Restraining Orders

In general, to register your protective order in Iowa, you need to file a certified copy with the clerk of your local district court.¹  If you don’t have a certified copy, the clerk may still be able to file your regular copy if you submit an affidavit (a written statement sworn under oath) that the order exists and is valid.²  When your order is registered, the clerk will give you a copy of your registered order.³

In addition, certain courts may require the following:

• that you fill out an application to register a foreign order;
• that your application go in front of a judge, who will decide whether to register it or not;
• that you arrange to have papers served on (delivered to) the abuser, notifying him/her that the order has been registered, and that you pay for this service.

If you need help registering your protective order, you can contact a local domestic violence organization in Iowa for assistance. You can find contact information for organizations in your area here on our IA Advocates and Shelters page.

¹ IA ST § 236.19(2)(a)
² IA ST § 236.19(2)
³ IA ST § 236.19(2)(b)