Vital records in Iowa — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records — can be obtained from County Recorder (local) / IDPH (state). Marriage licenses are issued by the County Registrar.
What this page covers: Iowa vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact County Recorder (local) / IDPH (state). For marriage licenses, contact the County Registrar in the county where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
Search Iowa by Record Type
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get a birth certificate in Iowa? ▼
Where do I get a marriage license in Iowa? ▼
Where are divorce records in Iowa? ▼
Can I order vital records online? ▼
BBB A+ Rated