Plymouth County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Plymouth County in 2026
Members of the public seeking publicly available information related to government activities, legal proceedings, and property transactions in Plymouth County, Iowa may access a range of documents through official county and state channels. PlymouthRecords.org provides data and publicly available information that may assist individuals in locating records associated with Plymouth County. The types of records that may be found through official sources include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and assessment records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Tax and financial records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement records, where permitted by law
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.
Online Access:
Members of the public may use the Iowa Courts Online Search portal to search district court case records statewide, including those originating in Plymouth County. The Iowa Court Information System (ICIS) provides access to case index information. Certain records are available without registration, while others may require an account or in-person verification.
In-Person Requests:
Individuals may visit the Plymouth County Clerk of Court or the Plymouth County Recorder's Office to inspect records in person. The Plymouth County Courthouse is located at 215 4th Ave SE, Le Mars, IA 51031. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should bring a valid photo identification and be prepared to complete a written request form if required by the custodial office.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the relevant custodial office. Requests should include the full name of the subject, the type of record sought, the approximate date range, and the requestor's contact information. Under Iowa Code § 22.8, agencies are required to respond to public records requests promptly, and in no case later than the timeframe established by the custodial office's standard procedures.
Phone/Email:
- Plymouth County Clerk of Court: (712) 546-1507
- Email: plymouth.county.clerk@iowacourts.gov
What Are Public Records in Plymouth County?
Public records in Plymouth County are defined under Iowa state law as all records, documents, tape recordings, or other information stored or preserved in any medium that are made, maintained, or kept by a government body in connection with the transaction of public business. Iowa Code § 22.1 establishes this definition and forms the foundation of the state's open records framework.
The following record types are maintained by various Plymouth County offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, family court records | Plymouth County District Court |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Plymouth County Recorder |
| Property tax and assessment records | Plymouth County Assessor / Treasurer |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Iowa Department of Public Health / County Recorder |
| Business licenses and permits | Plymouth County Auditor |
| Voting and election records | Plymouth County Auditor |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Plymouth County Board of Supervisors |
| Budget and financial documents | Plymouth County Auditor |
| Law enforcement records | Plymouth County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Plymouth County Planning and Zoning |
Each office serves as the official custodian for its respective record category and is responsible for responding to public records requests within its jurisdiction.
Is Plymouth County an Open Records County?
Plymouth County operates in full compliance with Iowa's open records law, which mandates that government records be accessible to the public. Under Iowa Code Chapter 22, known as the Iowa Open Records Act, all government bodies in the state — including county offices — are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request.
As stated by the Iowa Attorney General's office, "Every person has the right to examine and copy public records." This principle applies to all custodial offices within Plymouth County, including the Recorder, Auditor, Assessor, Sheriff, and District Court Clerk. The Iowa Open Records Act establishes a presumption of openness, meaning that records are presumed public unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
The Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB), established under Iowa Code § 23, serves as the state body responsible for enforcing open records and open meetings laws. Members of the public who believe a records request has been improperly denied may file a complaint with the Iowa Public Information Board.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Plymouth County?
The fee structure for public records in Plymouth County is governed by Iowa state law and the policies of each individual custodial office. Under Iowa Code § 22.3, government bodies may charge fees for the actual cost of providing copies of public records.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (black and white) | $0.10–$0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $15.00 per document (Iowa standard) |
| Electronic copies | Actual cost of duplication |
| Search fees | Actual staff time, where permitted |
| Inspection of records | No charge (inspection is free) |
Accepted payment methods at Plymouth County offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards; requestors are advised to confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request.
Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances, particularly for indigent requestors or for records pertaining to the requestor's own personal information. Each custodial office retains discretion over fee waiver determinations within the bounds of state law.
Does Plymouth County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Plymouth County government offices. Iowa law does not permit agencies to charge a fee solely for the act of inspecting records; charges apply only when copies are requested. Members of the public may visit the relevant office during business hours and inspect records at no cost.
The following free resources are available through official government channels:
- Iowa Courts Online Search: The Iowa Courts Online Search portal provides free access to court case index information for Plymouth County district court proceedings.
- Plymouth County District Court Public Access Terminal: In-person public access terminals are available at the Plymouth County Courthouse, allowing members of the public to view district court case documents at no charge.
- Iowa Secretary of State Business Search: Business entity records filed with the state are searchable at no cost through the Iowa Secretary of State website.
- Plymouth County Assessor Records: Property assessment data is accessible through the Plymouth County Assessor's online portal at no charge.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection carries no fee, obtaining physical or electronic copies of records is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Plymouth County?
Any person may request public records in Plymouth County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Iowa Code § 22.2 affirms that every person has the right to examine and copy public records maintained by government bodies in the state. Requestors are not required to be Iowa residents, and custodial offices may not require individuals to state the reason for their request as a condition of access.
Identification requirements vary by office and record type. For standard inspection requests, identification is not required. However, certain sensitive records — such as vital records or records containing personal identifying information — may require the requestor to demonstrate a qualifying relationship to the subject of the record.
Non-residents retain the same rights as Iowa residents under the Iowa Open Records Act. Individuals requesting their own records may be entitled to access certain records that would otherwise be restricted to third parties, such as sealed or confidential records pertaining to their own personal history.
Restrictions apply to specific record categories. Juvenile records, adoption records, and sealed court records are not accessible to the general public regardless of the requestor's identity or purpose.
What Records Are Confidential in Plymouth County?
Not all government records in Plymouth County are subject to public disclosure. Iowa Code Chapter 22 enumerates specific categories of records that are exempt from the open records requirement. The following records are currently classified as confidential or restricted:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not accessible to the public.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile court proceedings are confidential under Iowa law.
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active criminal investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are exempt from disclosure.
- Medical and health records: Protected under both Iowa law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by statute.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by child protective services are confidential.
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for certain public officials.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Submitted to government bodies under confidentiality agreements.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Exempt to protect public safety.
As noted in guidance from the Iowa Attorney General's office, "The burden is on the government body to justify withholding a record, not on the requester to justify access." When a custodial office denies a request, it is required to identify the specific statutory exemption upon which the denial is based.
Plymouth County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Plymouth County Recorder
215 4th Ave SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-8825
Plymouth County Recorder
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Plymouth County Auditor
215 4th Ave SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-8825
Plymouth County Auditor
Plymouth County Assessor
215 4th Ave SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-4705
Plymouth County Assessor
Plymouth County Sheriff's Office
2600 4th Ave SW
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-8181
Plymouth County Sheriff
Plymouth County District Court – Clerk of Court
215 4th Ave SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-1507
Plymouth County District Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Juvenile Court Office: 215 4th Ave SE, Le Mars, IA 51031