Iowa Birth Records

Are Birth Records Public in Iowa

No, birth records are not public in Iowa until after 75 years of birth. Notwithstanding, Iowa state laws allow anyone to obtain birth records older than 75 years from the However, state laws allow anyone from the Iowa Bureau of vital statistics for genealogical research purposes, only. In fact, all vital records maintained by the Iowa Vital Registration Office are confidential for a specified period.

During the confidentiality period, only a few authorized individuals are permitted to obtain copies of Iowa birth certificates. These include spouses, parents, children, grandchildren, grandparents, siblings, and legal representatives. However, birth records will become Iowa public birth records when the 75 years of confidentiality elapse.

Iowa Vital Registration Office gathers data from vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce records) to create vital statistics to identify and quantify health-related issues in the state. The vital statistics report states that official registration of births, deaths, and marriages began on July 1, 1880.

All original and registered birth records registered are on the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. Record seekers can contact the circuit clerk in the county where the person resides to get information about how to gain access to the birth records and even divorce records of the individual in question when needed.

What are Birth Records in Iowa?

An Iowa birth record is the official documentation of the birth of an individual stating vital birth-related information and verifying that the individual's birth occurred in Iowa. Birth records may be maintained for legal and administrative use, such as for use in formulating health policies and efficient resource allocation. A birth record provides the foundation for the recognition of the child as a citizen of Iowa and the United States.

Established in 1880, the Iowa State Board of Health in its first meeting created an Iowa Vital Records system to maintain birth records and other vital records. Due to the poor definition of responsibilities and roles within the system, general birth record-keeping was poor at the beginning. Today, the system is more robust with birth information being recorded from births occurring at hospitals, at home, and even births carried out with the help of midwives.

A birth record is required to obtain a social security number, gain employment, enroll in school, or apply for insurance or government benefits. It is an important document without which an individual does not exist in the eyes of the law.

An Iowa birth record contains:

• Date of birth
• Time of birth
• Place of birth
• Child's full name
• Mother's name
• Father's name
• Child's gender
• Type of birth
• Mother's marital status
• Birth registration number

Where to Find Public Birth Records in Iowa

All birth records in Iowa are registered at the Iowa birth registry. Access to birth records is granted only to eligible record seekers like the original record holder, spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, grandparents, siblings, and legal representatives. Also, these public birth records can be found online, received by mail, or in person State Vital Registration Office. Without a prior appointment, requesters can walk into the office during business hours to request birth records since the office offers walk-in services. Alternatively, record seekers can find Iowa public birth records Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Archives. This official government organization also provides online access to marriage and death records. Important to note that divorce records are not available through the online tool provided by the Iowa Department of Cultural Archives

How to Find and Request Birth Records Online in Iowa?

Iowa birth records do not fall under the scope of the Iowa Open Records Law. Hence, the state makes no provisions for the public to look up Iowa birth records online. However, for convenience, the state has partnered with an independent company to allow requesters to obtain birth records by placing orders online. This partnership represents Iowa's only authorized online route to obtaining birth records. The third-party company charges an additional fee for processing each order.

Considered open to citizens of the United States, public records are available through both traditional, government sources, and through third-party websites and organizations. In many cases, third-party websites make the search easier as they are not limited geographically or by technological limitations. They are considered a good place to start when looking for a specific record or multiple records. In order to gain access to these records, interested parties must typically provide:

• The name of the person listed in the record. Juveniles are typically exempt from this search method.
• The last known or assumed location of the person listed in the record. This includes cities, counties, and states.

While third-party sites offer such services, they are not government-sponsored entities, and record availability may vary on these sites when compared to government sources.

How to Get Birth Records in Iowa?

Birth registrations did not officially begin in Iowa until July 1, 1880. Iowa birth records are closed to public inspection at the State Vital Records Office. However, under Section 22 of the Iowa Code, birth records may be inspected as of right when in the custody of the county registrar. County recorders are authorized to issue certified copies of all birth records that were filed from 1988 to the present. For births that occurred before 1988, certified copies of birth records may be ordered from the county in which the birth occurred.

An Iowa birth record can be obtained in person or by mail from the State Vital Records Office or the county registrars. Regardless of the official entity providing access to a birth record, each request must include the appropriate fee and acceptable identification.

Before the State Vital Records Office notarizes a signature on a birth record application, a requester must present an unexpired identification issued by a U.S. government office. Commonly accepted forms of identification are:

• Driver’s license
• State photo ID
• Work photo ID
• School photo ID (current school year only)
• Military ID
• Passport or Visa
• Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
• Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766)

If a requester cannot present any of the above-named forms of identification, the State Vital Records Office will accept two to three forms of documents listed below for identification purposes. The names and current addresses listed on the documents must match. The documents are:

• Expired driver’s license, plus one other document in the same name
• Non-US passport, plus one other document in the same name
• Matricula Consular card, plus one other document in the same name
• International driver’s license, plus one other document in the same name
• Foreign-issued voter’s registration or identity card, plus two other documents in the same name
• Non-government-issued identity card, plus two other documents in the same name
• Income tax return
• Rent or mortgage receipts
• Car title or registration
• Court documents
• Criminal record
• Insurance policy
• Banking documents – credit or debit card with photo
• Utility bill – current and same mailing address
• Medicare or Medicaid card
• Medical card
• Hospital bill

Note that when submitting notarized documents, a photocopy of the requester's identity documentation is required. Only include the reverse side of the ID if the requestEr's signature is on the reverse side and not the front.

Requesters interested in obtaining a commemorative birth certificate can get such through the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). A commemorative certificate is a parchment certificate featuring a gold foil border, an image of the state capital of Iowa, and a calligraphy print of the information contained on a birth record. The certificate is signed by the Governor of Iowa and the State Registrar and is ideal for framing. Note that a requester must fulfill the same eligibility conditions set for obtaining a certified birth record.

To obtain a commemorative birth certificate:

• Complete an Application for a Commemorative Certificate Form
• Notarize the application
• Submit a clear photocopy of the requester's current, government-issued photo identification
• Pay appropriate fee
• Submit the complete application to:

Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075

How to Get Iowa Birth Records in Person?

To obtain an Iowa birth record in person, visit the State Vital Records Office at:

Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075

Walk-in requests are accepted at the Office between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for state-observed holidays. The State Vital Records Office requires that all written applications must be satisfactorily completed and signed in front of Vital Records staff. Walk-in requests are also accepted at the county recorder offices in Iowa. Note that requesters will be required to present acceptable identification and pay the correct fees.

How to Get Iowa Birth Records by Mail?

To obtain an Iowa birth record by mail:

• Complete an Application for a Certified Copy of an Iowa Vital Record
• Notarize the application
• Enclose a clear photocopy of the applicant's current government-issued photo identification in the application
• Include the appropriate fee
• Send the completed application, acceptable ID, and correct fee to:

Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075

Where Can I Find Birth Records in Iowa?

The Iowa Department of Public Health through its Vital Record Office maintains and issues certified copies of birth certificates statewide in Iowa. The Office has birth registered on or after July 1, 1880, on file. At the county level, records for births that occurred in each county can be inspected and obtained from the county recorder in the county office. County registrars do not have the following records in their physical custody:

Single-parent births that occurred before July 1, 1995

• Adoptions
• Birth records after a legal name change through Iowa Code Chapter 674
• Delayed records filed one year or more after the birth occurred
• Any record sealed by a court order
• Birth records between 1921 and 1941

Can Anyone Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Iowa?

Iowa requires that anyone requesting a birth record in the state must be able to demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record. Entitled persons include:

• The person named on the record
• The spouse of the person named on the record
• The children or grandchildren of the person named on the record
• The legal parents, grandparents, grandchildren, or siblings of the person named on the record
• The legal representative or guardian of the person named on the record

Additional proof of entitlement is required of legal guardians and legal representatives before birth records can be obtained. For genealogical purposes, anyone may be allowed to obtain or view birth records older than 75 years without having to prove a direct relationship to the person named on the record.

How Much Does a Birth Certificate Cost in Iowa?

Each copy of an Iowa birth certificate costs $15. Although a requester will receive a notification of the record search if a requested record cannot be located, the $15 fee will not be refunded. Each additional copy of the same record costs $15. Orders placed by mail can be paid by check or money order made payable to the Iowa Department of Public Health.

The third-party vendor authorized by the IDPH to accept online orders charges an additional fee for using their services. Fees start at $9 per order. UPS overnight shipping for online orders costs about $33, while UPS 2-day shipping costs $30.50. The vendor accepts all major credit cards including American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.

An Iowa commemorative birth certificate costs $35.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Birth Certificate in Iowa?

Walk-in orders placed at the State Vital Records Office before 2:00 p.m. are processed within 2 hours. Requests placed after 2:00 p.m. are usually ready for pick up the next business day. Mail orders take about 4-6 weeks to complete.

Online orders placed are rerun in 5-10 business days when regular UPS shipping service is selected. For UPS Overnight orders, online orders are returned in 2-5 business days. Regular mail returns for online orders take 2-3 weeks to complete

Genealogy requests require at least 60 days for processing and are mailed to applicants by standard postal delivery only.

How to Get a New Birth Certificate in Iowa

Iowa Vital Registration Office issues new birth certificates in the event of adoption, legitimization, court determination of paternity, and paternity acknowledgment per Iowa Code §144,13. This is a simple walk-through for demanding new birth certificates in Iowa.

• The Vital Registration Office issues a new birth certificate once the adoption process is completed. This is because the original birth certificate is usually sealed after adoption.
• Iowa Vital Registration Office can add or remove the father from a birth certificate if the mother remains unmarried for at least ten months prior to birth if the birth mother is currently or previously married to someone who is not the biological father and If the mother is currently married or was married during the time the child was ten months. In light of all these, the birth mother would have to file a notarized Declaration of Paternity Affidavit carrying the signature of both the mother and the father and one of either documentation. This includes divorce decree, DNA testing, and affidavit of nonpaternity which must be notarised and signed by both parties before the father is added father to the birth certificate.
• The Vital Registration office will issue a new birth certificate if a court order instructs them to list a particular person as the child's father.
• A new birth certificate is issued in the case of legitimization. Legitimization simply refers to a process where the mother and biological father of the child gets married after the child’s birth. Legitimization is done once the couple submits a certified copy of the Iowa marriage certificate or a notarized paternity affidavit signed by both parents or a notarized letter stating that the husband is the child’s father. These documents must be submitted to the Vital Registration Office

Can You Find Iowa Birth Certificates Online?

Yes. Requesting a birth certificate in Iowa with Vital Records is an easy process. Making an online order costs $15, depending if it is a rush or non-rush order. Alternatively, record seekers can find uncertified copies of Iowa birth certificates via the online tool that the Iowa Department of Cultural archives provides for online seekers.

How to Expunge Your Birth Records in Iowa?

An expungement refers to the permanent removal of a record. It usually applies to criminal records. Iowa does not allow expunging birth records.

How to Seal Your Birth Records in Iowa?

A birth parent cannot decide to seal a birth record without an acceptable reason. Sealing a birth record is permitted in Iowa when adopting parents have adopted a child and after all adoption proceedings. Thus, the adoptive parents do not need to submit a petition for adoption records. At the finalization of adoption proceedings, the original birth certificate and other adoption-related information are automatically sealed in a docket file. The county registrar of vital records in the county of birth will be ordered to seal the original birth record filed in their office, making the record unavailable for issuance or public viewing at the local level.

The contents of the docket cannot be referred to except by the state registrar for administrative purposes or as ordered by the judicial court in the county of adoption. A new birth certificate is issued stating the adopting parents as the legal parents of the adoptee. The biological parents are no longer viewed as legal family members and no longer have entitlement to the adoptee's birth certificate.

How to Unseal Your Birth Records in Iowa?

Sealed Iowa adoption records can only be unsealed by a court order. Iowa does not allow adult adoptees to obtain their original birth certificates unless by a court order. The court may release the names of birth parents or the original birth certificate only if an adoptee petitions the court and shows “good cause” for the release of information. However, a birth parent may file an affidavit with the court to reveal or not reveal the parent's identity.

Pursuant to Chapter 600 of the Iowa Code, "good cause" to reveal the identity of a birth parent is not required for an adoption finalized before July 4, 1941. However, any affidavit filed by a birth parent will still be considered by the court in determining whether the court will release the original birth certificate or other identifying information. "Good cause" may be related to inheritance rights, medical necessities, or other requirements of state or federal law.

Important to note: an adult adoptee can file for access to and copies of original birth certificates and adoption records at the Vital Registration Office.

Who Signs Birth and Death Certificates in Iowa?

All vital certificates in Iowa must be signed by relevant authorities in the state. Failure to register, sign and certify the Iowa marriage, death, divorce, and birth certificates may lead to severe penalties.

Pursuant to Iowa Code 144.13, live birth anywhere in Iowa requires that a certificate of birth be filed within seven days as directed by the state registrar. The birth certificates of children born in an institution are usually signed by the authorized designee. However, birth certificates of children born outside designated institutions are normally signed by any of these individuals:

• The physician in attendance at or available immediately after the child is born
• Any other person in attendance at or available immediately after the child is born
• Any of the parents of the child
• The person in charge of the place where the child was born if any of the parents are unable to sign the document
• Any other person qualified by the Iowa Department of Health & Human Resources

Per WV Code §16-5-19, a death certificate in Iowa is signed by the physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse in charge of the patient’s care prior to death. If these persons are absent, the death certificate will be signed by the following persons:

• Associate physician
• Any physician who was responsible for any medical coverage of the deceased
• The chief medical officer of the facility in which the death occurred
• The physician who conducted an autopsy on the deceased

When a death certificate is created in Iowa, it becomes registered in the State Vital Registration Office. Subsequently, a record seeker can obtain copies of the death certificate online, by mail, or in person at the Office. Record seekers enjoy expedited service when they order death certificates in person while getting a death certificate online might take about two to ten days. Note that walk-in services are also available.

What is an Iowa Birth Index?

Iowa birth index is a database containing records of all registered births before 1917. Record seekers would have to provide the first or last name of the birth registrant to conduct a search using the Iowa birth index. In addition, the county and year of birth should be provided for an advanced search. The search results will reveal all records that match the name, year, or county searched. Birth records available on the Iowa birth index are open to the public for free.