Iowa Public Records Key Terms

Get familiar with Iowa public records key terms

Whether you are searching for lost relatives or running a background check on a potential employee, it's helpful to know some Iowa public records key terms. This is true whether you are searching through state records in Des Moines or county records in any of the state's 99 counties. By reading this guide, you can familiarize yourself with some of the key terms associated with public records in Iowa.

 

Lien

A lien gives the lien holder the right to take a person's property if he or she doesn't follow through with contractual obligations. In other words, a lien is a form of collateral used to secure a loan.
Try: A variety of Iowa lien forms are available from U.S. Legal Forms.

Restraining order

A restraining order limits a person's contact. In Iowa, they are typically only available in cases of sexual assault, harassment or stalking, although there are other cases a judge might consider. Restraining orders typically pertain to criminal charges.
Try: Read more information about restraining orders in Iowa from Directory M.

Protection order

A protection order provides protection for victims of domestic violence. In Iowa, if you get back together with your abuser, you may go to jail for violating your own protection order. You may also be subject to fines.
Try: Read about the three types of protection orders available to victims of domestic violence in Iowa at WomensLaw.org.

Iowa Department of Corrections

The Iowa Department of Corrections is responsible for the reentry of criminal offenders after they leave prison. An offender is someone tried and convicted of a crime who has served time in the Iowa penal system. The department keeps a database of offenders.
Try: Fill in the form on the Iowa Department of Corrections to find out if someone is in the Department of Corrections record base.

Record retention manual

A record retention manual is a guideline for state and city officials. In addition to listing which documents officials should keep, it tells officials what they can dispose of. In addition, it sets a mandatory number of years officials must hold on to certain records and tells how to dispose of documents.
Try: You can download the Iowa record retention manual from the Iowa League.

Iowa Bureau of Professional Licensure

Professional licensure refers to the state licenses that professionals need in order to practice within the state of Iowa. There is a long list of professions subject to professional licensure in Iowa.
Try: To find out if someone has professional licensure in Iowa, visit the Iowa Bureau of Professional Licensure to find the appropriate profession. If the person you are looking for holds a professional license in Iowa, you can find them in this database.

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