Birth Records

Alert

Certified copies for birth records beginning in 1983 are now available from any County Recorder's office.

Cost

Certified copies are available for $20.00 to persons of entitlement. Payment methods accepted are: cash, check or credit card.

Non-certified copies of birth records are available, for a fee of $3.00. Payment methods accepted are: cash, check or credit card.

Available Records

Iowa birth records from 1983 to the current date are available in all counties in Iowa regardless of the county the event occurred.

Birth events that took place in Wapello County between 1880 to present are available at the Wapello County Recorder’s office. (There are some instances where the record may not be available at the county level.)

Wapello County has limited birth records between 1921 and 1941. We can work with the Iowa Department of Health & Human if needed to obtain these records.

Wapello County does NOT have access to single-parent birth records prior to January 1983, nor do we have access to adoption birth records. The Iowa Department of Health & Human Services, State Vital Records is able to assist you with obtaining these records.

Instructions

You will need a valid photo ID or driver's license, be at least 18 years old and have entitlement.

Ways to Apply:

Apply in person.
Applying by mail. If applying by mail, you must fill out the application with your signature notarized, and we need a copy of your valid ID or driver's license and a check or money order (payable to the Wapello County Recorder).
If you would like Wapello County to process your request, please mail your notarized completed application and payment to the:

Wapello County Recorder
101 W 4th Street
Ottumwa, IA 52501

To order a birth record via phone through the IDHHS, please call VitalChek toll-free at (866) 809-0290 frin 6 a.m. CST through 7:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday, except holidays. VitalChek is the only third party vendor authorized by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to accept orders for Iowa vital records. An additional fee to order over the phone start at $9.00 per order.

If you have any questions, please call (641) 683-0046.

Vital Record Application

Identification

If you do not have a valid driver's license or ID, please provide alternative identification. View Identity Documents for acceptable forms of alternative IDs.