Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Bureau of Health Statistics

Iowa · Vital Records

hhs.iowa.gov/family-community/vital-records/how-request-certified-record

State Vital Records in Iowa

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Bureau of Health Statistics issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Iowa. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.

Steps to takeKey facts

Steps to take when someone dies

1
Confirm the death occurred in Iowa; the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
2
Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
  • •Online: Order through VitalChek - the only authorized vendor (vendor fees from $14 per order)
  • •Online: Order through VitalChek for Will Call pick-up in Des Moines (Iowa address required)
  • •By phone: Call VitalChek at 866-809-0290 (6 AM - 7 PM CST, Monday-Friday)
  • •By mail: Mail notarized application with payment to the Bureau of Health Statistics
  • •In person: Visit the state office (7:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday; requests by 2 PM processed in 2 hours) or the County Recorder for deaths 1954-present
3
Include what the office requires with the order:
  • •Valid, current government-issued photo ID (legible photocopy by mail)
  • •Notarized application for mail requests
  • •Additional proof of entitlement for legal guardians, legal representatives and siblings
4
Allow the office's processing time (4 to 6 weeks).

State Vital Records in Iowa: key facts

What Iowa says9

Administering office

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Bureau of Health Statistics.1

Office location and hours

Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0075. 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday, except state holidays.1

Mail orders

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics, Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0075.1

Certificate fee

$20 for the first certified copy; $20 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1

Processing time

4 to 6 weeks.1

Who may order

Spouse, children, legal parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings; Legal representative or guardian.1

Filing deadline

The death certificate must be filed within 3 days.2

Public record

Any requester may obtain a copy of a death record with no waiting period; certified copies follow the eligibility rules.1

Records available from

July 1, 1880. Statewide death-record searches cover deaths from July 1, 1904; for earlier deaths the application must name the county and year. County Recorders issue certified copies of deaths from 1954 to present..1

Governing law: Iowa Code § 523I.102(6)(a)

Sources2

  1. 1.Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Bureau of Health Statistics
  2. 2.Iowa death-certificate filing rule (Iowa Code § 523I.102(6)(a); IAC 641-97.13 (transportation and disposition; minimum grave depth); Iowa Code § 144.32; IAC 641-97.11, 641-97.12; Iowa Code § 144.26; Iowa Code § 144.27; IAC 481-900.6(3); Iowa Code § 156.2(4); Iowa Code § 523I.316)

Iowa vital records offices

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Bureau of Health Statistics

Phone

515-281-4944

Hours

7:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday, except state holidays

Mailing address

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics, Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
Verified Oct 2026

Tools for Settling an Estate in Iowa

Free tools for settling an estate in Iowa: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?

In Iowa, certified death certificates come from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Bureau of Health StatisticsIowa Department of Health and Human Services - Bureau of Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $20Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Bureau of Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.

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How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Iowa: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 120 daysIowa Code §§ 633.361, 633.364, 633.365 (§ 633.361 as amended by 2026 Acts, HF 2532, § 4)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsIowa Code §§ 633.230, 633.304, 633.410, 633.413, 633.425, 633.442Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.

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