Question:
How do I access Vital Records for Iowa and what is available?
Answer:
Iowa State administrative processing of vital records consist of but are not limited to: adoptions, amendments, births, deaths, legal name changes, marriages, delayed certificate, foreign-born birth, and court-ordered actions.
A copy or extract of most original records can be purchased from the Iowa Vital Records State Department of Health or the County Clerk’s office of the county where the event occurred. Effective as of January 1, 2014 vital records fee transactions from the State is $20.
Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1880 and general compliance was by 1924.
Marriages began to be recorded with formation of the county. Statewide registration began in 1880 with compliance also in 1880.
Some vital records for Iowa are available through FamilySearch Historical Records at no cost, they are incomplete but worth looking at. Indexes lead to films in the Family History Library holdings. For details check the FamilySearch Research Wiki for Iowa Vital Records.
Ancestry.com has collections for Iowa Marriages to 1850 and from 1851 to 1900. You must have a membership to access these records.
Good luck with your Iowa research and remember we are always happy to give you personal assistance and guidance at the Family History Library. Call to make an appointment or sign up for an event today.
