Recorder - Vital Records
Vital Records
Vital records refer to Birth, Death, and Marriage records.
Starting July 1, 1997, the Recorder also became the registrar of
Vital Records. Births, Deaths, and Marriages that occur within Des
Moines County are officially recorded in the Recorder's office.
Requesting a Certified Copy of a Vital Record
There are certain periods of time, or certain circumstances where
these records are only available from the state. See the graph below
to determine whether the record is held locally in Des Moines County,
or whether you will need to request the record from the State
of Iowa Department of Public Health.
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Vital Record
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Time Period
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Location
|
|
Birth, Death, Marriage
|
Current - 1942
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Des Moines County Recorder's Office
|
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Birth, Death, Marriage
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1941 - 1921
|
|
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Birth & Death
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1920 - 1880
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Des Moines County Recorder's Office
|
|
Marriage
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1920 - 1835
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Des Moines County Recorder's Office
|
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Birth to an unwed mother
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Prior to 7/1/1995
|
|
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Birth to an unwed mother
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After 7/1/1995
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Des Moines County Recorder's Office
|
|
Birth - Adoptions
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All
|
|
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Sealed by Court Order
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All
|
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Application
for a Search for an Iowa Vital Record.pdf 
The above form is to be used for both State & Local requests for
a certified copy of an Iowa Vital Record (Birth, Death or Marriage
Certificate).
Payment Options
If requesting a certified copy locally from Des Moines County, they
only accept cash or money order. If requesting from the State, and
mailing in the request, they only accept checks or money orders through
the mail.
Proof of Entitlement
Only individuals who can prove entitlement can request certified copies
of Vital Records. Individuals with entitlement would include:
- The individual named on the record (if 18 or older)
- The mother or father (if named on the record)
- A spouse, brother, or sister (if 18 years or older)
- Maternal or paternal grandparents (if father is named on the record)
- Step-parent if married to the biological parent
- Legal guardians or representatives (must provide proof of guardianship or representation)
Fees for Certified Copies
Certified copies cost $15.00 each.
(Only cash or money order accepted by the Des Moines County Recorder's
Office.)
Information for Couples wishing to Marry in Iowa
To apply for a marriage license, the bride, groom & a witness
(one who is 18 yrs or older & knows both the bride and the groom)
must sign the application before a notary.
There is a $35.00 fee for the Marriage Application & License.
(Only cash or money order accepted by the Des Moines County Recorder's
Office.)
Please remember there is a 3 working day wait for the processing of
the application.
The application allows for the marriage to take place anywhere in
the state of Iowa.
Informational Marriage Documents
State of Iowa
Marriage License Instructions 
Important Information
about Iowa Marriage Records
Common Law Marriage
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