Iowa Courthouse Security Line Wait Times & Hours (2026)

Short answer: Arrive at least 20 to 35 minutes before your scheduled courtroom call. Monday and Tuesday mornings have the longest magnetometer lines due to new jury panels checking in simultaneously. Updated 2026-11-04

Morning security checkpoint wait times in Iowa range from 10 to 10 minutes during peak 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM docket call. The longest typical queue is at Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines) (~10 mins). Iowa District Courthouses generally allow cell phones in hallways and jury lounges, requiring them to be turned off inside courtrooms.

County Courthouse	City	Security line wait times	Phone Lockers	Juror Parking
Polk County Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines) “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”	Des Moines	~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early)	No lockers	Free Validated
Linn County Linn County Courthouse (Cedar Rapids) “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”	Cedar Rapids	~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early)	No lockers	Free Validated
Scott County Scott County Courthouse (Davenport) “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”	Davenport	~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early)	No lockers	Free Validated
Johnson County Johnson County Courthouse (Iowa City) “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”	Iowa City	~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early)	No lockers	Free Validated

Going to Court Without a Lawyer?

Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in IA

If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in IA, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.

Your Full Name Phone Number Email Address County State Case Type Upcoming Court Date Need

Brief Case Details (optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I arrive for an 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM court date in Iowa?

Arrive at least 20 to 35 minutes before your scheduled courtroom call. Monday and Tuesday mornings have the longest magnetometer lines due to new jury panels checking in simultaneously.

How is this courthouse policy data verified?

We verify every county against official Court Administrative Orders (.gov), Jury Commissioner instructions, and Sheriff Court Security directives. Last verified 2026-11-04.