Recorders Home Page
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State Certified Copies |
Certified copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates may be obtained
from the state office of vital records by telephone, in-person, or through a
postal service. Fees are payable by check or money order made out to the Iowa
Department of Public Health. In-person requests may also be paid in cash.
Requests for the purpose of family history take at least 60 days, regardless
of the method of request.
Telephone:For general information or to order a certified copy by telephone using a credit card, call 515-281-4944. An additional $9.00 fee is charged for the expedited process of credit card usage. The state vital record operator lines are available from 7:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for state-observed holidays.
In-person:Walk-in service is available for in-person requests at the state vital records office between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for state-observed holidays. The office is located at the address listed below, just inside the main north entrance and to the left of the main lobby. The Lucas building is the first state office building east of the state Capitol building, on the south side of Grand Avenue. Written applications must be satisfactorily completed and signed. Applicants must also provide photo identification. Copies may either be picked up after two days or mailed to an entitled person.
Postal service:Written requests and fees may be mailed to the address below. Requests must state the relationship to the person named on the record and the purpose for the copy. Filled requests may take up to 30-45 days, depending on mail service. Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Vital Records Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor 321 E 12th Street Des Moines IA 50319-0075  |
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Commemorative Certificates |
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Commemorative birth and marriage certificates are available from the
Iowa Department of Public Health
as a memorable keepsake or gift. This parchment certificate features a gold foil
border, image of the state capitol of Iowa, and calligraphy print of the individuals’
personal information. Gold embossed State and Iowa Department of Public Health seals make it a valid certified copy and legal document. Each certificate is signed by both the Governor of Iowa and the State Registrar. The certificate is 8½ x 11 and suitable for framing. Applications are also available at the Johnson County Recorder's Office. Mail the fully completed application with a check or money order for the required fee to: Iowa Office of Vital Records 321 E. 12th Street Lucas State Office Bldg, First Floor Des Moines IA 50319-0075 Commemorative Marriage Application Form
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