Marriage records are vital documents that provide proof of a legal union between two individuals. They are often needed for various legal purposes, such as changing one's name, applying for spousal benefits, or conducting genealogical research. This guide will explain how to obtain marriage records in Iowa, highlighting the application process, the required documents, the costs involved, and the typical processing times.
Iowa marriage records are considered confidential, and only authorized individuals are allowed to request them. Those who can request these records include:
Various documents are necessary to process your request for a marriage certificate. Generally, you will need:
Forms and additional instructions can be downloaded and completed from the Iowa Department of Public Health main page.
To request by mail, download and fill out the application form. Include the required documents and payment, and send everything to:
Iowa Department of Public Health
Lucas State Office Building
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
You can also visit the Iowa Department of Public Health to request a marriage certificate. Bring your completed application form, required documents, and payment to the customer service desk. Visit the Vital Records office at the same address mentioned above.
For those who prefer online services, you can use VitalChek to order Iowa marriage records. Follow the website's instructions to complete your request.
The cost for obtaining an Iowa marriage certificate is $15 per copy. If you need expedited service, you may incur additional fees. Additional copies ordered at the same time usually cost less per copy.
Processing times for mail requests are typically 4-6 weeks from the time the request is received.
In-person requests are generally processed the same day, although you may have to wait a short period for the certificate to be prepared.
Online requests via VitalChek usually take about 7-10 business days, depending on the chosen shipping method and payment confirmation.
For any questions or specific clarifications, it is best to directly contact the Iowa Department of Public Health. Following these guidelines will help ensure that your application process for obtaining Iowa marriage records goes smoothly. If you require further assistance, reaching out to the department can provide additional support and answers to specific inquiries.
If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.
Address | Lucas Office Building, 1st Floor, 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0075 |
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Phone number | (515) 281-4944 |
Website | https://hhs.iowa.gov/ |