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1. Are divorce records located in the Recorder's Office?

No, divorces are court actions, so the records are kept at the Clerk of District Court's office. Please contact the Clerk of Court, Civil Division at 319-398-3411.

2. Does the Clerk of Court perform marriage ceremonies?

At this time, the Clerk of Court is not performing marriage ceremonies due to COVID-19. The Clerk of Court is a division of the State of Iowa.  For questions about the Clerk of Court, please contact them at 319-398-3411 or visit the Iowa Judicial Branch website.

3. Can the Recorder's Office verify information via telephone regarding birth, death and/or marriage records ?

No. Records are available for review in person, but information regarding births, deaths and marriages cannot be given over the telephone.

4. Is there a process to register as an officiant to perform marriages in Iowa?

Officiants shall be ordained in the state of Iowa to perform marriage ceremonies. Visit IDPH for Officiant Brochure requirements. Proof of registration is not required when applying for a marriage application.

5. What is the fee for a certified copy of a birth, death or marriage record?

Certified copies are $15 each.

6. Where do I get a marriage license?

Recorder's Office of Vital Records Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center (2nd floor) 935 2nd St. SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

7. Where do I get a copy of my birth certificate?

Recorder's Office of Vital Records Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center (2nd floor) 935 2nd St. SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

8. Once we pick up our license to marry, how long is it valid?

Your License to Marry does not expire once it is picked up from the Recorder's Office. Paperwork shall be picked up from the Recorder's office within six months or else it will expire. If the paperwork is lost, a new application and fee shall be submitted.

9. If I need a certified copy of a vital record from another county, where do I apply?

Please call our office at 319-892-5445 to determine which office(s) may have your record. You may also call VitalCheck at 1(866)809-0290 to order a certified copy. You must have a credit card in your name with the same address. The fee is more for this service than if you order in person at the county registrar's office.

10. When completing the marriage license application, can the Notary Public be a family member of one of the people filling out the application?

No. Each party to the marriage application must sign the application in front of an authorized Notary Public who is not a family member. The Linn County Recorder's Office has authorized Notary Publics on staff.