Get your certified Iowa Birth Certificate

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.

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.

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.

Other FAQs

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

  

  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?

  

  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?

  

  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.

  
  

  

• How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Iowa Birth Certificate

  

  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

  

  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

  

  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: