📍 IOWA
Polk County Recorder's Office
County Recorder's Office · Des Moines
The Polk County Recorder's Office brings passport acceptance directly into the heart of downtown Des Moines's civic campus at 111 Court Ave, Suite 250.
Location & contact
🕑 Hours
| Monday – Friday | Passport appointments 8:00 am – 3:30 pm (last appointment 3:30 pm); call 515-286-3160 to book |
|---|---|
| After 4:00 pm | Appointments available at 4:00 pm and 4:15 pm only — call ahead to confirm availability |
| Saturday – Sunday | Closed |
📍 Location & contact
📖 About this office
The Polk County Recorder's Office brings passport acceptance directly into the heart of downtown Des Moines's civic campus at 111 Court Ave, Suite 250. As a county government office, it serves as a trusted alternative to the post office — particularly appealing to applicants who prefer a quieter, more appointment-focused setting or who are already visiting the courthouse for other county business.
All passport appointments here are by appointment only; the last scheduled slot is at 3:30 pm, so early morning bookings are wisest to avoid having your application process rushed. Call 515-286-3160 to schedule. Staff can accept DS-11 applications for first-time adult and child applicants, and can provide guidance on documentary requirements for complicated situations such as name changes or sole-custody cases.
The office is within walking distance of the Des Moines Central Library and the Polk County courthouse. If you are comparing options across the city, the full rundown of Polk County locations — including the USPS office and hours comparisons — is on the Des Moines passport offices page. For statewide context, see the Iowa passport guide.
💡 Good to know
Because every visit is by appointment, you will rarely encounter a wait — a meaningful advantage over busier USPS locations during peak travel months. Arrive with original documents (birth certificate, government ID) and a completed DS-11 form; the office does not provide passport photos on-site, so have yours taken beforehand at a nearby pharmacy or photo studio. Suite 250 is on the second floor of the Polk County Administrative Building — street parking and a county-adjacent ramp are available on Court Avenue. Paid downtown parking is plentiful within one block.