Legal Costs in Des Moines, IA (2026)
Filing fees for LLCs, divorce, small claims, and notary services in Des Moines — all sourced from official Iowa state records.
Des Moines is a city in Polk County, Iowa. Whether you're starting a business, filing a small claims case, or going through a divorce, the fees you pay are set at the Iowa state level — not the city or county level — with limited exceptions for county-specific court fees. Forming an LLC costs $50 in state filing fees. Small claims cases can be filed for disputes up to $6,500 in the Small Claims Court. Divorce filing fees in Iowa start at $185. All figures on this page are verified from official Iowa government sources and updated for 2026.
Form an LLC in Des Moines, IA
To form an LLC with a Des Moines address, you file with the Iowa Secretary of State — not the city or county. The state filing fee is $50. Standard processing takes 5 business days. There is also an annual report fee of $45.
0| State filing fee | $50 |
| Annual report fee | $45 |
| Standard processing | 5 business days |
| Expedited processing | 1 |
| Publication cost | Not required |
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Small Claims Court in Des Moines
Small claims cases in Des Moines are heard at the Small Claims Court in Polk County. The maximum you can sue for is $6,500. Filing fees range from $35–$65 depending on the claim amount.
| Court name | Small Claims Court |
| Filing location | Polk County |
| Maximum claim limit | $6,500 |
| Filing fee | $35–$65 |
| Written contract SOL | 5 years |
| Oral contract SOL | 5 years |
Where to File in Des Moines
Always call ahead to verify hours and accepted payment methods before visiting. Hours may vary on holidays.
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Filing for Divorce in Des Moines
Divorce petitions in Des Moines are filed at the Polk County courthouse. The Iowa state filing fee is $185. Sheriff service costs $30.
| Filing location | Polk County Courthouse |
| Filing fee | $185 (Iowa state) |
| Sheriff service fee | $30 |
| Children surcharge | None |
| Parenting class | Not required |
| Certified copy fee | $5 |
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Find a Notary in Des Moines, IA
Iowa has no state-set notary fee cap — notaries in Des Moines set their own rates (typically $10–$25 per signature). Common places to find a notary in Des Moines: your bank (often free for account holders), UPS Store, FedEx Office, public libraries, and law offices.
| Acknowledgment fee cap | No state cap |
| Jurat fee cap | No state cap |
| RON (remote online) | No state cap |
| State fee law | No — market rate |
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