Contact Info

Shelby County
Tayrn Knapp
612 Court Street
Harlan, IA 51537

Phone: (712) 755-3831
Fax: (712) 755-3200
Contact Form
Website: www.shco.org

Services

• Drivers Licenses
• Real Estate Assessments
• GIS Maps/Real Estate Records
• Voter/Election Information
• Zoning Information
• Historical Information
• Veterans Affairs
• Vehicle Registration
• Property Taxes

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM*
*Individual departments may vary - see department links

About Us

In 1851 the General Assembly of Iowa fixed the boundaries of Shelby County. The new county was named after General Isaac Shelby, who was famous for serving in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and becoming the first governor of the State of Kentucky.

Early settling in Shelby County began in 1848 in Galland’s Grove. For more information about Shelby County and Its Courthouses, click here.

The cornerstone of the Shelby County Courthouse was laid in August 1892, officially kicking off the $63,000 construction project in downtown Harlan, Iowa.

A 20-foot-tall was originally present in the center of the courthouse, which was officially dedicated in 1893. Following the removal of the clock tower in 1899, the courthouse remained largely unchanged for nearly 80 years.

In 1978, an elevator was installed as part of a major interior renovation. The courthouse is one of 40 in Iowa built before 1900.

Departments:

EMA Center	Assessor
Attorney	Auditor
Clerk of Court	Community Services
Conserversation	Engineer
Environmental Health	GIS Mapping
Public Health	Recorder
Sheriff	Solid Waste / Landfill
Supervisors	Tourism
Treasurer	Veterans Affairs