Taylor 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 for Taylor County, in Judicial District 5, hears civil, criminal, serious criminal, simple misdemeanor, small claims, juvenile, probate, and mental health commitment matters. The Clerk of Court in Bedford keeps the county's district court case records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Iowa District Court for Taylor County (Judicial District 5) |
| Main Address | Clerk of Court, 403 Jefferson Street, Suite 4, Bedford, IA 50833 |
| Main Phone | (712) 523-2095 |
| Clerk Email | countyclerk.taylor@iowacourts.gov |
| Website | iowacourts.gov county page |
| Chief Judge | David M. Porter, Chief Judge for Judicial District 5 |
| Courthouse Locations | 3 listed offices (Bedford, Creston) |
| Online Case Search | Iowa Courts Online |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Pay Fines Online at Iowa Courts Online |
How to Search Taylor County Court Records
Have the full name, case or citation number, and county ready before you search for Taylor County records.
Online
Go to Iowa Courts Online and search by county, case type, or name.
Pay fines online 24 hours a day with a major credit card.
Enter the case or citation number, or the name of the person charged.
Best for: Quick case lookups and paying fines
In Person
Go to the Clerk of Court, 403 Jefferson Street, Suite 4, Bedford, IA 50833.
Use the public computer in the clerk's office to search county records.
Ask the clerk about records that are not on the public computer.
Best for: Records held by the Clerk of Court
By Phone or Email
Call (712) 523-2095 to confirm what the clerk needs.
Email countyclerk.taylor@iowacourts.gov with the case number and party names.
Include the county, case type, and your contact information.
Best for: Questions about a specific case
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
Taylor County Court Statistics (2025)
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, so every figure in this section is for Iowa statewide, and Taylor County is part of Judicial District 5.
723,508
Iowa statewide total filings in 2025
+0.1%
Iowa statewide change in total filings vs 2024
223.2
Iowa statewide filings per 1,000 residents (2024 population 3,241,488)
11.4%
Iowa statewide serious criminal share of 2025 filings
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 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% |
The largest statewide change was in simple misdemeanors, down 7,764 filings, while small claims and infractions rose 7,318.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Taylor County?
Statewide district court filings rose 9.4% over the five calendar years from 2021 to 2025. County-level figures are not published, so this table shows Iowa statewide totals.
| Calendar Year | Total Filings | YoY Total Change | Civil YoY | Simple Misdemeanors YoY | Small Claims and Infractions YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 723,508 | +0.1% | +6.0% | -1.7% | +8.1% |
| 2024 | 722,527 | +3.3% | +3.9% | +4.2% | +8.2% |
| 2023 | 699,404 | +5.7% | +3.4% | +5.7% | +14.5% |
| 2022 | 661,869 | +0.1% | +0.5% | +0.4% | +1.2% |
| 2021 | 661,226 | Base year | Base year | Base year | Base year |
Statewide filings rose 9.4% from 661,226 in 2021 to 723,508 in 2025. The largest annual increase was 5.7% in 2023. No year from 2022 to 2025 declined. The 2025 change added 981 filings overall, as small claims and infractions rose 7,318 and civil rose 3,303, while simple misdemeanors fell 7,764.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Taylor County?
Simple misdemeanors made up the largest share of Iowa statewide filings in 2025, at 62.5% of 723,508 cases.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2025 | 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 Taylor County Compare With Iowa Overall?
Taylor County is estimated to account for about 0.18% of the 722,527 cases filed in Iowa courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Taylor County | Iowa | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~1,298 | 722,527 | ~0.18% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+3.3% | +3.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,298 | 3,803 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,285 | 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 Taylor County's 0.18% share of the state population.
Taylor County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Iowa statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Taylor 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 | 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 | 1,163.3 | 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 Taylor County with the state.
Taylor County Courthouse Locations
Taylor County has 3 listed court locations in Bedford and Creston. Check your notice or citation for the assigned courthouse before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Court, Bedford | 403 Jefferson Street, Suite 4, Bedford, IA 50833 | (712) 523-2095 | Clerk of Court, jury information, Pay Fines Online |
| Taylor County Courthouse, Bedford | 405 Jefferson Street, Bedford, Iowa | See location page | See location page |
| Juvenile Court Office, Creston | 211 B North Elm, PO Box 345, Creston, IA 50801 | (641) 782-2519 | Juvenile Court Office |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Taylor County?
Iowa has one unified trial court, the Iowa District Court, so most Taylor County cases go to the Clerk of Court. Federal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for Iowa, not by the county.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Iowa District Court, Taylor County Clerk of Court | Citations can take 10 to 14 days to appear on Iowa Courts Online. |
| Parking ticket | The city that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are handled by the citing city, not the district court. |
| Misdemeanor | Iowa District Court, Taylor County Clerk of Court | Simple misdemeanor cases are filed with the clerk in the county where the case is on file. |
| Felony | Iowa District Court, Taylor County Clerk of Court | Serious criminal cases are filed with the clerk in the county where the case is on file. |
| DUI | Iowa District Court, Taylor County Clerk of Court | Check the charge on your citation or notice, then contact the clerk. |
| Domestic violence | Iowa District Court, Taylor County Clerk of Court | Domestic abuse forms are listed on the Court Forms page. |
| Civil lawsuit | Iowa District Court, Taylor County Clerk of Court | Electronic filing is required unless you are excused, and eFile registration has no fee. |
| Small claims | Iowa District Court, Small Claims | Responding to a small claims petition is explained in the eFile instructions. |
| Eviction | Iowa District Court, Taylor County Clerk of Court | Contact the Clerk of Court about filing steps for this case type. |
| Divorce | Iowa District Court, Taylor County Clerk of Court | Divorce forms, with or without children, are on the Court Forms page. |
| Child custody or support | Iowa District Court, Taylor County Clerk of Court | Child support and custody forms are on the Court Forms page. |
| Probate or estate | Iowa District Court, Taylor County Clerk of Court | Probate forms are listed on the Court Forms page. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile Court Office, Creston | Contact the Juvenile Court Office at (641) 782-2519. |
| Appeal | Iowa Court of Appeals or Iowa Supreme Court | Appeals are filed through Appellate eFile, as described in the eFile instructions. |
Are Taylor County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Taylor County district court records are public, unless the Iowa Court Rules or state statute provide otherwise. The Iowa Judicial Branch public records policy makes its records available for inspection and copying on that basis.
Public records
District court case records, documents, and filings are available by contacting the Clerk of Court in the county where the case is on file, or by using the public computer in that clerk's office.
Restricted or confidential records
Records that the Iowa Court Rules or state statute make confidential or privileged are not released. If a record cannot be reviewed, the custodian will notify you and state the reason, and some case documents carry restricted access.
Online access
Iowa Courts Online lets you search cases by county, case type, case number, or name. The policy directs requests for district court case records and filings to the county clerk or the public computer in the clerk's office, so check there for documents.
In-person access
Visit the Taylor County Clerk of Court at 403 Jefferson Street, Suite 4, Bedford, IA 50833, to view records. Requests may be made verbally or in writing during regular office hours, and (712) 523-2095 can confirm where a case is filed.
Fees
The court's pages do not list fee amounts. The records custodian notifies the requester of any applicable fees before records are made available.
How to Search Taylor County Court Records Online
Use Iowa Courts Online to search Taylor County cases, 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.
- Open Iowa Courts Online and choose the county.
- Search by name or case number, and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details, and confirm the results with the clerk, since they are not official court records.
- Request documents that are not online from the Taylor County Clerk of Court at (712) 523-2095.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Iowa Courts Online | Case information searchable by name or case number | Documents not shown online may require the clerk |
| Traffic | Iowa Courts Online | Citations after they are posted to the clerk's records | Citations can take 10 to 14 days to appear |
| Civil | Iowa Courts Online | Case information searchable by name or case number | Documents not shown online may require the clerk |
| Small claims | Iowa Courts Online | Case information searchable by name or case number | Documents not shown online may require the clerk |
| Family law | Iowa Courts Online | Case information searchable by name or case number | Restricted-access documents are handled by the clerk |
| Probate | Iowa Courts Online | Case information searchable by name or case number | Documents not shown online may require the clerk |
| Juvenile | Juvenile Court Office, Creston, (641) 782-2519 | Information from the Juvenile Court Office | Ask the office about juvenile matters |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Taylor County
Taylor County traffic citations, criminal fines, and court debt are paid to the Clerk of Court, online, by phone, or in person.
- Online: Pay fines, surcharges, and fees 24/7 with a major credit card at Pay Fines Online. You need the county, the general type of charge, and the case or citation number, or the name of the person charged. A citation can take 10 to 14 days to appear online. Paying online is a plea of guilty, so you only need to appear if the box marked "court appearance required" is checked on the ticket.
- Phone: Call 515-348-4788 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, to pay by phone.
- Clerk of Court: Pay court debt to the Clerk of Court in the county where the violation occurred, at 403 Jefferson Street, Suite 4, Bedford, IA 50833, (712) 523-2095. Fines and fees are due to the clerk 30 days after the court assesses them.
Parking tickets are handled by the city that issued them, not by the Iowa District Court in Taylor County. Read more on the Pay a Fine page.
Taylor County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Taylor County court records?
Use Iowa Courts Online to search by county, case type, and case number or name, or use the public computer at the Clerk of Court in Bedford.
Are Taylor County court records public?
Yes, Iowa Judicial Branch records are available for public inspection and copying unless the Iowa Court Rules or state statute provide otherwise.
How do I find a criminal case in Taylor County?
Search Iowa Courts Online by county, criminal case type, and the defendant's name, or call the Clerk of Court at (712) 523-2095.
How do I find a court date in Taylor County?
Check your notice or citation first, then call the Clerk of Court at (712) 523-2095 to confirm your date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay online at Pay Fines Online 24/7 with a major credit card, or call 515-348-4788 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
How many cases are filed in Iowa each year?
Iowa statewide district courts recorded 723,508 filings 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 is the largest statewide category, with 451,840 filings or 62.5% of 2025 filings.
Is crime 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 website for Iowa's judicial system, offering access to court records and legal proceedings across the state.
- Taylor County Court Directory - Find contact details and location information for all courtrooms within Taylor County through the Iowa Judicial Branch website.
- Help for People with Disabilities - Information on ADA accommodations provided by Iowa courts to facilitate access to judicial services for all individuals.
- Pay Fines Online - Convenient service for paying court-related fines and fees electronically via the official Iowa Courts website.
- Iowa Legal Aid - Non-profit organization offering free legal assistance to low-income Iowans, with resources available for court-related matters.
- Iowa Criminal Records - Obtain information on accessing statewide criminal records, including instructions on how to obtain background checks.
- Electronic Filing (eFiling) - Secure portal for filing legal documents electronically, directly with Iowa courts to streamline court processes.
- Taylor County Clerk of Courts - Local county office responsible for maintaining court records and facilitating court-related services in Taylor County.
- Iowa Court Forms - Access a wide selection of commonly used court forms for civil, criminal, and family law cases available online.
- Self-Representation Resources - Essential guidance for individuals choosing to represent themselves in Iowa courts, covering basic procedures and resources.
- Iowa Court Rules - Complete online repository of all state court rules governing procedures and practices in Iowa's legal system.
- Jury Service Information - Detailed guide on juror expectations, responsibilities, and processes in the state of Iowa, tailored for prospective Taylor County jurors.
- Media Information and Resources - Media personnel can access guidelines on covering court cases, including public record policies and court proceedings.
- Court Interpreter Services - Learn about interpretation and translation services offered in Iowa courts to assist non-English-speaking individuals effectively.
- Iowa State Bar Association - Professional organization providing legal resources, attorney directories, and public education on a wide range of legal issues in Iowa.
- Domestic Violence Support - Information and resources for victims of domestic violence, including emergency orders and support services available through Iowa courts.
- Public Case Access (PCO) - Search and access Taylor County court records online via Iowa's Public Case Access system to view public docket information.
- Court Reporter Board - Learn about Iowa's certified court reporters and the standards governing transcription services within the state judiciary.
- Expungement and Record Sealing - Details on the expungement process for clearing or sealing criminal records in Iowa courts and eligibility criteria.
- Iowa Probate Information - Comprehensive guide to estate administration, including probate procedures and estate planning resources specifically applicable to Taylor County residents.
Table of Contents
- Taylor County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Taylor County Court Records
- Taylor County Court Statistics (2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Taylor County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Taylor County?
- How Does Taylor County Compare With Iowa Overall?
- Taylor County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Taylor County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Taylor County?
- Are Taylor County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Taylor County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Taylor County
- Taylor County Court Records FAQ
- Useful Links