How to Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Iowa

Co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD

Last Updated: February 18, 2023 References

Whether you lost your birth certificate or would simply prefer to have another, it is possible to retrieve an additional certified copy. You can request a copy of your own birth certificate, or one for certain other people, such as your grandparent or child. Iowa makes it possible to make these requests in several ways—in person, by mail, over the phone, or online.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Applying Online

1
Open a web browser to begin the process of applying online. The Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Vital Records works with an independent company called VitalChek to allow electronic requests for birth certificates.
- You can find a link to VitalChek’s service via the Iowa Department of Public Health’s website.^{[1]
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2
Follow the directions of the VitalCheck website. You will be prompted to select the state and document (birth certificate) that you want to order. The VitalChek service will allow you to complete the application and verify your identity online.

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3
Pay for the copy of the birth certificate. The $20 fee per birth certificate copy can be paid online by credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa).
- There is an additional fee ($5-$16) for the online service.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Applying in Person

1
Apply in person in Des Moines or at a county recorder’s office. You can request a copy of a birth certificate by going to the front lobby of the Lucas State Office Building (321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319), Monday-Friday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.^{[3]
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- You can also order copies of some birth certificates from some county recorder’s offices. These offices are not authorized to make copies of all birth certificates, such as certificates of births between 1921 and 1941, delayed registrations, etc. Check with your county recorder’s office to see if this option is available to you.
- If you are ordering a copy of a birth certificate from a county recorder’s office, make your check or money order payable to that office. In some cases, a county recorder’s office may require you to pay in cash or by money order.^{[4]
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2
Show photo identification. You must have government-issued photo identification, such as a drivers license or passport, in order to request a copy of a birth certificate.^{[5]
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3
Complete the application to request a birth certificate. Fill out the application form provided by the office, according to the directions on the form. You will need information such as:
- Name as it appears on the record
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Parents' names
- Reason for requesting a copy of the certificate
- Your relationship to the person named on the certificate (if you are requesting your own certificate, then this is "self")
- The address you want your copy sent to (if applicable)
4
Have your application officiated. You must sign your application for a copy of the birth certificate in the presence of a notary public or an Iowa Registrar of Vital Records.^{[6]
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Research source} If you are applying in-person, there should be a notary available at the office.
5
Pay for the copy of the birth certificate. There is a $20 dollar fee for the copy of the birth certificate. You can pay in cash, by check, or with a money order.
- The $20 fee includes the cost of retrieving the certificate, and making one certified copy. If you want multiple certified copies of the birth certificate, you must pay $20 more for each additional copy.
- Most of the time, certificates are ready to pick up after 2 p.m. the next business day (incomplete or inaccurate applications, or ones needing further verification, can take longer).
- Certificates can also be sent by standard mail. This may take 5 to 7 more days.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Applying by Phone

1
Place a request for a copy of a birth certificate over the phone. Call 1-866-809-0290 (toll-free) between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time), Monday-Friday (except holidays).^{[7]
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2
Provide verification of your identity. A representative will guide you through questions to verify your identity and to complete the application requesting a birth certificate. Be prepared to answer these questions by having the relevant information available, including:
- Name as it appears on the record
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Parents' names
- Reason for requesting a copy of the certificate
- Your relationship to the person named on the certificate (if you are requesting your own certificate, then this is "self")
- The address you want your copy sent to
3
Pay for the copy of the birth certificate. You will have to pay by credit card (American Express, Discovery, Mastercard, or Visa) the $20 fee for a certified copy of your birth certificate as well as a $13 fee to screen your call and verify your identity.
- The $20 fee includes the cost of retrieving the certificate, and making one certified copy. If you want multiple certified copies of the birth certificate, you must pay $20 more for each additional copy.
- It will take approximately two weeks to process your request.
- Certificates will be mailed 7-10 business days after processing.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Applying by Mail

1
Complete the application for requesting a copy of a birth certificate. Download and print an application form from The Iowa Department of Public Health’s website. Fill out the application according to the instructions. You will need information such as:
- Name as it appears on the record
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Parents' names
- Reason for requesting a copy of the certificate
- Your relationship to the person named on the certificate (if you are requesting your own certificate, then this is "self")
- The address you want your copy sent to
2
Have your application officiated. You must sign your application for a copy of the birth certificate in the presence of a notary public or an Iowa Registrar of Vital Records.^{[8]
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- You can search a database of Notaries via the Iowa Secretary of State’s webpage in order to find one near you.^{[9]
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3
Make a copy of your identification. If you are submitting the application by mail, include a copy of a government-issued photo identification, such as a drivers license or passport.
4
Include a check or money order for $20. Make this payable to “Iowa Dept. of Public Health.” A check must come from the applicant’s own account, and a money order must be in the applicant’s name.
- The $20 fee includes the cost of retrieving the certificate, and making one certified copy. If you want multiple certified copies of the birth certificate, you must include $20 more for each additional copy.
5
Mail the application in a standard envelope. Make sure to include your payment, a copy of your identification, and the application form. Send it to: Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Statistics, Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319-0075.
- Expect it to take 5 to 7 business days to reach the office of Vital Records, and 5 to 7 business days to be returned to you after processing.