Frequently Asked Questions

Found property turned in to the Dubuque Police Department is maintained in accordance with Iowa Code.  If the owner of the property is unknown, the property will be disposed of after a ninety (90) day holding period.  If you find property that you would like to turn over to the police department, please contact dispatch at 563-589-4415 at any time.  If you have lost property and would like to inquire if it is in police custody, please call 563-587-3801 between 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM on Monday - Friday.

You can compliment/commend a police officer, file a complaint against a police officer, or submit a comment on the police department's website.

You can compliment/commend a police officer, file a complaint against a police officer, or submit a comment on the police department's website.

Iowa Code 321.436 and Dubuque Code 9-12-321.436 each indicate that "Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive noise or annoying smoke."  The Dubuque Code specifically lists prima facie violations as:

1. The use of a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device upon a motor vehicle upon a street;
2. Equipment marked with either "off road use" or "not for street use";
3. Excessive revving and/or acceleration which can be heard at a distance of at least two hundred feet (200'); or
4. The operation of a vehicle making excessive noise so as to be audible at a distance of at least two hundred feet (200').

The law does not use a specific volume (decibel) level to define what is considered "excessive," nor does it require a law enforcement agency to measure the decibel level of a violator before issuing a citation.  A law enforcement officer will take in to account the totality of the circumstances at the time of a violation when determining the best course of corrective action.

Traffic violations issued by the Dubuque Police Department may be paid online on the State of Iowa's website.

A traffic ticket can also be paid at the County Clerks office in the Dubuque County Court House. The fine and citation can also be mailed to the Clerk of Court. Please follow the directions on the reverse side of the citation for payment by mail.

The following procedure must be completed if the vehicle was impounded/towed for an INSURANCE VIOLATION (see below for other reasons):

1. The no insurance citation must be satisfied. This means that the person issued the citation has obtained a court order to release the vehicle or else paid the fine.  Proof of this is obtained from the Clerk of Court.  If the cited person has proof that there was insurance coverage on your vehicle at the time the citation was issued, that paperwork should be presented to the Clerk of Court.
2. The motor vehicle must then be properly re-registered at the County Treasurer’s Office.
3. The owner must obtain valid insurance for the motor vehicle.
4. The receipt from the Clerk of Court verifying the citation has been satisfied, proof of registration (plates & registration form), and proof of insurance can then be brought to the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center at 770 Iowa Street. A Shift Commander, or his/her designee, will review the paperwork.  If everything is in order, a call will be placed to the wrecker service to authorize the release from impound following payment of the $20 City of Dubuque vehicle impound administrative fee at the DLEC.
5. Any towing fees or storage fees will have to be paid to the wrecker service before the they will release the vehicle.

The following procedure must be completed if the vehicle was impounded/towed for OTHER REASONS:

1. The owner needs to come to the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center at 770 Iowa Street to resolve the issue of why the vehicle was towed (such as outstanding parking tickets) and to pay the $20 City of Dubuque vehicle impound administrative fee.
2. Any towing fees or storage fees will have to be paid to the wrecker service before the they will release the vehicle.

Yes.  As per City Code of Ordinance Title 7, Chapter 6, Article B: Dogs and Cats.  Any dog or cat that is kept in the City (Dubuque city limits) needs to be licensed.  Effective Nov. 1, 2025, animal licensing for the City of Dubuque is handled through a company called Docupet.  

Additional information on pet licensing.

If your pet has been impounded, you will need to go to the Dubuque Humane Society (4242 Chavenelle Rd.) and pay an impoundment fee of $30.00 (1st offense) or $60.00 (2nd and subsequent offenses) before the animal can be claimed. Any delinquent pet license fees must also be paid at that time.  Pet license fees must be paid through PetData.

The City's Animal Control division is responsible for the care and control of domesticated animals; therefore, we do not set traps for nuisance wildlife.

Residents needing nuisance wildlife removed from their property may trap it themselves or hire licensed animal trappers for a fee.

Submit an online service request or you may call Animal Control at 563-589-4185 to request to be put on the trap list.

Animal Control sets these traps, weather permitting, from March until October.