How Much Is a Birth Certificate in Iowa? (2026)
A certified copy of a birth certificate in Iowa costs $20 from the Iowa HHS, Bureau of Health Statistics. The $20 is a search fee (kept even if no record is found); it applies to every record type. Ordering online usually adds a VitalChek convenience fee on top of the state price.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
What it costs in Iowa
- Certified birth certificate: $20
- Death certificate (for comparison): $20
- Issuing office: Iowa HHS, Bureau of Health Statistics
- Online orders: add a VitalChek processing fee
How to get one
You can order a certified birth certificate from the Iowa HHS, Bureau of Health Statistics by mail, in person, or online. You'll need a valid photo ID and, in most states, a qualifying relationship to the person named on the record. The $20 is a search fee (kept even if no record is found); it applies to every record type. Need a death record too? See our Iowa death certificate cost page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a birth certificate in Iowa?
A certified copy is $20 from the Iowa HHS, Bureau of Health Statistics. Ordering online adds a VitalChek convenience fee.
Where do I get a birth certificate in Iowa?
From the Iowa HHS, Bureau of Health Statistics, by mail, in person, or online. The $20 is a search fee (kept even if no record is found); it applies to every record type.
Can I order a Iowa birth certificate online?
Yes — most orders go through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor, which adds a processing fee on top of the $20 state price.