Frequently Asked Questions
Civil
What does the Civil Division do?
What are the fees for paperwork to be served?
What is the “Directions to the Sheriff” form that is needed for Civil Papers?
Do you use the entire amount requested for prepayment?
How many times do you try to serve paperwork?
How do I know when my paperwork has been served?
What is a garnishment?
What paperwork is needed for a garnishment?
What information is needed for a WAGE garnishment
How do I determine which county serves a WAGE garnishment?
What information is needed for a BANK garnishment?
How do I determine which county serves a BANK garnishment?
When will I receive any wages/funds that were garnished?
How do I receive the garnished wages/funds from the clerk of court?
How much money can be garnished from a paycheck or bank account?
I am the plaintiff, how do I know if any money will be collected?
I am the defendant whose wage/bank account is going to be garnished, how will I be notified?
Sheriff Sales
If I purchase property at a sheriff’s sale, do I get clear title?
If I purchase at a sheriff's sale, who is responsible for the back property taxes?
Do I have to pay the full amount of my bid the day I purchase
How do I pay for a purchase at a sheriff's sale?
Can I enter the residence I plan to purchase or view the property?
Does the sheriff have keys to the residence?
How does the bidding start?
What happens if I am the highest bidder and change my mind about buying the property?
What does redemption period mean?
If I purchase a property that has a redemption period, do I have to pay for the property within two hours just like the no redemption sales?
If I purchase and there is a redemption period, when do I get a sheriff’s deed?
If I purchase and there is a redemption period, can I enter the property before the redemption period is up?
When I get a sheriff’s deed, what do I do next?
If I get a sheriff’s deed and there are people living there, how do I get them out? Do I have to go through the eviction process?
If my property is purchased at a sale, when do I have to be out?
What paperwork is required from Attorney Offices to begin the Sheriff Sale process?
Dispatch
What is 911?
What if a 911 caller is deaf or hearing/speech impaired?
When should you use 911?
How do you make a 911 call?
Who pays for 911?
What about 911 prank calls?
Weapon Permits
What times do you take application?
What is the criteria for a NEW Permit to Carry?
What is the criteria for a RENEWAL of a Permit to Carry?
What is the criteria for a DUPLICATE Permit? (for carry or acquire)
Can I transfer my permit from another county?
How long does it take to get my permit?
What is the uniform permit style?
Where can I get an application?
What are the fees?
What form of payment may I use to purchase my permit?
I am moving to Iowa from another state. Can I transfer my permit from another state to Iowa?
I lost my permit or I damaged my permit and it needs replaced.
I recently had a change in marital status and my legal name changed. Do I need to change my name on my permit?
I recently moved WITHIN the county. Do I need to change my address on my permit?
Can you recommend a place to take a certification class?
I leave the state during winter months and my renewal date falls outside the 60 day renewal window, what do I do?
How do I know if I am eligible for a Permit to Carry?