Order official Iowa Birth Certificates and Vital Records online

How do I get an Iowa birth certificate?

To obtain a birth certificate or other vital records in the state of Iowa, you need to follow these steps:

• Determine your eligibility:

Iowa birth certificates are only available to immediate family members (mother, father, husband, wife, child, brother, sister, grandparents) or to the person named on the certificate. Additionally, death certificates are only available to immediate family members or a legal representative of the estate.

• Gather necessary information:

To order a birth certificate, you will need to know the full name of the person at birth, their date and place of birth, and the full names of their parents. For death certificates, you will need to know the full name of the deceased, their date and place of death, and their social security number if possible.

• Choose a method of ordering:

There are three ways to order vital records in Iowa: online, by mail, or in person. If you choose to order online, you can use the VitalChek network or the Iowa Department of Public Health's online ordering system.

If you prefer to order by mail, you will need to fill out a Vital Record Request Form and mail it along with payment and necessary identification documents. Alternatively, you can visit the Iowa Department of Public Health in person to order a record.

• Pay the required fee:

The cost for a certified copy of a birth certificate or death certificate in Iowa is $20 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Additional fees may apply if you are ordering online or using expedited services.

• Provide necessary identification:

When ordering online, you will need to provide a copy of a valid government-issued ID and proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate. If you are ordering by mail, you will need to provide a photocopy of your government-issued ID and proof of relationship along with the Vital Record Request Form.

• Wait for processing:

Processing times for vital records in Iowa vary depending on the method of ordering and the volume of requests being received. Online orders are generally processed within 2-3 business days, while mail and in-person orders may take up to two weeks.

• Receive your record:

Once your order has been processed, your birth certificate or other vital record will be mailed to you at the address you provided during the ordering process.

It's important to note that some vital records may be restricted from public access and require additional documentation or court orders to obtain.