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EspañolWhat is the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Registry? Who has access to it?
The National Crime Information Center Registry (NCIC) is a nationwide, electronic database used by law enforcement agencies in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. It is managed by the FBI and state law enforcement officials.
The state that issued your protective order may already have entered your order into the NCIC when you got the order. If not, your order could be entered into the NCIC if you register it in Iowa. All law enforcement officials have access to the NCIC database, but the information is encrypted so outsiders cannot access it.
How do I register my protective order in Iowa?
If you have a certified copy of your out-of-state protective order, you can file it with the clerk in your local district court. If you don’t have a certified copy, you can file a regular copy of your order if you also file an affidavit. The affidavit is a sworn statement saying that your order is currently in effect to the best of your knowledge. Once your order is registered, the clerk will give you a copy of your registered order.1
To get help registering your protective order, you can contact a local domestic violence organization in Iowa. You can find contact information for organizations in your area on our IA Advocates and Shelters page.
1 Iowa Code § 236.19(2)
Do I have to register my protective order in Iowa in order to get it enforced?
You do not need to register a protective order from another state to get it enforced. Iowa will enforce your order if:
- you can show the officer a copy of your order; and
- the officer believes that it is a real (valid) order.1
However, registering your order in Iowa may help local law enforcement officers more easily check that your order is valid.
1 Iowa Code § 236.19(4)(a)
Will the abuser be notified if I register my protective order?
The federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which applies to all U.S. states and territories, addresses this issue. VAWA says that the court cannot tell the abuser when you register or file your protective order in a new state unless you specifically request that the abuser be notified.1 However, you may wish to check that the clerk is aware of this law before you register your order. You may want to be especially careful if your address is confidential.
Despite this law, it is still possible that the abuser could somehow find out where you are living. Continue to think about your safety, even if you no longer live in the same state as the abuser. Our Safety Planning page has tips to get you started or build upon what you are already doing. A local domestic violence organization can help you make a safety plan that works for you. To find organizations in your area, go to our IA Advocates and Shelters page.
1 18 U.S.C. § 2265(d)
What if I don't register my protective order? Will it be more difficult to have it enforced?
According to federal and state laws, you do not need to register your protective order to get it enforced in Iowa. However, if your order is not entered into the state registry, it may be harder for a law enforcement officer to check if your order is valid. So, it could take longer to get your order enforced.
If you are unsure if registering your order in Iowa is right for you, you may want to talk with a domestic violence advocate. An advocate can help you decide what is safest for you. You can find domestic violence advocates in Iowa on our IA Advocates and Shelters page.
