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Iowa Birth Certificates

Learn how to order Iowa birth certificates from Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Health Statistics (Iowa HHS). Review the required documents before placing an order. The current processing time is 4 to 6 weeks. The state fee is $15.00 per certified copy. Authorized individuals who can order include the person on record, specific family members, and legal representatives.

How to Order State of Iowa Birth Certificates

You can now order Iowa birth certificates through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificates. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Health Statistics (Iowa HHS) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your birth certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the Iowa HHS by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Be sure to confirm and review the costs, eligibility, requirements, and current processing time.


Person ordering a birth certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting an Iowa certificate through VRO’s services is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.
  3. Provide a wet signature when your application packet arrives.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order State of Iowa Birth Certificates?

Applicants must provide proof of identity to the Iowa HHS when requesting certified copies of birth records and commemorative certificates. Review the table below to confirm what information and documents are required to order a birth certificate in Iowa.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Driver’s License
State Photo ID
Work Photo ID
School Photo ID (current school year)
Military ID
Passport/Visa
Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

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

How to Get an Iowa Birth Certificate Without ID

If you lack a valid primary ID, two or three secondary forms of identification listed in the table above may be accepted. For possible secondary identification combinations, refer to the Bureau of Health Statistics' ID guidelines.

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in Iowa?


The costs and fees associated with replacing a birth certificate in Iowa vary based on the method of application submission (in person, by mail, or online). The IDPH – Bureau of Health Statistics charges a $15.00 fee for each certified copy. Each commemorative birth certificate costs $35.00. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.


State Fee

$15.00


Commemorative fee

$35.00


Additional Copy

1 x $15.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in Iowa?

The current processing and replacement times for Iowa birth certificates are 4 to 6 weeks, but may vary. Commemorative birth certificates are delivered in protective envelopes approximately 60 business days after application. Refer to the chart below for the current delivery and processing timelines.

To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors. VRO includes an online notarization option with our verified third-party notary, which can reduce the total wait time to receive your copy.

Processing Time

4 to 6 weeks

Rush Processing Time

Not offered



Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order an Iowa Birth Certificate??

The person on record can apply for a certified copy of their birth records. They must show proof of identity with their application, and it must be notarized when applying by mail.

To obtain a birth certificate on someone else’s behalf, review the eligibility criteria to ensure you are authorized. Only third parties authorized by Iowa HHS – Bureau of Health Statistics, like family members or legal representatives, can legally request certified copies of birth records.



Authorized People


  • Children
  • Grandchildren
  • Grandparents
  • Legal Guardian
  • Legal Representative
  • Parents
  • Person on Record
  • Siblings
  • Spouse

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

Yes, when ordering your Iowa birth certificate or commemorative certificate by mail, you must sign your application before a notary. If you order your certificate through VRO’s online filing services, an online notary is available during checkout as part of your application packet. For more information regarding unique circumstances requiring a notary to be included in your application, visit the Iowa HHS website.



Tracking

How to Check the Status of Your Birth Certificate Replacement

When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Iowa HHS – Bureau of Health Statistics for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's progress to the health department.

If you manually mail your birth certificate request, purchasing first-class mail with tracking is recommended to know when your application is delivered to the Iowa HHS. Check the state website for specific mailing instructions.

The Iowa HHS does not provide tracking for certificate delivery. To monitor the status of your vital records, it's advisable to choose express delivery during the application process. This option includes tracking for secure and prompt delivery. Once your certificate is mailed from the Iowa HHS, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How to Obtain an Iowa Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

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    Individuals born on an overseas military base are not considered to have been born in Iowa; therefore, there is no birth certificate on record with the state of Iowa. If you were born on a U.S. military base overseas and your parents were U.S. citizens, your birth should be recorded with the U.S. Department of State. You must contact the U.S. Department of State to request a copy of your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA or form FS-240).

    Note that this is not a birth certificate; it is evidence of U.S. citizenship for individuals born abroad to U.S. citizen parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This document is equivalent to having a U.S. birth certificate. This document is recognized in the U.S. as proof of birth and citizenship and can be used to obtain a passport and apply for social services. If you need additional copies of this document, you can contact the hospital where the birth occurred to request a copy of the birth certificate or order them from the Department of State. Learn more about CRBA for more information.

  • Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Iowa Birth Certificate?

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    A birth certificate is an essential record that provides vital information about an individual's birth. It is universally recognized and accepted by both government and commercial entities. This document verifies a person's legal name, place of birth, parent’s name, and date of birth. It is critical evidence for significant life events such as legal proceedings, family matters, school enrollment, employment, and travel.

    Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

    Applying for a driver's license

    Applying for a new passport

    Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

    Applying for Social Security benefits

    Claiming pension or insurance benefits

    Genealogy research

    Claiming family inheritance

    Applying for a new job

    Enrolling in school

    Enlisting in military

    Obtaining a marriage license


  • What Does an Iowa Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    An official (certified) birth certificate will have distinct features indicating the IDPH issues. The appearance of an official birth certificate may differ depending on the year it was issued. It will often include key information to verify a person’s identity and the legitimacy of their citizenship at birth. A long-form official birth certificate is used for legal purposes, whereas a short-form informational copy is usually not. The IDPH defines specific guidelines for counties that may use unique colors and layouts. In all cases, official birth certificates will generally display features such as:

    Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

    Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

    Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

    Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

    State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

    Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

    Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

    Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

    In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

    Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

    Name of the Physician who attended the labor.


    Certificate of Live Birth State of Iowa
  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Iowa Birth Certificate

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    If you lose your birth certificate:

    1.Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the IDPH.

    a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the IDPH office during hours of availability.

    b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the IDPH at:

    Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Health Statistics

    Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor 321 E. 12th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075

    c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).

    2. The IDPH will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

  • How to Correct or Amend an Iowa Birth Certificate

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    The Iowa Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Health Statistics provides a straightforward process for correcting or amending an Iowa birth certificate. The forms required vary based on the specific changes needed. When a birth record is modified, it requires an amendment. Any additional changes are attached as addendums to the original record, while the original document remains unaltered.

    Typically, requests to correct or amend birth records will require the following:

    1. A completed amendment application: The Amendment to Iowa Certificate of Birth, which requires a signature from a Notary Public.
    2. Supporting documentation: Some accepted documents include:
      Certified copy of military entry or discharge papers.
      Hospital or physician medical record.
      Life insurance policy or pension plan.
      Original statement by employer.
      School Record or Enrollment Record (no diplomas)
    3. Appropriate fee(s): A $15.00 processing fee. An additional fee is required for a certified copy of the amended birth certificate.

    To amend birth records for children under one year old, contact the state's vital records office and inquire about the birth registration program.

  • How to Obtain an Apostille for an Iowa Birth Certificate

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    To obtain an apostille for an Iowa birth certificate, you can submit a request through VRO or directly through the Secretary of State. An apostille is required when submitting a copy of a vital record to a foreign government.


    If you prefer to send your application manually, you will need to submit the following documents:

    1. Your official, certified copy of your birth record.
    2. The Iowa Secretary of State’s Apostille Request Form.
    3. A payment of $5 per document, which can be made either by check or by providing credit card information in the request form.
    4. A prepaid shipping label (optional; only if you prefer using and expedited service).
    5. Submit or mail your request for vital record apostilles to the following address: