How to get a new birth certificate in iowa

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).

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.

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A certified birth certificate that can typically be used for travel, passport, proof of citizenship, social security, driver's license, school registration, personal identification and other legal purposes. Birth Certificates are available for events that occurred within the State of Iowa from July 1, 1880 to present.

Legal Disclaimer: US Birth Certificates is a privately owned website that is not affiliated with, not owned or operated by any government agency. US Birth Certificates is an independent preparer that provides vital records application preparation assistance services. If you are looking for blank forms, you can get them for free at the relevant state office.

Due to the increase of vital record requests for the purpose of obtaining a REAL ID, customers are encouraged to plan ahead and order any vital record certified copies they may need in advance. Do not wait until the last minute to order as processing times are approximate and not guaranteed service times.

Order Online - Order Shipped to You

NOTE: USE THIS OPTION IF YOU NEED THE ORDER SHIPPED TO YOU

• Order online at VitalChek to be shipped to you.
• VitalChek is the only third-party vendor authorized by the Iowa Department of Public Health to accept orders for Iowa Vital Records.
• Each copy of a certified record costs $15.00.
  • If the record is not located, the applicant shall receive a notification of the record search. The $15.00 fee will be retained for the search.
• There is an additional fee to order online using VitalChek; fees start at $13.00 per order.

Order Online - Pick Up In-Person

NOTE: ONLY USE THIS OPTION IF YOU CAN PHYSICALLY PICK UP YOUR ORDER IN DES MOINES

• Order online at VitalChek to be picked up in person in Des Moines
• VitalChek is the only third-party vendor authorized by the Iowa Department of Public Health to accept orders for Iowa Vital Records.
• Each copy of a certified record costs $15.00.
  • If the record is not located, the applicant shall receive a notification of the record search. The $15.00 fee will be retained for the search.
• There is an additional fee to order online using VitalChek; fees start at $13.00 per order.

How to request a certified record by phone

• Call VitalChek toll-free at (866) 809-0290 from 6:00 a.m. CST through 7:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, except holidays.
  • VitalChek is the only third-party vendor authorized by the Iowa Department of Public Health to accept orders for Iowa vital records.
• Each copy of a certified record costs $15.00.
  • If the record is not located, the applicant shall receive a notification of the record search. The $15.00 fee will be retained for the search.
• There is an additional fee to order over the phone using VitalChek; fees start at $9.00 per order.

How to request a certified record by mail

• Submit a completed Application for a Certified copy of an Iowa vital record.
  • All applications must be notarized.
  • Submit a clear photocopy of the applicant's current government-issued photo identification.
• Each copy of a certified record costs $15.00.
  • If the record is not located, the applicant shall receive a notification of the record search. The $15.00 fee will be retained for the search.
  • Make check or money orders payable to the 'Iowa Department of Public Health'.

Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075

How to request a certified record in person at the State Vital Records Office

• In-person requests are accepted at the state vital records office between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for state-observed holidays.
• Requests received by 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday will be processed in 2 hours.
• Written applications must be satisfactorily completed and signed in front of vital records staff.
• Applicants must also provide valid, current government-issued photo identification.

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 following records are available at County Registrar offices

• County Recorders can issue certified copies of all births that occurred in 1987 to present.
• County Recorders can issue certified copies of all deaths that occurred in 1954 to present.
• County Recorders can issue certified copies of all marriages that occurred in 1954 to present.

For events that occur before these dates:

• Certified copies of birth records may be ordered from the county in which the event occurred.
• Certified copies of marriage records may be ordered from the county where the application occurred.
• Certified copies of death records may be ordered from the county of residence or the county where the death occurred.

How to request a commemorative certificate

The Iowa Department of Public Health is pleased to offer commemorative certificates of birth, marriage and certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth records.

This parchment certificate features a gold foil border, image of the state capital of Iowa, and calligraphy print of the information contained on the vital record. Each certificate is signed by both the Governor of Iowa and the State Registrar. Its 8-1/2" x 11" size is suitable for framing.

Certificates are delivered in protective envelopes approximately 60 business days after application. All applicants must meet the same qualifying direct-and-tangible interest standards (i.e., immediate family) as for any certified birth, marriage or certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth records request.

To apply:

1. Submit a completed Application for a Commemorative certificate.
2. All applications must be notarized.
3. Submit a clear photocopy of the applicant's current, government-issued photo identification.
4. Each commemorative certificate costs $35.00.

Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075

How to request a certificate of nonviable birth

Only the patient of a nonviable birth may apply for a Certificate of Nonviable Birth. Applicant must submit the completed Certification of Nonviable Birth form, copy of government issued photo ID, payment and request form.

Birth Certificate Exchange

Frequently Asked Questions

We have been receiving a lot of questions regarding the wallet certificate exchange. Please see the frequently asked questions below.

How much does it cost to replace a birth certificate in Iowa?

How do I get my original birth certificate?

How can I get my birth certificate online?

Can you photocopy a birth certificate in Iowa?