American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkflow.com To Request a Search for an Iowa Birth, Death or Marriage Record for the Purpose of Obtaining a Certified Copy In Iowa, official registration of births, deaths, and marriages began July 1, 1880. Original Records that were registered are on file with the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Records. Statewide record searches are available from the state registrar. Local vital records registrars are located in county recorders’ offices, where records of births and deaths that have occurred in that county are maintained. Marriage records are maintained in the county where the license to marry was obtained. County registrars are not authorized by law to have records of single-parent births prior to July 1, 1995; adoption; delayed registrations; legal changes of name; fetal deaths (stillborns); any record ordered sealed by a court of law; or birth, death, and marriages between the years 1921 to 1941. Per Iowa law, information about a specific record is not available over the telephone or by prepared lists. Iowa law provides for public viewing in the county where the record is maintained, or certified copies issued to entitled persons. Applications to search for a vital record event for the purpose of obtaining a certified copy must be in writing, completely identify the record, establish entitlement to the record being requested, and be accompanied by a current government-issued photo identification. Entitled persons include the person named on the record or that person’s spouse, children, legal parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, or legal representative or guardian. Legal guardians and representatives must also provide additional proof of guardianship or representation. Applicants must be 18 or older. A $15.00 fee is required to search for a record and includes one certified copy. Each additional copy of the same record is also $15.00. If the record is not located, the applicant receives a notification to that affect. The $15.00 search fee is not refundable. Fees are payable in U.S. funds by check or money order to the issuing registrar’s office. 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. The application must be signed in front of a notary public and include a clear photocopy of the applicant’s current government-issued photo identification must accompany the request. Julie Haggerty Vital Records Division 111 Court Avenue Ste 245 Des Moines IA 50309-2251 www.polkrecorder.com American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkflow.com