Vital Records Online is a trusted, US-based service that facilitates online requests for Iowa birth, marriage, and death certificates. Ensuring total confidentiality, Vital Records Online delivers your documents safely while keeping your personal data private.
Summary:
Iowa, “the Hawkeye State,” joined the union in 1846 and currently has a population of 3 million. Public health in Iowa dates back to 1866. In 1880, the State Board of Health Law created the State Board of Health to collect vital statistics, establish duties of local health boards, and penalize neglect of responsibilities.
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) – Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics registers all vital events that occur in the state, such as birth, death, and marriage. Iowa law requires that birth and marriage vital statistics in the custody of the State Archives be 75 years or older and death vital statistics be 50 years or older to be made available to the public.
If you are doing a family tree project, the Bureau of Vital Records may be able to help, or else you can try many public archives. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start your application online for IA vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, serve as key documentation of our lives. They can verify identity, citizenship, and familial ties, and they play a significant role in legal matters, inheritance claims, and ancestry research. These documents can reveal valuable details about your forebearers’ lives, with information such as full names, birth and death dates, and places of origin. If you misplace a vital record certificate, report the loss to the police and promptly order a certified replacement.
Each county is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records that have occurred within its jurisdiction. You can use the directory of IA county vital record issuing agencies to find out where to apply for a replacement certificate. This list provides locations, contact information, and links to online applications for requesting birth, death, and marriage certificates.
❗️ If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Iowa, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Iowa residents can request vital records via mail, apply in person, or order online. Online requests are the most dependable and often the only option available. The Iowa Department of Public Health – Bureau of Health Statistics generates and certifies the vital record copies for individuals who meet the prerequisites and follow the distinct guidelines for each birth, death, and marriage certificate. Once you understand these criteria, the process of applying for a replacement certificate is straightforward.
The certificate you need and the ordering method will affect the total costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times. It’s essential to understand the process and terms before requesting a certified copy of a vital record from the IDPH – Bureau of Health Statistics, regardless of the method by which you order it.
Ordering Iowa Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves 2 simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
Authorized individuals can request an Iowa birth, death, or marriage certificate online. Be prepared to have all the necessary information and documents in your possession to upload copies of during the online application process.
The online application assists with collecting and generating the documents required for the submission. The online application is accessible from any internet-enabled device and can be completed in five minutes. The system also helps minimize the risk of application rejection due to common errors or omitted documents.
✔︎ First-Class mail tracking is included with every online application.
✔︎ An online notary can be conducted during the checkout process if required by the IDPF – Bureau of Health Statistics.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and providing an online notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.
If you live close to a vital records-issuing state health department office, you can apply in person for your certified copies. Make sure the office is open and be prepared for possible long lines. Alternatively, you can order online or via mail to save time and simplify the ordering process.
The steps are similar whether you apply for vital records in person or by mail. If you prefer to submit your application via mail manually, you will need to sign your application in front of a notary if applying by mail. If you apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following tasks:
Additionally, by mail, you will need the following:
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the necessary criteria for each required document before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ Before receiving approval, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.
❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents, we recommend purchasing mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
It is essential to understand the stipulations and requirements before gathering the documents for your vital record application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
The Iowa Department of Public Health – Bureau of Health Statistics requires all applicants to provide proof of identity. A driver’s license or a state photo ID is accepted for most types of records (check other acceptable IDs per certificate needed).
The table below lists the necessary documents and information for requesting new Iowa vital records. If you lack a valid primary ID, a secondary form of identification may be adequate.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Iowa?
The IDPH’s Bureau of Health Statistics sets specific criteria for different types of certificates and personal circumstances. Review the eligibility conditions and requirements for replacing Iowa birth, death, and marriage records.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Parent Names Before Marriage, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Birthdate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
College ID, Out-of-State Driver's License, Permanent Residents Card, State Driver's License, State ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Military ID, US Passport, Visa, Work ID |
Bank Card with Photo, Court Documents with Current Address, Criminal Record, Expired Driver's License, Filed US Tax Return Form, Foreign ID Card, Foreign Passport, Foreign Voter Registration, Hospital Bill, Insurance Record, International Driver's License, Matricula Consular Card, Medicaid Card, Medical Card, Medicare Card, Non-government ID, Rent Receipt, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration |
| Death Certificate | Date of Death, Full Name of Person of Record, Place of Death, Your Relationship to the Person of Record |
College ID, Out-of-State Driver's License, Permanent Residents Card, State Driver's License, State ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Military ID, US Passport, Visa, Work ID |
Bank Card with Photo, Court Documents with Current Address, Criminal Record, Expired Driver's License, Filed US Tax Return Form, Foreign ID Card, Foreign Passport, Foreign Voter Registration, Hospital Bill, Insurance Record, International Driver's License, Matricula Consular Card, Medicaid Card, Medical Card, Medicare Card, Non-government ID, Rent Receipt, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Name, Date of Marriage, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Father's Name at Birth, Groom Name, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Place of Marriage, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Birthdate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
College ID, Out-of-State Driver's License, Permanent Residents Card, State Driver's License, State ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Military ID, US Passport, Visa, Work ID |
Bank Card with Photo, Court Documents with Current Address, Criminal Record, Expired Driver's License, Filed US Tax Return Form, Foreign ID Card, Foreign Passport, Foreign Voter Registration, Hospital Bill, Insurance Record, International Driver's License, Matricula Consular Card, Medicaid Card, Medical Card, Medicare Card, Non-government ID, Rent Receipt, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration |
Who can request vital records in Iowa?
The person on record can apply for a certified copy of their vital records. They must show proof of identity during the application when required to obtain a notarized sworn statement.
To obtain a vital record on someone else’s behalf, review the eligibility criteria for each birth, death, and marriage certificate to ensure you are authorized. Only third parties authorized by the IDPH – Bureau of Health Statistics, like family members or legal representatives, can legally request certified copies of vital records.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Children, Grandparents, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Parents, Person on Record, Siblings, Spouse |
| Death Certificate | Children, Grandparents, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Parents, Siblings, Spouse |
| Marriage Certificate | Children, Grandparents, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Parents, Person on Record, Siblings, Spouse |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The Iowa Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Health Statistics may ask you to verify your identity by notarizing your application. This will depend on the ordering method and other conditions. An online notary comes included with your application package when you order through Vital Records Online. For more information regarding which unique circumstances may require a notary with your application, you can search the complete list of vital records offices in Iowa or visit the IDPH – Bureau of Health Statistics website at https://hhs.iowa.gov/health-statistics/vital-records. If you opt to use a local public notary, you must bring your ID to obtain this document.
❗️ A notarized sworn statement is required when ordering an authorized copy of an Iowa birth, death, or marriage certificate by mail or online.
✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service as an additional step in your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when creating this document at a local public notary.
The total costs for vital record replacements depend on the IDPH – Bureau of Health Statistics’ fees for each type of certificate, the method of application submission, and whether or not a notary is required.
When you request birth, marriage, divorce, or death documents via Vital Records Online, the application assistant starts at $29. The IDH’s Bureau of Health Statistics charges $15.00 for each certified copy of a birth, marriage, or death certificate.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $15.00 | $15.00 |
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested in the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Iowa?
Processing times for birth, death, or marriage certificates differ. Utilizing the online notarization provided by VRO during checkout will reduce additional time when obtaining notarization from a local notary.
| Certificate | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Death Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Marriage Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Divorce Certificate | N/A |
❗️ Allow 2-3 additional days for your application process if you choose to use a local notary.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
When applying through Vital Records Online, you can monitor your application’s progress by viewing your order status. The first-class mail postage included with your online order allows you to track your application packet’s delivery to the Iowa Department of Public Health.
If mailing your application to the vital records health department manually, ensure you use first-class mail tracking to know when it arrives successfully. The IDPH – Bureau of Health Statistics mails all vital records through USPS first-class mail for secure delivery, but they are not liable for any misdirected or lost certificates. In the event your vital record is lost in transit, report it immediately to the local authorities. Incorrectly addressed applications can lead to delays, extra shipping fees, or exposure of your personal data.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Iowa counties office locations directory.
An apostille is required when submitting a copy of a vital record to a foreign government. Apostilles are available for birth, death, and marriage certificates initially filed with the IDPH – Bureau of Health Statistics Secretary of State.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
To obtain an apostille for a vital record issued by the IDPH’s Bureau of Health Statistics, you can submit a request through Vital Records Online or directly through the Secretary of State.
Vital Records Online offers apostille services for Iowa birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. The service starts at $149 (plus government fees) with professional support and can be completed entirely online in three simple steps. Vital Records Online is recognized by governments and organizations and is legally valid in over 100 countries.
We often do not require a physical copy of your documents, allowing you to complete the entire process online. Once your apostille document is ready, it will be sent to your front door via FedEx or DHL. Whether you reside in the United States or abroad, we utilize reputable shipping companies to ensure the secure delivery of your documents worldwide.
You will need to submit the following documents:
You must submit or send your request for vital record apostilles to the following address:
Secretary of State,
Business Services Division,
Lucas Building, 1st Floor,
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
You can reach the office at (515) 281- 5204 or online at https://sos.iowa.gov/.
The IDPH – Bureau of Health Statistics has provided a list of common scenarios to assist with obtaining an amendment to an individual’s vital record certificate.
If you need to correct or amend a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or a family member’s death certificate as authorized by law, there is a straightforward procedure provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Health Statistics (IDPH – Bureau of Health Statistics). The forms required vary based on the specific changes needed. When a vital record is modified, it necessitates an amendment. Any additional changes are attached as addendums to the original record, while the original document remains unaltered.
The requirements for correcting or amending a vital record differ based on which certificate needs to be changed.
Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Iowa Vital records become publicly accessible after 75 years. It’s not always easy to find public records, but many of Iowa’s vital records are freely and readily available to the public. You can browse Iowa’s archive of birth, marriage, and divorce certificates for the information you seek, but be aware that it will likely require significant time to review these records.
Are Iowa Vital Records Open to the Public?
In Iowa, most state records are publicly accessible. However, the access depends on the specific type of record you need and the year in which the birth, death, or marriage occurred.
Some third-party websites can be useful for researching specific vital records. Unrestricted by geographical boundaries, they can serve as excellent points of reference in your research. However, the information they provide can vary from official government records. To access a record on a third-party website, the requester must specify the following:
Iowa residents have the right under the Iowa Code Chapter 22 Examination of Public Records to inspect or obtain copies of public vital records.
To verify if your Iowa vital record is official, you can check for certain features on the document. Official certified copies of vital records typically do not have any markings or disclaimers indicating that they are informational copies. They should include the official seal or stamp of the issuing agency, as well as the signature of the registrar or other authorized personnel. It is important to ensure that the document includes all the required information and appears to be authentic. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of your vital record, you can contact the Iowa State Vital Records Office for further verification.
Authorized copies typically include the official seal or stamp of the issuing agency, as well as the signature of the registrar or other authorized personnel. On the other hand, informational copies are not intended for official identification purposes. They may have a stamp or large print across the face of the document stating that they are not valid for establishing identity. Informational copies are not issued with the official seal or stamp of the issuing agency, and they do not have the signature of the registrar or other authorized personnel.
Please note that these visual differences may vary depending on the specific municipality or agency that issued the vital record. If you have any doubts about the document’s authenticity, it is always essential to verify it with the Iowa State Vital Records Office.
Authorized Copy:
In Iowa, authorized copies of vital records are certified legal documents that can be used for official identification. These copies are issued to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the document.
Authorized copies are essential for establishing identity when applying for a driver’s license, passport, or other official identification documents. These copies can also be used as evidence in legal proceedings, such as inheritance claims, property disputes, or insurance purposes. For those conducting genealogy research or tracing their family history, authorized copies provide valuable information about ancestors and their vital events.
Additionally, when applying for Social Security benefits or making changes to an account, authorized copies of vital records are often required as proof of identity and eligibility. Lastly, for individuals going through the immigration process, authorized copies of vital records may be necessary for visa applications, adjustments of status, or other immigration-related requirements.
It is important to note that the specific purposes for which authorized copies may be required can vary depending on the situation and the requesting organization. Always check with the relevant authorities or agencies to determine the specific requirements for your intended use. To request an authorized copy, you would need to complete a Sworn Statement and provide a notarized acknowledgment of your legal rights to the copy.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of Iowa vital records, also known as “commemorative certificates,” have limited purposes and cannot be used for official identification or legal proceedings. They are typically obtained for informational or research purposes. While they do not serve as legal documents, they can still be helpful in certain situations.
They are valuable for genealogy research, providing insights into family history and ancestors’ vital events. Individuals may obtain informational copies for personal records or keepsakes. These copies can also be used for educational purposes, such as school projects or presentations.
Additionally, researchers and historians utilize informational copies to study demographic patterns, population trends, and historical events.
Informational copies of vital records in Iowa do not require a sworn statement. These copies are not intended for establishing identity and cannot be used for official identification purposes. They are typically obtained for informational or research purposes. If you require a certified copy of a vital record for identification, legal proceedings, or other official purposes, you should obtain an authorized copy instead.
Check the resources section below for additional birth, death, and marriage certificate references.
Visit the official Iowa government website at https://hhs.iowa.gov/health-statistics/vital-records
