Iowa vital records
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics is the vital records office for Iowa.1 It issues certified birth certificates, death certificates and marriage certificates1. It does not issue divorce records; this page shows who does.2 Local offices also issue certified copies.3
On this page
Current notices from the office
Records and where to get them
| Record | Who issues it | Years held | First copy | Shortest published time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics1 | July 1, 1880 to today3 | $204 | In person: Same day3 |
| Death certificate | Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics1 | July 1, 1880 to today3 | $204 | In person: Same day3 |
| Marriage certificate | Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics1 | July 1, 1880 to today3 | $204 | In person: Same day3 |
| Divorce records | Clerk of the district court in the county where the case was filed2 | – | $505 a document to certify, plus the copy charge | – |
Birth certificate
- Who holds it
- County recorders are local registrars1
- Older records
- State Historical Society of Iowa holds county and state historical records2
- Ways to order
- Online through VitalChek (option 1), online through VitalChek (option 2), by mail, in person, at a local office, by phone
How to get an Iowa birth certificate
Death certificate
- Who holds it
- County recorders are local registrars1
- Older records
- State Historical Society of Iowa holds county and state historical records2
- Ways to order
- Online through VitalChek (option 1), online through VitalChek (option 2), by mail, in person, at a local office, by phone
How to get an Iowa death certificate
Marriage certificate
- Who holds it
- County recorders are local registrars1
- Older records
- State Historical Society of Iowa holds county and state historical records2
- Ways to order
- Online through VitalChek (option 1), online through VitalChek (option 2), by mail, in person, at a local office, by phone
How to get an Iowa marriage certificate
Divorce records
- Who holds it
- Iowa HHS keeps statistical dissolution reports, not decrees2
- Older records
- State Archives: State Divorce Records2
- Ways to order
- Online, at a local office
How to get Iowa divorce records
Local offices
- Local offices issue certified copies
- Yes3
- Which offices
- County recorder (county registrar)6
- Directory
- Official list of local offices7
Access rules and the law
- Who may get certified copies
- Closed at state level; county-custody records open to inspection; certified copies only to entitled persons1
Laws and rules the office cites
- Iowa Code chapter 1446
- Iowa Admin. Code 641-Chapter 954
- Iowa Admin. Code 641-Chapter 998
- Iowa Admin. Code 641-Chapter 989
- Iowa Code section 331.60510
The state office
- Office
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics1
- Phone
- 515-281-49441
- Mailing address
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics, Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-00753
- Walk-in address
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics, Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-00753
- Hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state-observed holidays3
- Website
- Official website1
Questions people ask
How much do birth and death certificates cost in Iowa?
A certified birth certificate costs $20 for the first copy and a death certificate $20.4
What is the phone number of the Iowa vital records office?
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics: 515-281-4944.1
Where do I get a marriage certificate in Iowa?
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics. County recorders are local registrars.1
Where do I get divorce records in Iowa?
Clerk of the district court in the county where the case was filed. Iowa HHS keeps statistical dissolution reports, not decrees.2
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these official sources, checked on November 5, 2026. Tap a source number next to a fact to read the exact words.
- Vital Recordshhs.iowa.gov/family-community/vital-recordsIowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics
- Vital Recordshistory.iowa.gov/vital-recordsState Historical Society of Iowa
- How to Request a Certified RecordIowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics
- Iowa Admin. Code 641 Ch. 95 Vital Records: General Administration (IAC 6/10/26)Iowa Legislaturedated July 1, 2026
- Civil Court FeesIowa Judicial Branch
- Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 144 Vital StatisticsIowa Legislaturedated December 9, 2025
- Form 470-5451 Application to Order an Iowa Vital Record (07/26)Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statisticsdated July 1, 2026
- Iowa Admin. Code 641 Ch. 99 Vital Records Modifications (IAC 6/10/26)Iowa Legislaturedated July 1, 2026
- Iowa Admin. Code 641 Ch. 98 Marriage Registration (IAC 3/18/26)Iowa Legislaturedated July 1, 2026
- Iowa Code 2026, Section 331.605Iowa Legislaturedated December 12, 2025