United States Courthouse (Des Moines) (S.D. Iowa): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Cellphones, computers, e-readers, cameras, smart watches and smart glasses are prohibited in the courthouse and on its grounds; Court Security Officers will tell you to remove them. Exception: visitors may bring a cell phone and/or smart watch if they keep it in a lock pouch while inside. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa |
|---|---|
| Address | 111 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 |
| Public phones | Restricted |
| Rule for visitors | Cellphones, computers, e-readers, cameras, smart watches and smart glasses are prohibited in the courthouse and on its grounds; Court Security Officers will tell you to remove them. Exception: visitors may bring a cell phone and/or smart watch if they keep it in a lock pouch while inside. |
| Lockers | Visitors may keep a phone/smart watch in a lock pouch while inside; no lockers mentioned. |
| Jurors | Seated jurors may bring cell phones and computers if needed for court business; devices must be silent in courtrooms. |
| Attorneys | Attorneys and their staff may bring cell phones, computers and other devices if needed for court business; must be silent in courtrooms; no recording or photos without Chief Judge's advance approval. |
| Governing order | Public Administrative Order No. 25-AO-8-P (Nov. 24, 2025); see also 25-AO-7-P |
Federal and county courthouses set separate rules. If your case is in state or county court (traffic, family, most criminal cases, state jury duty), see Iowa county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Iowa
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the United States Courthouse (Des Moines)?
Cellphones, computers, e-readers, cameras, smart watches and smart glasses are prohibited in the courthouse and on its grounds; Court Security Officers will tell you to remove them. Exception: visitors may bring a cell phone and/or smart watch if they keep it in a lock pouch while inside.
Are there phone lockers at the United States Courthouse (Des Moines)?
Visitors may keep a phone/smart watch in a lock pouch while inside; no lockers mentioned.
Can jurors bring phones to the United States Courthouse (Des Moines)?
Seated jurors may bring cell phones and computers if needed for court business; devices must be silent in courtrooms.
Can attorneys bring phones to the United States Courthouse (Des Moines)?
Attorneys and their staff may bring cell phones, computers and other devices if needed for court business; must be silent in courtrooms; no recording or photos without Chief Judge's advance approval.
Can I bring a gun or knife into a federal courthouse?
No. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 930) prohibits firearms and dangerous weapons in federal court facilities, with narrow exceptions such as on-duty law enforcement.