How to get copy of birth certificate iowa

Our office is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays. To ensure same day pickup, please arrive by 4:30 p.m. 

Our office also processes Vital Record requests through mail and our dropbox located in front of the building. For items placed in the dropbox, please put all documents in an envelope marked Recorder’s Office with your contact information. 

Access to Vital Records

To access any of the vital records below, you must have entitlement as defined by the Iowa Department of Public Health (PDF). Requests for copies of birth certificates, marriage records, and death certificates must include a notarized application (PDF), a copy of your government-issued ID, and $15.00. We accept cash, check, money order, or credit cards.

Individuals with entitlement typically include:

  • Person named on record (if 18 or older)
  • Mother or father (if named on record)
  • Spouse
  • Brother or sister (must show proof of entitlement)
  • Maternal grandparents
  • Paternal grandparents (if father is named on record)

Per Iowa law, information about a specific record is not available over the telephone or by prepared lists. Iowa law provides for public viewing in the county where the record is maintained, or certified copies issued to entitled persons.

Application Process

Applications to search for a vital record event for the purpose of obtaining a certified copy must be in writing, completely identify the record, satisfactorily establish entitlement to the record being requested, and be accompanied by satisfactory photo identification. Entitled persons include the person named on the record or that persons spouse, children, legal parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, or legal representative or guardian. Legal guardians and representatives must also provide additional proof of guardianship or representation. Applicants must be 18 or older.

A $15 fee is required to search for a record and includes one certified copy. Each additional copy of the same record is also $15. If the record is not located, the applicant receives a notification to that affect. The $15 search fee is not refundable. Fees are payable in U.S. funds by check or money order to the issuing registrars office (i.e., Iowa Department of Public Health for state-certified, county recorders office for county-certified).

Records Requests

  • Request for certified birth, death, or marriage records
    • Use this form for birth, death, or marriage records if you know the record originated in Iowa

What is a certified birth certificate?

A certified copy of a birth certificate is a legal document that people can use as identification proof. It is totally different from the certificate of live birth. A certified copy can be used to apply for the first drivers licenses, social security cards, passports, visas, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, death certificates, genealogy and many other crucial documents and services in the United States.

Real ID deadline update to October 1st of 2021. Read the complete article.

To order a copy of your lost birth certificate, the vital statistics office will require the following information to fill the application:

  • • Birth information of the person in record.
  • • Information about the parents of the person in record.
  • • Name and contact information of the person filing the application.

If there is no father on your birth certificate, you can check this article to see what it means.


How to order a birth certificate in Iowa?

Ordering a birth certificate replacement in Iowa is possible with Vital Records Online.

First, you need to fill out an easy application. Second, you will need to pay the state fee and the service fee. Third, you will need to send the application package to the Iowa Health Department, Finally, you will be receiving your birth certificate by mail. The entire process can be done without leaving home.


Where to get a birth certificate in Iowa?

You can get a certified copy of your birth certificate online or by visiting the birth certificate office where the person on record was born. Ordering your birth certificate online is the easiest way to order birth records.

You might be asking yourself, “Are there any vital records offices who can provide me with a birth certificate near me?” You will find the answer of that question in the first vital records office public database online.

Note: Due to the spread of the COVID-19, some vital record agencies are closed or they are only processing by mail or online applications. Check the current status here.


How much is a birth certificate?

Certified birth certificates are not free. If you need a copy of your birth certificate, the state will charge you $9 to $34 fee. Fees vary by states.You can check all states fees here.


How long does it take to get a birth certificate?

Each state has their own processing time. Usually you should expect to wait for your birth certificate copy between 3 business days to 16 business weeks. Check your state processing time here.


Documents required to order a birth certificate online

In order to complete the online application, the Health Department requires applicants to prove their identity by including a photocopy of their ID. It varies depending on the state, but commonly people can use the drivers license or a state ID. Check the acceptable IDs of the state you need your vital record here.

If you have lost all your IDs, we prepare a quick guide to know what to do in those cases.


Who can request your birth records?

Certified copies of birth can be requested only by the person named in the birth certificate if they are 18 years or older. Also, parents and legal guardians or representatives can apply for them. Depending on the state, additional family members may be eligible to apply on behalf of the individual in need of the vital record. Check who can apply here.

How do I get a certified copy of a birth certificate?

Required Forms application.
Refer the application to the Divisional Secretariat relevant to the area where the birth occurred..
Application can obtain from any Divisional Secretariat..
Fees chargeable. Where the date of registration or the no. of the entry is given the fee for one copy of the certificate is Rs. 100.00..

Where can I get an Iowa birth certificate?

Certified copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates may be obtained from the state office of vital records by telephone, in-person, or through a postal service. Fees are payable by check or money order made out to the Iowa Department of Public Health. In-person requests may also be paid in cash.

Are birth certificates public record Iowa?

Birth records in Iowa are not public information for the first 75 years of life. However, state laws allow anyone to obtain and view birth records older than 75 years for genealogical research purposes from the Iowa Bureau of Health Statistics.

Where can I pick up a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born to get a copy of your birth certificate. Follow the instructions for requesting copies and paying fees. If you need a copy fast, ask about expedited service or shipping when you place your order.