There are several options for requesting Iowa criminal history record check information. These include mail, fax, in person, or email. We do not accept phone requests.
All requests must include, at minimum, a first name, last name, and exact date of birth for the subject of the request. The gender, social security number, and middle name are not required. This information can help with the resolution of common names and dates of birth and should be included if available.
*The fee for an Iowa Criminal History Record Check through the DCI is $15 per last name. Each last name requested requires a separate form and payment. We accept cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover).
*In person processing hours for an Iowa Criminal History Record Check on yourself are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Criminal History Request Options
Criminal history record checks can be requested through our online portal.
Both a Request Form and Billing Form are required or your request will not send through the portal. A credit/debit card or DCI Account number must be provided on the Billing Form or the request will not be processed. An address, fax number, or email address must be provided on both forms. Please state how you want your results sent to you on the form. Once you have completed both forms and provided your method of payment click SUBMIT.
If you submit multiple record checks, you must complete and submit a request form and billing form with payment for each separately.
The processing time for requests submitted online is 1 to 3 days depending on volume and staffing levels.
There are two options to make a request by mail, fax, or email. Our address, fax number, and email address are on the forms.
Option 1: Complete the fillable forms online and download the completed Request and Billing Form. Mail, fax, or email both forms to us.
Option 2: Download a blank Request and Billing Form. Complete them manually. Mail, fax, or email both forms to us.
Both forms must be complete or we will not process your request. The processing time on requests submitted by mail, fax or email is 1 to 3 days depending on volume and staffing levels.
IMPORTANT: We only mail to United States and Canadian addresses. We only fax to United States fax numbers. We will email to any valid email address. Please be aware that emailed criminal history results may not be considered an original in another country. Please check with the requesting country to ensure emailed results are acceptable.
To accommodate international requests that must be mailed or faxed, you must provide a United States address or fax number of a family member or friend on the request and billing forms. We will send the results to the address or fax number provided, and the family member or friend may forward the results to you.
You may visit our office to request an Iowa record check. Per Iowa Code, we are only able to provide immediate results if you are the subject of the request. You must provide a government-issued photo I.D. (i.e. driver's license, passport, etc.). If the request is on someone besides yourself, you may leave the request for normal processing. In person requests will be accepted between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Turnaround time can vary depending on staffing and volume. Generally, record checks are processed and returned between two to five business days from receipt in our office.
E-mailed results are sent with an encrypted PDF file from dcirecordchecks@dps.state.ia.us. The subject line of the e-mail will contain the line "secureemail". If you have allowed sufficient processing time for the record check and you do not see results in your inbox, please check your junk/spam folder.
Iowa law does not require a release authorization to request a criminal history record check on another person. If a signed release is not provided, the following information cannot be released:
completed deferred judgments to non-law enforcement agencies.
Arrests over 18 months old without a final disposition.
Per Iowa law, most juvenile records are confidential. Confidential juvenile court records cannot be included in Iowa criminal history results. A signed release authorization is not sufficient to obtain this information.
A completed deferred judgment is only expunged at the court level. A completed deferred judgement will stay on a person's record with the DCI. Our records will be updated to reflect the subject has been "discharged" from the deferred judgment when we receive notification from the courts the requirements of the deferred judgment have been completed. This is considered a non-conviction. A discharged deferred judgment will only be released with a signed release authorization from the subject of the request.
It is not standard procedure to notarize criminal history results. If requested, we will notarize results when required for immigration purposes or when required for travel or work in another country. This request must be included on the request form.
Contact our office at dcirecordchecks@dps.state.ia.us and provide detail about the disputed information. Our office will review the information to determine if any action is necessary. All records are supported by fingerprints. Please note we may request fingerprints to verify identity.
An Iowa Criminal History Record was Found. A Copy of the Record is Included
An Iowa Criminal history record was found for the subject of the request and the rap sheet will be provided with the results containing all information releasable by law. The releasable information is dependent upon whether a release authorization was provided.
No Iowa Criminal History Found with DCI
When checked, this may mean any of the following:
There is no Iowa criminal history on file for the subject.
The information on file is not releasable per Iowa law without a signed release authorization.
There is juvenile information that is not releasable per Iowa Code 232.147 (a release authorization is not applicable to juvenile information).
