How do I leave a message for an inmate.
Sheriff staff will not pass on messages to inmates. It is recommended that you write the inmate a letter.
How do I register for notifications with VINELink?
You can register to receive updates when an inmate is transferred or released with the Iowa VINELink Statewide network.
Start by going to the inmate record. If the inmate is still in custody, follow the link provided to the VINE Notification System.
Find out more about the VINE Notification System in Iowa by visiting their website.
Where can I find a list of current inmates?
You can view a current list of inmates on our Inmate page.
How do I evict someone from a property I own?
This is a three-step process:
We are unable to provide legal notice. You will have to seek legal counsel if necessary.
How do I get fingerprinted for a job?
The Sheriff’s Office provides fingerprinting to individuals who require this service for a job.
Fingerprinting is done by appointment. To set up an appointment, contact the jail division by calling 641-484-3760.
The fee for this service is $10.00 cash. Please have the exact amount as the Corrections Staff cannot make change.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Tickets can be paid at the Clerk of Court in person, through the mail, or online. Provide or send the lower portion of your ticket and your payment in the form of a personal check or money order (no cash) to:
Tama County Clerk of Court - TRAFFIC
100 West High Street
Toledo, IA 52342
Tickets may also be paid online by credit or debit card.
The amount required to be paid is listed as "Total" on the citation. The bond amount listed at the bottom of the citation is the amount the citation defaults to if you do not make any payment by the court date.
Payment plans may be arranged through the County Attorney’s Office, but no sooner than 31 days after a fine is due by contacting the Tama County Attorney's Office at 641-484-3020.
Not legal advice, verify conditions with the Clerk of Court or legal counsel.
How do I pick up recovered stolen property or evidence that can be returned?
To pick up property, it is necessary to make an appointment with Evidence Support Staff by calling 641-484-3760.
How may I contact a deputy who handled my complaint?
To contact a Tama County Deputy, please call our communications center at 641-484-3760. ou will be able to leave a message with the dispatcher or be transferred to the deputy’s voicemail.
What do I do with unwanted or unused prescription and over-the-counter drugs and medications?
The Tama County Sheriff's Office and Tama Police Department have a Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug and Medication drop box. See our drop box page for additional information.
Do I have to pay the full amount of my bid the day I purchase?
Yes. Please visit our Sheriff Sales page for more information.
How is a Sheriff's (foreclosure) sale conducted?
Sales are held as a public auction. The judgment holder will provide the Sheriff's Office a starting bid, which will be announced at the time of the sale. Interested parties will then bid against each other. The winning bidder will then have two hours from the close of the sale to bring in a cashier’s check for the amount of his/her highest bid. Bidding begins promptly at 9:00 A.M. Please make cashier's checks out to the Tama County Clerk of Court.
For more information check out our Sheriff Sales page.
If I get a sheriff's deed and there are people living on the property, how do I get them out? Do I go through the eviction process?
Please ask your attorney what your next steps need to be.
If I purchase a property and there is a redemption period, can I enter the property before the redemption period is up?
This is a question to direct to your attorney.
If I purchase a property and there is a redemption period, can I enter the property before the redemption period is up?
If the sale notice indicates there is a redemption period, that is the amount of time that the defendant has the right to redeem the real estate after the sale. If the defendant makes redemption, this must be completed at the Tama County Clerk of Court’s Office.
If you purchase property with a redemption period, you will be issued a certificate of purchase. When the redemption period is up, and the property has not been redeemed by the defendant, you may then return the original certificate of purchase to the sheriff, and you will then receive a Sheriff’s Deed.
It is very important that you do not lose the original certificate of purchase. If you lose it, you will not receive a sheriff’s deed until you get a court order directing the sheriff to issue you a duplicate certificate of purchase. (626.96) If you fail to have a sheriff’s deed issued within 8 years after the date of issuance of the certificate of purchase, the sheriff sale will be canceled. (626.97)
If I purchase at a sheriff sale, who is responsible for back property taxes?
Taxes stay with the property. If you made the purchase, you are now responsible for the taxes.
If I purchase property at a sheriff sale, do I get a clear title?
A clear title is not guaranteed to properties sold at a sheriff sale. All sales are considered "buyers beware". It is recommended that you contact an attorney and research the property before bidding.
When and where are sheriff (foreclosure) sales conducted?
All sales are conducted at the Tama County Court House Main Entrance, located at 100 W. High St, Toledo, IA.
Sales start at 9:00 A.M. on the date of sale. The Sheriff’s Office only conducts sales on Tuesdays, barring unforeseen circumstances.
For more information check out our Sheriff Sales page.
When I get a sheriff's deed, what do I do next?
This is a question to direct to your attorney.
Where do I find a list of properties going up for sale?
All Notices of Sheriff’s Levy and Sale are published in Tama County publications nearest to property up for sale and posted at the following locations:
Publications will be no less than four weeks before the originally scheduled sale date.
Sales may be postponed or canceled at any time. Postponements and cancellations will be announced on the scheduled day of sale.
One can also subscribe to alerts from the Tama County Sheriff's Office when new property sales are listed on the website.
For more information check out our sheriff sales page.
How do I get a copy of a police report?
Contact the Records Division at 641-484-4111. The Deputy Sheriff that handled the call will not be able to disseminate the report.
How do I request a background check?
Complete criminal history checks are done through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Forms can be obtained on the Iowa Department of Public Safety DCI website.
Do you need to make an appointment to obtain a gun permit?
Appointments are not necessary. The business office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays).
How do I get a weapons permit?
Please visit our Weapons Permit page for more information.
What do you have to do to renew your gun permit?
See our Weapons Permit page.
