In Iowa, registration of births, deaths and marriages began July 1, 1880. No records of events prior to July 1, 1880, are on file in this office.

 In-PersonUPS: Overnight*UPS: 2-Day*Regular MailRegular Mail:
Genealogical
VitalChek*N/A2 to 5 business days5 to 10 business days2 to 3 weeksN/A
VitalChek Will Call*Upon NotificationN/AN/AN/AN/A
In-PersonAfter 2 HoursN/AN/A4 to 6 weeks4 to 6 weeks
Regular MailN/AN/AN/A4 to 6 weeks4 to 6 weeks

*Shipping fees apply. See VitalChek website for details. 

Average processing times listed. 

Due to the increase of vital record requests for the purpose of obtaining a REAL ID, customers are encouraged to plan ahead and order any vital record certified copies they may need in advance. Do not wait until the last minute to order as processing times are approximate and not guaranteed service times.

The following records are available at County Registrar offices

  • County Recorders can issue certified copies of all births that occurred in 1986 to present.
  • County Recorders can issue certified copies of all deaths that occurred in 1954 to present.
  • County Recorders can issue certified copies of all marriages that occurred in 1954 to present.

For events that occur before these dates:

  • Certified copies of birth records may be ordered from the county in which the event occurred.
  • Certified copies of marriage records may be ordered from the county where the application occurred.
  • Certified copies of death records may be ordered from the county of residence or the county where the death occurred.

Birth Certificate Exchange Frequently Asked Questions

Please email all general vital record questions to vitalrecords@hhs.iowa.gov