In Iowa, certified death certificates are issued by Bureau of Health Statistics, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. The state fee is $20 for the first certified copy and the same for each additional copy.
Here is who can order a certified copy, how to order it, and how long it takes, taken from the office’s own pages. Fees and times change, so check the office’s page before you pay.
How much a death certificate costs in Iowa
| Item | State fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $20 |
| Each additional copy | $20 |
$20 per certified copy, kept as a search fee if no record is found. VitalChek fees start at $14 per online order and $9 per phone order. Mail applications must be notarized.
Who can order a certified copy
The person named on the record, spouse, children, parents listed on the record, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, or a legal representative or guardian, with proof of entitlement.
A non-certified informational copy is also available. It cannot be used for legal or financial purposes such as closing accounts or claiming benefits.
How to order
- Online (official vendor: VitalChek)
- In person
- County/local office
Records are also available at county registrar offices.
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How long it takes
Iowa HHS: in person, "Requests received by 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday will be processed in 2 hours"; regular mail "4 to 6 weeks"; VitalChek with UPS overnight "2 to 5 business days" or UPS 2-day "5 to 10 business days.".
The funeral home’s role
When presenting the death registration, the funeral director may request certified copies for the decedent's immediate family or legal representative (Iowa HHS 'Funeral Director's Entitlement to Certified Copies'; the document is marked as pre-electronic-registration).
Iowa registration of deaths began July 1, 1880. Iowa HHS also publishes a request form for non-certified copies.
How many copies to order
Most banks, insurers, pension plans and government agencies each want their own certified copy. Count the accounts and policies before you order, because ordering more later means another application and fee. How many death certificates you need has a worksheet.
Who decides the funeral in Iowa
State law sets who has the right to make funeral arrangements. See who has the right to make funeral decisions in Iowa.
Related guides
- What to do when someone dies: the first 24 hours
- Who to call when someone dies, and in what order
- How much a funeral costs, line by line
- Help paying for a funeral: Social Security, VA and FEMA
- Official funeral resources for every state
Sources
- Bureau of Health Statistics, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
- CDC: Where to Write for Vital Records (Iowa)
- Bureau of Health Statistics, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
- Bureau of Health Statistics, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Checked 2026-09-24. General information, not legal advice.