Iowa Divorce Records

The Iowa Department of Public Health’s Vital Statistics office has been acquiring and storing Iowa divorce records since 1880. They’re public record, viewable and obtainable by anyone who wants to see or have a copy of Iowa divorce records. They’re not limited to only the party listed on the record. In many instances, parties want to find Iowa divorce records from their ancestors to help with their family tree, to trace their ancestry, and to help with their genealogy. For this reason, the state makes it quite easy to view Iowa divorce records online and obtain them in person, on the computer, over the phone, or through the mail. This is done with the Vital Statistic’s office or through the Clerk of Court’s office in the county where a divorce was granted

If you need to see a divorce record in Iowa, simply visit the website of the Iowa clerk of court’s office in the county where the divorce was granted. Each Iowa county court clerk’s website offers a public record search option. Divorce records are a matter of public record, which means they’re easily viewable here. This link directs you to a page where you can narrow your results to search only for divorce records, to search by year, to search by numerous years, and to search by name. It’s not necessary to provide the names of both parties listed on the record. One will do. Once you enter it, the record appears and is viewable on your computer.

Iowa state law allows only the person listed on the divorce record, the children, or the parents of the people listed on the record to obtain a certified copy of a divorce record. All other people making an inquiry are permitted to obtain unofficial copies for their personal records. This is done by contacting the office of Vital Statistics. You’ll need to call or visit the office in person. It’s located in Des Moines, and it’s open every weekday save for holidays.

The fee to obtain a copy of a divorce record is $15, and this fee is payable by check or money order. Cash is not accepted. You can call the office and provide the information required to obtain a copy, and it will be mailed to you upon receipt of the information required. You can also write an official letter of request and mail it to the offices. All requests must contain the following:

– Full name of both parties listed on the divorce record
– Date of the divorce
– County in which the divorce occurred
– Your name and contact information
– $15 for each copy requested
– A copy of your valid photo identificationOnce your information is received, copies of the records you requested are sent to you. In some instances, a rush fee might apply to your order which allows you to pay more for faster service. Copies cannot be used for illegal purposes in any instance.