Request Vital Records by Mail
Vital records include birth certificate, death certificate, and marriage license records. In order to request a vital record by mail, the applicant must follow these steps:
- Complete the appropriate application form
- The application must be notarized
- Include a photocopy of valid photo ID
- Include a check or money order paying the certified copy cost of $15
- Mail the notarized application with payment and photocopy of current, valid photo ID to:
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Please Note: BE AWARE of third-party vendors that issue Vital Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates. We have had numerous individuals apply for vital records who have previously went through a third-party vendor and were charged an outrageous amount and never received their record. Perhaps the best practice is to inquire at the county and state where the event took place.
- Birth Records
- Death Records
- Marriage Records
- State Certified Copies
Birth Records
How to Request a Certified Record
Birth records begin at the year 1880. Certified copies are $20 and only available to entitled parties:
- Parents
- Children
- Spouses
- Grandparents
- Siblings
- Legal Representative or Guardian
- Grandchildren
Individuals requesting a birth record must prove entitlement by showing proper identification.
Telephone Information Release Prohibited
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.
Birth Records from 1921 - 1941
Birth records between the years 1921 – 1941 must be requested through the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Genealogy Requests
Genealogy searches may be done in person during normal business hours. If request is made by mail it may take up to 90 business days for processing, regardless of the method of application, and will be mailed to applicants.