Best Practice
Verbal requests are valid, but always create a written trail. The law requires a response “promptly” (typically days).
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Iowa (IA)
Law: Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code §§ 22.1–22.14)
Notes: Verbal requests are valid, but always create a written trail. The law requires a response “promptly” (typically days).
Generate a Request for IowaJurisdiction Facts
Sourced from the jurisdiction registry. Not legal advice.
Statutory Response Deadline
Records must be furnished as soon as feasible under Iowa Code § 22.8; no fixed numeric deadline.
Observed Average Response
77 days (MuckRock observed average, not a statutory deadline).
Fee Waivers / Intake
Free requests under 30 minutes of staff time.
Appeals
No administrative appeal; may file suit in district court. Prevailing parties recover attorney fees.
Primary legal sources
Direct links to the governing statute, official requester guidance, and central portal for this jurisdiction.
Common Agencies
Des Moines Police Department
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Des Moines Police Department, 25 E 1st St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Fees & notes
DMPD accepts open records requests via email; the city's 311 system can also be used for general requests. The department is generally responsive but may charge for extensive copies.
Reviewed 2026-04-27
Iowa Department of Corrections
Portal: Submit online
Fees & notes
Submit requests via the statewide NextRequest portal or directly to facility. Any person may request; no residency requirement.
Source Reviewed 2026-04-27
Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigation
Email: [email protected]
Source Reviewed 2026-05-24
Iowa Judicial Branch
Portal: Submit online
Email: [email protected]
Fees & notes
Media requests: [email protected]. Appellate records: [email protected]. General public records: [email protected].
Source Reviewed 2026-04-27
Iowa Public Information Board
Portal: Submit online
Fees & notes
Central NextRequest portal for state agency records requests. Response required within a reasonable time; no strict statutory deadline. Board provides free mediation for disputes.
Source Reviewed 2026-04-27
Iowa State Patrol
Portal: Submit online
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Iowa Department of Public Safety Attn: Records Custodian 215 East 7th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Source Reviewed 2026-05-21
Office of the Governor of Iowa
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Office of the Governor 1007 E Grand Ave Des Moines IA 50319
Fees & notes
Iowa's Governor's Office accepts open records requests via email. The office is generally responsive but may charge for extensive copies.