGRAVATED MISDEMEANOR
- Charge
- 716.6(2)
- Description
- CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 5TH DEGREE
- Adjudication
- GUILTY – NEGOTIATED/VOLUN PLEA
- Adjudication Date
- 11/18/2025
- Judge
- HALVORSEN, MARGARET ANN
- Adjudicated Charge Class
- SIMPLE MISDEMEANOR
| Sentence | Sentence Date | Fine Amount | Restitution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay Fine | 11/18/2025 | $105.00 | $1,180.75 |
| Summary | Orig | Paid | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| COSTS | $100.00 | $0.00 | $100.00 |
| FINE | $105.00 | $0.00 | $105.00 |
| SURCHARGE | $15.75 | $0.00 | $15.75 |
| RESTITUTION | $1,180.75 | $0.00 | $1,180.75 |
| OTHER | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| TOTAL | $1,401.50 | $0.00 | $1,401.50 |
How to Read This Iowa Case
The State originally charged criminal mischief in the third degree, an aggravated misdemeanor under Iowa Code §716.5. However, the defendant accepted a negotiated plea. The court then adjudicated a lesser charge, criminal mischief in the fifth degree, a simple misdemeanor.
The sentence required a $105 fine and $1,180.75 in restitution. In addition, the $15.75 surcharge equals the 15% crime services surcharge under Iowa Code §911.1. Finally, “Speedy Trial: W” means the defendant waived speedy trial rights.
Iowa Criminal Charge Classes Explained
Iowa reports show a charge class for every count. For example, this table explains each class and its maximum penalty. Misdemeanor penalties come from Iowa Code §903.1, while felony penalties come from Iowa Code §902.9.
| Charge Class | Maximum Incarceration | Fine Range |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Misdemeanor | 30 days | $105 – $855 |
| Serious Misdemeanor | 1 year | $430 – $2,560 |
| Aggravated Misdemeanor | 2 years | $855 – $8,540 |
| Class D Felony | 5 years | $1,025 – $10,245 |
| Class C Felony | 10 years | $1,370 – $13,660 |
| Class B Felony | 25 years | Set by statute |
| Class A Felony | Life imprisonment | Set by statute |
Iowa Laws That Affect Criminal Background Checks
Iowa Code chapter 692 governs how the DCI shares criminal history data. Under Iowa Code §692.2, arrests lacking a disposition after 18 months require a signed release. Likewise, the DCI releases completed deferred judgments only with a signed waiver.
Expunged Iowa records stay confidential under Iowa Code chapter 901C. Meanwhile, Des Moines and Waterloo limit when employers may ask about criminal history. The federal FCRA still controls disclosure, authorization, and adverse action notices.
For the full breakdown, read our guide to Iowa background check laws for employers. Additionally, it covers ban-the-box rules, lookback limits, drug testing, and industry requirements.
Build a Complete Iowa Background Check
A state search works best alongside other searches. For broader, more reliable screening, combine these add-ons.
County Criminal Court Search
Researcher-verified courthouse searches for any Iowa county.
Federal Criminal Search
Find federal convictions that Iowa DCI records never include.
Nationwide Background Check
SSN trace, multi-state criminal database, sex offender registry, and watchlists.
Motor Vehicle Records
Driving histories for delivery, trucking, sales, and CDL positions.
Self-Screen Mobile Screening
Applicants e-sign FCRA disclosures and enter their own data by phone.
FCRA Compliance Forms
Download disclosure, authorization, and adverse action templates.
Every user account includes optional Multiple Authentication Factor (MAF) for added login security.
Iowa Criminal Background Check FAQs
How much does an Iowa statewide criminal background check cost?
The Iowa statewide criminal search costs $20 plus a $15 Iowa Department of Public Safety DCI fee. As a result, the total comes to $35 per last name. Because the DCI charges per last name, each alias or maiden name needs its own search.
What does an Iowa criminal background check show?
An Iowa criminal background check shows felony and indictable misdemeanor records from all 99 counties. Specifically, reports list case numbers, charges, charge classes, and adjudications. They also show disposition dates, sentences, fines, restitution, and Department of Corrections custody data.
How long does an Iowa criminal background check take?
Most Iowa statewide criminal searches finish within 24 hours. However, common names or possible matches may need extra review. In those cases, results can take slightly longer.
Where does Iowa statewide criminal record data come from?
The data comes from the criminal history repository kept by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. That repository combines law enforcement arrest data, Iowa court dispositions, and Iowa Department of Corrections custody records. Furthermore, Iowa Code chapter 692 governs how the DCI releases it.
Does an Iowa statewide search include federal or out-of-state records?
No. Iowa DCI records exclude other states’ records, FBI records, and federal court convictions. For that reason, add a federal criminal search and a nationwide background check for full coverage.
Will deferred judgments or expunged records appear on an Iowa background check?
Usually not. The DCI releases completed deferred judgments only with a signed waiver. Similarly, expunged records become confidential under Iowa Code chapter 901C. Consequently, compliant reports do not include them.
How far back does an Iowa criminal background check go?
Currently, Iowa sets no state lookback limit for criminal convictions. Instead, the federal FCRA generally limits non-conviction records to seven years. Convictions may be reported regardless of age. Also, Iowa Code §692.2 restricts arrests lacking a disposition after 18 months.
Who pays the DCI fee when an Iowa employer runs a background check?
The employer pays. Iowa Code §692.2(6)(b) requires employers to cover the DCI fee when they require an applicant’s criminal record. In other words, employers should never charge applicants for the search.
Iowa Counties Covered by the Statewide Criminal Search
The Iowa statewide criminal search reflects records reported from every Iowa county. To see them all, select the list below.
View all 99 Iowa counties
- Adair
- Adams
- Allamakee
- Appanoose
- Audubon
- Benton
- Black Hawk
- Boone
- Bremer
- Buchanan
- Buena Vista
- Butler
- Calhoun
- Carroll
- Cass
- Cedar
- Cerro Gordo
- Cherokee
- Chickasaw
- Clarke
- Clay
- Clayton
- Clinton
- Crawford
- Dallas
- Davis
- Decatur
- Delaware
- Des Moines
- Dickinson
- Dubuque
- Emmet
- Fayette
- Floyd
- Franklin
- Fremont
- Greene
- Grundy
- Guthrie
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Hardin
- Harrison
- Henry
- Howard
- Humboldt
- Ida
- Iowa
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Jones
- Keokuk
- Kossuth
- Lee
- Linn
- Louisa
- Lucas
- Lyon
- Madison
- Mahaska
- Marion
- Marshall
- Mills
- Mitchell
- Monona
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Muscatine
- O’Brien
- Osceola
- Page
- Palo Alto
- Plymouth
- Pocahontas
- Polk
- Pottawattamie
- Poweshiek
- Ringgold
- Sac
- Scott
- Shelby
- Sioux
- Story
- Tama
- Taylor
- Union
- Van Buren
- Wapello
- Warren
- Washington
- Wayne
- Webster
- Winnebago
- Winneshiek
- Woodbury
- Worth
- Wright
Start Your Iowa Criminal Background Check Today
Open a free business account in minutes. Then order Iowa statewide criminal searches for just $20 plus the $15 DCI fee.
Disclaimer: BCS Background Screening LLC provides consumer reports under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Users must certify a permissible purpose before ordering. State repository fees may change without notice. This page offers general information, not legal advice.