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Vital records office in Iowa — birth, marriage, death certificates

CDC-listed vital records office for Iowa. How to obtain certified copies of birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates for immigration filings (I-130, US

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Vital records office in Iowa

How to obtain certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates from Iowa for immigration filings, USCIS evidence, school enrollment, or any other purpose.

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Birth

Event: Birth Cost of copy: $15.00 Address: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Lucas Office Building 321 East 12th Street Des Moines, IA 50319-0075 Remarks:  The State of Iowa vital records office has Birth, Death & Marriage records since July 1880. Personal check or money order should be made payable to  Iowa Department of  Health and Human Services . Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the  Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website. Death

Event: Death Cost of copy: $15.00 Address: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Lucas Office Building 321 East 12th Street Des Moines, IA 50319-0075 Remarks:  The State of Iowa vital records office has Birth, Death & Marriage records since July 1880. Personal check or money order should be made payable to  Iowa Department of  Health and Human Services . Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website. Marriage

Event: Marriage Cost of copy: $15.00 Address: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Lucas Office Building 321 East 12th Street Des Moines, IA 50319-0075 Remarks:  The State of Iowa vital records office has Birth, Death & Marriage records since July 1880. Personal check or money order should be made payable to  Iowa Department of  Health and Human Services . Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the  Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website.

Last Reviewed: August 15, 2022 Source: National Center for Health Statistics

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Iowa vital records office details

Why immigrants need certified vital records

USCIS, courts, schools, and many other US agencies require certified vital records (not photocopies) for:

  • I-130 family petition — birth certificate proves family relationship
  • I-485 adjustment of status — birth certificate of applicant and beneficiaries
  • N-400 naturalization — marriage certificate if applying under spouse-of-USC 3-year rule
  • Apostille — for use of US documents in foreign countries (your home country may require US apostille)
  • School enrollment — proof of date of birth
  • Real ID applications — proof of identity

Apostille and authentication

If you need to use a Iowa vital record OUTSIDE the United States (e.g., for use at your home country’s consulate), you typically need an apostille from the Iowa Secretary of State’s office. See /procedures/apostille-document/ for the process.

Last verified: 2026-05-27. General procedural information — not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; verify with the Iowa office.

Order vital records in Iowa

Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued by each state. Use your state's official guide:

Frequently asked questions

Where do I get a US birth certificate from Iowa?
From the Iowa vital records office listed below. Requests can typically be submitted online, by mail, or in person. You’ll need to prove identity and pay a fee (~$15-30 for first copy, plus shipping). For immigration purposes (I-130 evidence, naturalization), you need a CERTIFIED COPY (original with raised seal), not a photocopy.
How do I get a marriage certificate from Iowa?
Marriage certificates are typically issued by the county clerk where the marriage license was issued, not the state vital records office. The state office may have copies of older records. For recent marriages, contact the county clerk’s office in the county of the wedding.
What if my certificate is in Spanish or another language?
If filing with USCIS, certificates in any language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The translator must certify they are competent to translate and that the translation is accurate. See /procedures/translate-document-uscis/ for the standard certification language.
Can I order vital records for someone else?
Most states restrict access to vital records to: the person named on the record, their spouse, parents, children, siblings, or legal representatives. ID verification is required. For genealogical research, records become open to the public after a waiting period (usually 50-100 years).

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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.