Application to Order an Iowa Vital Record (470-5451)
Official state formForm 470-5451Free downloadLast verified November 5, 2026
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services application to order a certified copy of an Iowa death certificate by mail.
Who can use this form
- The person named on the record, or their spouse, child, parent listed on the record, grandparent, grandchild or sibling
- A legal representative or guardian; proof of entitlement must be provided
- The person receiving the copy must be 18 or older
- Records are on file for events in Iowa from July 1, 1880
What to send with it
- This application, with your signature notarized when you mail it
- A copy of your current government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for $20 per copy, payable to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (no cash)
Where to send it
- Mail to
- Iowa HHS Bureau of Health Statistics Lucas State Office Bldg., 1st Floor 321 E 12th St. Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
- State fee
- $20 per certified copy. Kept as a search fee if no record is found.
- Typical processing
- About 4 to 6 weeks after the application is received
- Source
- Official government page