How to Find Iowa Death Records

Statewide registration of deaths began in 1899 in Iowa; however, general compliance did not begin until 1917. Counties have copies of these records.

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Next Step: When did the death occur?

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 * Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's death record:


 * Deaths before 1880
 * Deaths between 1880 and 1936
 * Deaths after 1936


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Deaths before 1880
Before 1880, no deaths were recorded by the county or state. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place. Some cemetery records and obituaries have been indexed in but the quantity is limited.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths between 1880 and 1936
Statewide registration started in 1880 which required deaths to be recorded at both the county and state levels.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information
For death that exist during this time period, try the following databases.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
There are three options:


 * FamilySearch.org - If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can view the microfilm at the FamilySearch Library or some FamilySearch Centers.
 * State Historical Society of Iowa, Public Reference Services - Provides both information to order the certificate and information about local professionals for hire to copy the certificate.
 * You may also order the certificate, for a fee, from the Iowa Department of Public Health. Certificates for genealogical purposes must be requested through the mail (not through VitalChek) and you must submit both an Application for an Iowa Vital Record and a Proof of Entitlement.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths after 1936
The state of Iowa began recording deaths in 1880.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information
For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following database.

NOTE: Very few of these deaths are indexed from death certificates. The information comes from burial, church, and other sources.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
To get an image of the certificate, you can order a copy of the death certificate for a fee from the Iowa Department of Public Health. Certificates for genealogical purposes must be requested through the mail (not through VitalChek) and you must submit both an Application for an Iowa Vital Record and a Proof of Entitlement.


 * If you are uncertain of the exact date or if the individual died in Iowa, the department can do a search for the certificate, for a fee.

Death records are also maintained at the county level. County copies may be obtained at the Register of Deeds office in the county where the event occurred.

Restrictions for Obtaining a Certificate: To obtain a copy of the death certificate, you must be:


 * The decedent's spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, or sibling
 * Any person who provides documentation that he or she is acting on behalf of any of the previously mentioned persons.
 * Must be 18 years or older
 * Must provide notarized identification and signature

NOTE: A copy of the certificate cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 75 years have passed from the date of death.

'''If you do not want to order the death record, there are other records with death information you can search. ''' Return to top: Choose another death year

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