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Births, Deaths, Marriage - Vital Records
IOWA NEWBORN BIRTH CERTIFICATE WALLET CARDS ISSUED FROM 1993-2009 WILL BE EXCHANGED AT NO COST TO THE ENTITLED CUSTOMER.
How to Request a Certified Record and frequently asked questions.
You may also exchange the wallet card at the Des Moines County Recorder's Office.
1. Complete the Application for Certified Copy of Iowa Vital Record
2. Present ID to Vital Records Clerk
3. Surrender original newborn birth certificate wallet card for exchange
Vital Records
Vital records refer to Birth, Death, and Marriage records. Starting July 1, 1997, the Recorder also became the registrar of Vital Records. Births, Deaths, and Marriages that occur within Des Moines County are officially recorded in the Recorder's office.
Requesting a Certified Copy of a Vital Record
There are certain periods of time, or certain circumstances where these records are only available from the state. See the graph below to determine whether the record is held locally in Des Moines County, or whether you will need to request the record from the State of Iowa Department of Public Health.
Application to Search for an Iowa Vital Record form can be used for both State & Local requests for a certified copy of an Iowa Vital Record (Birth, Death or Marriage Certificate). Checks not acceptable at County level.
Vital Record |
Time Period |
Location |
---|---|---|
Birth, Death, Marriage |
1942-Current |
Des Moines County Recorder's Office |
Birth, Death, Marriage |
1921-1941 |
Iowa Department of Public Health |
Birth & Death |
1880-1920 |
Des Moines County Recorder's Office |
Marriage |
1835-1920 |
Des Moines County Recorder's Office |
Birth to an unwed mother |
Prior to 1/1/1990 |
Iowa Department of Public Health |
Birth to an unwed mother |
After 1/1/1990 |
Des Moines County Recorder's Office |
Birth - Adoptions |
Prior to 1/1/1990 |
Iowa Department of Public Health |
Birth - Adoptions |
After 1/1/1990 |
Des Moines County Recorder's Office |
Sealed by Court Order |
All |
Iowa Department of Public Health |
Payment Options
If requesting a certified copy locally from Des Moines County, they only accept cash, credit card or money order. If requesting from the State, and mailing in the request, they only accept checks or money orders through the mail.
Certified copies cost $15 each. Only cash, credit card or money orders accepted by the Des Moines County Recorder's Office.
Proof of Entitlement
Only individuals who can prove entitlement can request certified copies of Vital Records. Individuals with entitlement would include:
- The person named on the record (must be 18 or older)
- Children (must be 18 or older)
- Legal mother or father (named on the registrant's legal birth certificate)
- Current legal spouse, brother, or sister (must be 18 or older)
- Maternal or paternal grandparents (if father is named on the record)
- Step-parent if married to the biological parent
- Legal guardians or representatives (must provide proof of guardianship or representation)
- Step-parent, step-grandparent(s), or step-children - a current legal marital relationship must exist between the step-parent and biological parent