Iowa Death Certificate

Qualifications

The following people may request death certificates from the state of Iowa:

• Spouse
• Children
• Legal parents
• Grandparents
• Grandchildren
• Siblings
• Legal guardian or representative

Legal guardians, legal representatives, and siblings must provide proof of their relation to the deceased.

Cost

The fee to search for a death certificate is $15.00, which includes one certified copy of the death certificate or a Notification of the Record Search. Each additional copy of the record is also $15.00. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the "Iowa Department of Public Health." Cash is not accepted, except when the requeset is made in person. There is an additional $9.00 fee for requests placed over the phone, which must be paid with a credit card. Fees are not refundable.

Required Information

• Full name of the deceased
• Date of death
• Place of death
• Mother's full maiden name
• Father's full name
• Purpose for copy
• Birthdate of applicant
• Your relation to the deceased
• Your name
• Your address
• Phone number

The application must include a photocopy of current, government-issued identification. In addition, the signature on the application must be notarized.

Submitting Your Request

By Mail:
Send the completed application and the appropriate fee to:
Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075

By Phone:
To order a certified copy by telephone using a credit card, call 515-281-4944 from 7:00 am to 4:45 pm, Monday through Friday, except for state-observed holidays. An additional $9.00 fee is charged for the expedited process of credit card usage.

In Person:
Applications may be made in person at the state Bureau of Health Statistics from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except for state-observed holidays, located at:

Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075

The Lucas building is the first state office building east of the state Capitol building, on the south side of Grand Avenue. Written applications must be fully completed and signed. Applicants must also provide current, government-issued photo identification. Copies may be picked up after two days.

Request A Certified Record

Click here to request a certified Iowa death certificate.

See our complete list of resources for Iowa.