How much do death certificates cost in Iowa?
Certified copies from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (IDHHS) or county recorder offices cost $15 each. This fee includes a search for the record and is non-refundable even if no record is found.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| IDHHS (mail/in person) | $15 |
| County recorder | $15 |
| VitalChek (online) | $15 + $13-$14 service fee + shipping |
| VitalChek (phone) | $15 + $9 service fee + shipping |
Online orders through VitalChek, the only authorized third-party vendor for Iowa, add a $13 to $14 service fee per order plus shipping costs. Phone orders add a $9 service fee.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
Your funeral director orders the first batch as part of their services. This is the fastest route for recently filed death certificates.
From IDHHS (state level)
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics in Des Moines handles death certificate requests for deaths that occurred anywhere in Iowa.
- By mail: Send a completed application with a check or money order for $15 per copy, payable to the "Iowa Department of Public Health." Include a copy of your photo ID.
- In person: Visit the Bureau of Health Statistics in Des Moines. Bring a valid photo ID.
- Online: Order through VitalChek. Expect additional service fees and shipping costs.
From your county recorder
Iowa's 99 counties each have a county recorder's office that can issue death certificates for deaths that occurred in that county. The fee is the same $15 per copy. Some county offices accept cash, checks, or money orders in person, and some accept credit or debit cards with an additional service fee.
County recorder offices can be a faster option for local deaths, especially if you can visit in person.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| IDHHS by mail | 4 to 6 weeks |
| IDHHS in person | Same day to 5 business days |
| County recorder (in person) | Same day to 5 business days |
| VitalChek online | 5 to 10 business days + shipping |
In-person requests at the state or county level are the fastest options. Mail orders from the state office can take over a month.
How many copies do you need?
Order at least 8 to 10 certified copies. You will need them for banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and the probate court. At $15 per copy, 10 copies cost $150.
For a complete list of where you will need certified copies, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
Iowa restricts certified death certificates to:
- Spouse, parent, or child of the deceased
- Sibling, grandparent, or grandchild
- The executor or administrator of the estate
- An attorney or legal representative
- Anyone with a court order or demonstrated legal need
You must provide a valid photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased.
What to know about Iowa specifically
99 counties, same fee. Unlike many states where county and state fees differ, Iowa charges a flat $15 per copy whether you order from the state or from any of the 99 county recorder offices. The county office is often the faster option for local deaths.
VitalChek adds significant fees. The state fee is $15, but ordering online through VitalChek nearly doubles the cost after service and shipping fees. If you are near the county recorder's office or can send a mail request, ordering directly saves money.
Two small estate paths. Iowa offers a small estate affidavit for estates under $50,000 (with no real estate), and a separate simplified administration process for estates up to $200,000. You will need at least one certified death certificate for either path through the District Court. See our guide on how probate works in Iowa.
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