Birth Records
How
to Request a Certified Record
Birth records begin at the year 1880. Certified copies are $15 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.
Death Records
How
to Request a Certified Record
Death records begin at the year 1880. Certified copies are $20 and only available to entitled parties:
- Parents
- Children
- Spouses
- Siblings
- Grandparents
- Grandchildren
- Legal Representative or Guardian
- Funeral homes (6 months from date of death)
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.
Death Records Between 1921 - 1941
Death records between the years 1921 – 1941 must be requested through the Iowa Department of Public Health.
State Certified Copies
How to Request a Certified
Record
Certified copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates may be obtained from the Iowa Bureau of Health Statistics by
telephone, in person, or through a postal service. Fees are payable in United States funds by check or money
order to the Iowa Department of Public Health. In person requests may also be paid in cash. Genealogy
requests take at least 60 days.
Telephone
For general information, or to order a certified copy by telephone using a credit card, call 866-809-0290
from 6 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday - Friday, except for state-observed holidays. Cost is $33. Turnaround time is
10 - 14 days, depending on seasonal demands and mail service.
Genealogy requests are not available through the credit card line.
In Person
Applications may be made in person at the state Bureau of Health Statistics 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday,
except for state-observed holidays, at the Bureau of Health Statistics inside the Lucas State Office
Building on the 1st Floor, just inside the north lobby entrance. The Lucas building is just east of the
state Capitol and south of Grand Avenue, located at:
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075
Applicants must provide current government-issued photo identification and sign their request in the presence
of registrar staff. Copies may either be picked up after two working days or mailed to an entitled person.
Genealogy requests take at least 60 days.
United States Postal Service
Written requests and fees are mailed to:
Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075
The request must be signed in front of a notary public and include a clear photocopy of the applicant's
current government-issued photo identification. Requests must state the relationship to the person named on
the record and the purpose for the copy. Filled requests take 30 - 45 days, depending on seasonal demands
and mail service.
Genealogy requests take at least 60 days.