Recorder Birth Certificates

Cost

Certified copies are $15.00 each. We do not accept personal checks.

Instructions

You will need a valid ID or driver's license, be at least 18 years old and have entitlement.

If you are applying for a certified copy through the mail, you must fill out the application with your signature notarized, and we need a copy of your valid ID or driver's license and a money order (made out to the Pottawattamie County Recorder and signed by remitter). Please send everything to the Pottawattamie County Recorder at 227 S 6th St. Room 251 Council Bluffs, IA 51501.

If you have any questions, please call (712) 328-5612 Option #4. 

Application

Identification

If you do not have a valid driver's license or ID, please provide alternative identification. View Identity Documents for acceptable forms of alternative IDs.

Entitlement

Direct and Tangible Interest

Records Available

Certified Copies:

Certified copies are available from our office if:

• The event took place in Iowa between 1988 - Present
  • Certified copies can be obtained through any Iowa County Recorder's Office or the State Office for events during these dates.
• The event took place between 1880 - 1921 and 1941 - 1987*
  • And the event occurred in Pottawattamie County
  • And there was no adoption or single-parent birth for the Birth records in this time frame

Otherwise, the record is at the State Office. Request a record through the Iowa Department of Public Health website by clicking "Request Record" below.

*We do not have records from July 1, 1921, through June 30, 1941. They are only at the State Office.

Request Record

Photocopies: 

They are $5.00 cash/each.

Photocopies are available if the birth event occurred:

• In Pottawattamie County
• Between 1880 - June 30, 1921, or July 1, 1941 - Present

The record will be noted, "Not for Legal Purposes."

Our Contact Information: 

Pottawattamie County Recorder 
227 S 6th St., Room 251
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Phone: (712) 328-5612 Option #4

Birth Record Office Hours: 8 am - 4 pm; Monday - Friday unless there is a holiday. 

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