Mills County, IA Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Iowa District Court in Mills County, part of Judicial District 4, hears the case types listed below. The Clerk of Court in Glenwood keeps the county's district court case records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Iowa District Court for Mills County (Judicial District 4) |
| Main Address | Clerk of Court, 418 Sharp Street, Glenwood, IA 51534 |
| Main Phone | 712-527-4880 |
| Website | Iowa Judicial Branch page for Mills County |
| Presiding Judge | Chief Judge Craig Dreismeier, Judicial District 4 |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 courthouse in Glenwood, plus a Juvenile Court Office in Council Bluffs |
| Handles | Serious criminal cases, simple misdemeanors and infractions, civil and small claims cases, probate, juvenile matters, and mental health and substance abuse commitments |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Iowa); parking tickets (the citing agency); appeals (Iowa Court of Appeals and Iowa Supreme Court) |
| Online Case Search | Iowa Courts Online case search |
| Criminal Records Requests | Clerk of Court, 712-527-4880, CountyClerk.Mills@iowacourts.gov |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Pay Fines Online at Iowa Courts Online |
How to Search Mills County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Mills County district court records are kept by the Clerk of Court in Glenwood.
Online
Go to Iowa Courts Online to search district court cases.
Search by party name or case number.
Pay fines and fees online with a major credit card.
Best for: Finding a case or paying fines
In Person
Go to 418 Sharp Street, Glenwood, IA 51534.
Bring the case number or the party's full name.
Use the public computer in the Clerk of Court's office.
Best for: Viewing case records at the clerk's office
By Phone or Email
Call 712-527-4880 to reach the Clerk of Court.
Email CountyClerk.Mills@iowacourts.gov with the case number or party name.
Ask the clerk which records are available online.
Best for: Questions about a case or record
Search by Name on IACourts.org
Go to IACourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Mills County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
Iowa statewide district court filings totaled 723,508 in calendar year 2025 across all eight judicial districts. County-level filings are not published, so these Iowa statewide figures are tied to Mills County only through its judicial district, clerk, and population.
723,508
Iowa statewide total filings, CY 2025
+0.1%
Change in statewide total vs CY 2024 (722,527)
223.2
Iowa statewide filings per 1,000 residents (2024 population 3,241,488)
11.4%
Iowa statewide serious criminal share of filings, CY 2025
| Metric | CY 2025 (Iowa statewide) | CY 2024 (Iowa statewide) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | 58,665 | 55,362 | +6.0% |
| Serious criminal | 82,694 | 82,990 | -0.4% |
| Simple misdemeanors | 451,840 | 459,604 | -1.7% |
| Juvenile | 8,641 | 9,485 | -8.9% |
| Mental health and substance abuse commitment | 11,758 | 12,261 | -4.1% |
| Probate | 12,571 | 12,804 | -1.8% |
| Small claims and infractions | 97,339 | 90,021 | +8.1% |
| Total filings | 723,508 | 722,527 | +0.1% |
How Have Court Filings Changed in Mills County?
Iowa statewide district court filings rose in each calendar year from 2021 to 2025, from 661,226 to 723,508. County-level filings are not published, so this table covers the whole state. Figures marked with ~ are estimates based on the other years shown for this county.
| Calendar Year | Total Filings (Iowa statewide) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| CY 2025 | 723,508 | +0.1% |
| CY 2024 | 722,527 | +3.3% |
| CY 2023 | 699,404 | +5.7% |
| CY 2022 | 661,869 | +0.1% |
| CY 2021 | 661,226 | ~+2.3% |
Statewide filings rose 9.4% over the five calendar years, from 661,226 in 2021 to 723,508 in 2025. The largest annual increase was in CY 2023, when filings rose 5.7% and added 37,535 cases. In CY 2025, small claims and infractions added the most filings (+7,318), followed by civil (+3,303), while simple misdemeanors fell by 7,764.
| Category (Iowa statewide) | CY 2021 | CY 2025 | 5-Year Change | CY 2025 YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | 51,284 | 58,665 | +14.4% | +6.0% |
| Serious criminal | 85,493 | 82,694 | -3.3% | -0.4% |
| Simple misdemeanors | 416,008 | 451,840 | +8.6% | -1.7% |
| Juvenile | 8,972 | 8,641 | -3.7% | -8.9% |
| Mental health and substance abuse commitment | 13,796 | 11,758 | -14.8% | -4.1% |
| Probate | 13,839 | 12,571 | -9.2% | -1.8% |
| Small claims and infractions | 71,834 | 97,339 | +35.5% | +8.1% |
| Total filings | 661,226 | 723,508 | +9.4% | +0.1% |
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Mills County?
Simple misdemeanors made up the largest share of Iowa statewide filings in CY 2025, at 62.5% of 723,508 total filings.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2025 (Iowa statewide) | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple misdemeanors | 451,840 | 62.5% | -1.7% |
| Small claims and infractions | 97,339 | 13.5% | +8.1% |
| Serious criminal | 82,694 | 11.4% | -0.4% |
| Civil | 58,665 | 8.1% | +6.0% |
| Probate | 12,571 | 1.7% | -1.8% |
| Mental health and substance abuse commitment | 11,758 | 1.6% | -4.1% |
| Juvenile | 8,641 | 1.2% | -8.9% |
| Total filings | 723,508 | 100.0% | +0.1% |
Small claims and infractions grew fastest at +8.1%, while juvenile fell fastest at -8.9%.
How Does Mills County Compare With Iowa Overall?
Mills County is estimated to account for about 0.45% of the 722,527 cases filed in Iowa courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Mills County | Iowa | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~3,280 | 722,527 | ~0.45% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+3.3% | +3.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~3,280 | 3,803 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~3,246 | 3,763 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~75.1% | 75.1% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~17.8% | 17.8% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~2.4% | 2.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Iowa figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Iowa statewide figures scaled by Mills County's 0.45% share of the state population.
Mills County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Iowa statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Mills County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 8.3% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 97% of Iowa's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
7,478
Violent crimes, Iowa statewide, 2025
37,671
Property crimes, Iowa statewide, 2025
230.9
Violent crime rate per 100K, Iowa statewide, 2025 (population 3,238,387)
-8.3%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Iowa statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (45,149 vs 49,218)
| Offense (Iowa statewide) | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 52 | 1.6 | 74 | -29.7% |
| Rape | 1,169 | 36.1 | 1,208 | -3.2% |
| Robbery | 500 | 15.4 | 600 | -16.7% |
| Aggravated assault | 5,757 | 177.8 | 5,869 | -1.9% |
| Violent crimes total | 7,478 | 230.9 | 7,751 | -3.5% |
| Burglary | 5,444 | 168.1 | 6,351 | -14.3% |
| Larceny-theft | 28,463 | 878.9 | 30,819 | -7.6% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 3,764 | 116.2 | 4,297 | -12.4% |
| Property crimes total | 37,671 | 1163.3 | 41,467 | -9.2% |
Rates use the Iowa 2025 population of 3,238,387. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Mills County with the state.
Mills County Courthouse Locations
Mills County lists two offices, the Clerk of Court in Glenwood and the Juvenile Court Office in Council Bluffs. Check your notice or paperwork for the office assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juvenile Court Office (Council Bluffs) | 227 South 6th Street, 5th floor, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 | 712-328-5623 | Juvenile Court Office |
| Clerk of Court (Glenwood) | 418 Sharp Street, Glenwood, IA 51534 | 712-527-4880 | Clerk of Court |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Mills County?
Iowa district courts hear most case types in each county, and the Clerk of Court is the first contact for district court records. Find your situation below, then contact the office listed.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court, Clerk of Court | Pay online at Iowa Courts Online, by phone at 515-348-4788, or contact the Clerk of Court about your citation. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the district court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court, simple misdemeanors | Simple misdemeanor cases are filed with the Clerk of Court in Glenwood, 712-527-4880. |
| Felony | District Court, serious criminal cases | Serious criminal cases are filed with the Clerk of Court, 712-527-4880. |
| DUI | District Court | Check the charge on your paperwork and contact the Clerk of Court about the case. |
| Domestic violence | District Court | Domestic abuse forms are on the Iowa Judicial Branch court forms page at Court Forms. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court, civil cases | Electronic filing is mandatory unless excused, and you can register at eFile. |
| Small claims | District Court, small claims | Small claims responses can be filed through eFile, and the Clerk of Court can answer questions. |
| Divorce | District Court, family law | Divorce forms are on the Iowa Judicial Branch Court Forms page. |
| Child custody or support | District Court, family law | Custody and child support forms are on the Court Forms page. |
| Probate or estate | District Court, probate | Probate cases are heard in District Court, and the Clerk of Court is 712-527-4880. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile Court Office, Council Bluffs | Call 712-328-5623 for the Juvenile Court Office in Council Bluffs. |
| Appeal | Iowa Court of Appeals or Iowa Supreme Court | Appeals are filed through the appellate eFile system at eFile. |
Are Mills County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Iowa district court records are public, unless the Iowa Court Rules or a state statute provide otherwise. The Judicial Branch makes its records available for public inspection and copying under its public records policy, and Mills County district court case records are obtained from the Clerk of Court where the case is on file.
Public records
District court case records, documents, and filings are available from the Clerk of Court in Mills County or on the public computer in that office. You can find the clerk's contact details at the county page on the Iowa Judicial Branch website.
Restricted or confidential records
Records that the Iowa Court Rules or statute make confidential are not public, and the Judicial Branch says it must protect confidential and privileged records. Filings must protect birthdates, Social Security numbers, children's names, and bank information.
Online access
Iowa Courts Online lets you search for district court cases by name or case number. Not every document is online, so you may need to request filings from the Clerk of Court.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of Court at 418 Sharp Street, Glenwood, IA 51534, and use the public computer in the office. Call 712-527-4880 to confirm where the case is on file before you visit.
How to Search Mills County Court Records Online
Use Iowa Courts Online to search Mills County district court cases by case type, name, or case number, and ask the Clerk of Court for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Go to Iowa Courts Online case search and select the county.
- Search by name or case number, and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details and any scheduled dates.
- Call the Clerk of Court at 712-527-4880 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Iowa Courts Online | Case information for criminal cases | Documents are available from the Clerk of Court or the public computer |
| Traffic | Iowa Courts Online | Citations and case information | Citations can take 10 to 14 days to appear |
| Civil | Iowa Courts Online | Civil case information | Documents are available from the Clerk of Court or the public computer |
| Small claims | Iowa Courts Online | Small claims case information | Documents are available from the Clerk of Court or the public computer |
| Family law | Iowa Courts Online | Family law case information | Confidential records are restricted |
| Probate | Iowa Courts Online | Probate case information | Restricted records are not public |
| Juvenile | Juvenile Court Office, Council Bluffs, 712-328-5623 | Contact the office for juvenile case information | Juvenile matters may be restricted |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Mills County
Fines, surcharges, and fees for Mills County cases are paid to the Clerk of Court in the county where the violation occurred, using the options below.
- Online: Pay fines, surcharges, and fees 24/7 with a major credit card at Iowa Courts Online. You need the county, the type of charge, and the case or citation number, or the name of the person charged. Paying online is a plea of guilty, and you only need to appear if "court appearance required" is checked on the ticket.
- Phone: Call 515-348-4788 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
- In person: Pay the Clerk of Court at 418 Sharp Street, Glenwood, IA 51534, or call 712-527-4880 with questions.
Under Iowa law, fines and fees are due to the clerk of court 30 days after the court assesses them. Citations can take 10 to 14 days to appear on Iowa Courts Online.
Parking tickets are handled by the city or agency that issued them, not by the district court.
Mills County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Iowa court records for Mills County?
Use Iowa Courts Online to search by name or case number, or contact the Clerk of Court in Glenwood at 712-527-4880.
Are Mills County court records public?
Most Iowa district court records are public, but records the Iowa Court Rules or statute make confidential are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name or case number on Iowa Courts Online, or call the Clerk of Court at 712-527-4880.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or ticket, look up the case on Iowa Courts Online, or call the Clerk of Court at 712-527-4880.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay online with a major credit card at Iowa Courts Online, call 515-348-4788 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays, or pay the Clerk of Court in person.
How many cases are filed each year?
Iowa statewide district court filings totaled 723,508 in calendar year 2025, up 0.1% from 722,527 in 2024. County-level filings are not published.
What is the most common type of case?
Simple misdemeanors was the largest category statewide in CY 2025, with 451,840 filings or 62.5% of the total.
Is crime in Iowa rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 3.5% to 7,478 in 2025 from 7,751 in 2024, and property crimes fell 9.2% to 37,671 from 41,467, as reported to the FBI. These are Iowa statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Useful Links
- Iowa Judicial Branch - Official State Website Explore Iowa's court system, services, and available resources, including accessing court records, forms, and general court information.
- Iowa Courts Online Search - Electronic Access to Court Records Find court records and documents for Iowa, including Mills County, through this official electronic access portal.
- Mills County - Court Directory - Iowa Judicial Branch Information on Mills County court locations, contact details, hours of operation, and available court services.
- Mills County, Iowa - Official Government Website Access information about Mills County’s departments, including contact details and services provided by the county government.
- Iowa Legal Aid - Free Legal Assistance Offering free civil legal assistance and resources for low-income individuals across Iowa, including legal information and advocacy.
- Iowa Attorney General - Official State Office Provides legal assistance, consumer protection information, and updates on state legal matters affecting Iowa residents.
- The Iowa State Bar Association - Legal Resources and Services Offers Iowa legal information, resources for attorneys, and public information about finding legal help statewide.
- Iowa Legal Aid Resources - Comprehensive Legal Information Comprehensive guide to legal resources, self-help legal information, and access to online legal forms across Iowa.
- Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence - Safety and Legal Resources Provides legal resources and support services for Iowa residents affected by domestic violence, including legal advocacy.
- Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault - Support and Advocacy Offers legal resources, support, and advocacy for Iowa sexual assault survivors, including links to free legal services.
- Iowa Legal Aid - Legal Information and Self-Help Resources Access self-help legal information and tools for navigating the Iowa court system, including legal rights and responsibilities.
- Mills County Jail - Inmate Listing Information Portal Find information on current inmates in Mills County, including booking information, charges, and bond details.
- Iowa DOT - Motor Vehicle Division - Services and Records Explore resources related to Iowa's driver services, vehicle registration, and access to driving records and legal requirements.
- Iowa Land Records - Official County Recorders Portal Provides electronic access to real estate documents recorded in Iowa, including Mills County property records.
- Missouri Case.net - Court Case Search While not specific to Iowa, offers insight on how to navigate public case records in neighboring Missouri for comparative purposes.
- LawHelp.org - Legal Information and Legal Aid Resources Access free local legal help and tools across the United States, including services applicable to Iowa.
- Representing Yourself in Iowa Courts Guides on self-representation in Iowa courts, providing forms, instructions, and resources for those without legal representation.
- Iowa Data Center - Statistical and Demographic Information Access Iowa-specific data, including statistical and demographic information relevant for legal proceedings, research, and services.
- United States Courts - Federal Judiciary Official Site Explore resources about the U.S. federal court system, including procedures, forms, and case information that may intersect state matters.
- Iowa Legal Aid - Public Benefits and Legal Health Information Provides information and legal guidance on public benefits and health-related legal issues for Iowa residents.
Table of Contents
- Mills County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Mills County Court Records
- Mills County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Mills County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Mills County?
- How Does Mills County Compare With Iowa Overall?
- Mills County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Mills County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Mills County?
- Are Mills County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Mills County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Mills County
- Mills County Court Records FAQ
- Useful Links