Iowa Public Records

Most records and certificates from 1880 to present are archived at the Iowa Bureau of Health Statistics along with the local county offices. Certificates for births and deaths are available online, by mail, in person and over the phone. There is a $15 dollar search fee which includes one certified copy with each additional copy costing $15 dollars. Commemorative birth certificates are available for $35 dollars.

Iowa Department of Public Health
Lucas State Office Building
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-4944

• Birth Certificate Form (PDF)
• Death Certificate Form (PDF)

While marriage records are available from the state, divorce decree records are only available from the Clerk of Court from the county in which it was filed. Commemorative marriage certificates take approximately 30 days to process and cost $35 dollars.

• Marriage Certificate Form (PDF)

Adoptees of adult age are legally allowed to receive medical records as long as all identification is still confidential. While unlocking of adoption records is an option, it requires a court order at any age. Iowa provides a voluntary database for birth parents, birth siblings, adoptees and other direct relatives.

• Adoption Voluntary Registry

Property and parcel records are kept through multiple departments within the county including the Assessor's Department, GIS department and Treasurer's Office.

• Polk County General Maps
• Linn County Parcel Search
• Scott County Parcel Search
• Black Hawk County Parcel Records