Bureau of Health Statistics
Welcome to the Bureau of Health Statistics. Two essential functions of the department are performed within this bureau: Vital Records and Health Statistics. This section will change periodically with new announcements and reminders.
Please check back regularly for the most recent happenings within the bureau.
Important Notice
Effective Monday, March 13, 2006, written requests for certified copies of birth, death, fetal death, and marriage records will not be accepted if they do not include:
- The applicant's current government-issued photo identification; except if by mail, a clear photocopy of the I.D.; and
- The applicant's signature signed in front of a notary public or in the presence of an Iowa Registrar of Vital Records.
Current turnaround time to process requests is next business day to 60 days, depending on the method of application.
If you are in the Des Moines area, you may apply for a copy in person. Application may be made in person in the Lucas State Office Building at our office in the front lobby from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Certificates are “generally”*** ready for pick up the next business day after 2:00 PM or mailed by standard postal service to an entitled person. Mail turnaround time may take 5 to 7 additional days.
*** Exceptions may occur for inaccurate or incomplete applications, or if further verification is required for entitlement or locating records.
Requests may also be placed via phone by calling toll-free 1-866-809-0290 from 6:00 am CST through 7:00 pm CST, Monday through Friday, except for holidays, or at any time at www.VitalChek.com. Processing time is currently about two (2) weeks depending on the volume of requests in the office. UPS orders will be delivered within 7-10 business days after processing.
Requests may be sent by mail to the state vital records office using the appropriate application form, which can be downloaded from the link below. Anticipate mail to take an average of 5 to 7 business days to reach the Vital Records office, and 5 to 7 business days to be returned to you. Turnaround time may be 4 to 6 weeks, depending on seasonal demands. Genealogy requests are accepted by mail only and may require a minimum of 60 business days for processing, and will be mailed to the applicant by standard postal delivery only.
Announcements:
For Statistics and Data Requests: