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Vital Records
Our office is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays. To ensure same day pickup, please arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Our office also processes Vital Record requests through mail and our dropbox located in front of the building. For items placed in the dropbox, please put all documents in an envelope marked Recorder’s Office with your contact information.
Access to Vital Records
To access any of the vital records below, you must have entitlement as defined by the Iowa Department of Public Health (PDF). Requests for copies of birth certificates, marriage records, and death certificates must include a notarized application, a copy of your government-issued ID, and $15.00. We accept cash, check, money order, or credit cards. Applications are available at the HHS website, in our office or by request. Please contact us to have one sent to you.
Individuals with entitlement typically include:
- Person named on record (if 18 or older)
- Mother or father (if named on record)
- Spouse
- Brother or sister (must show proof of entitlement)
- Maternal grandparents
- Paternal grandparents (if father is named on record)
Birth Records are available for years 1880 to 1920 and 1942 to current. The records for the years July 1921 through June 1941 are kept at the Iowa Department of Public Health in the vital records section. Births to unwed mothers prior to July 1, 1986 are only available at the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Certified copies are available for $15 each, and are only available to those with entitlement.
Please note: All applications must be notarized and be accompanied by a government-issued ID.
Death records are available except for years 1921 to 1941. The records for the years 1921 to 1941 are kept at the Iowa Department of Public Health. Certified copies are available for $15 each, and are only available to those with entitlement.
Please note: All applications must be notarized and be accompanied by a government-issued ID.
To apply for an Iowa marriage license, both parties and a witness (18 or older and knows both parties) must sign an application in the presence of a notary.
Visit our Marriage License and Application page for more information.
Certified copies of marriage certificates are available. Each certified copy is $15 and are only available to those with entitlement.
Please note: All applications must be notarized and be accompanied by a state-issued ID.
Divorce records are available through the Clerk of Court’s Office located at 50 3rd Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401.