Death Records
Effective July 1st, 2026, certified copies of Vital Records will be increasing to $20/copy.
Application Form Acceptable Forms of Identification Vital Record Entitlement
Records Available
Certified Copies
- The event took place in Iowa between 1954 - 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 - 1953*
- And the event occurred in Pottawattamie County
*We do not have records from July 1, 1921, through June 30, 1941. They are only at the State Office.
State Department of Health and Human Services has access to copies of all Vital Records in the State.
Photocopies
- In Pottawattamie County
- Between 1880 - June 30, 1921, or July 1, 1941 - Present
The record will be noted, "Not for Legal Purposes."
Instructions
You will need a valid photo ID or driver's license, be at least 18 years old, and have entitlement.
Ways to Apply
- Apply in person.
- Make sure to bring your valid ID or driver’s license and cash, check, money order (payable to Pottawattamie County Recorder), or credit card for payment.
- Provide proof of entitlement if not shown on record you are requesting.
- Applying by mail.
- If applying by 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 cash, check or money order (payable to the Pottawattamie County Recorder).
- Provide proof of entitlement if not shown on record you are requesting.
- If you would like Pottawattamie County to process your request, please mail your notarized completed application and payment to:
Pottawattamie County Recorder
227 S 6th St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- If you would like Pottawattamie County to process your request, please mail your notarized completed application and payment to:
- Apply by phone or online through the IDPH and VitalChek.
- Visit the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services for instructions.
Cost
Certified Copies of Vital Records are available for $20.00 each to entitled persons. For certified copies, we accept payment of cash, check, or credit card(credit card only accepted in-person; not available for mail orders).
If you are not entitled to a certified copy, photocopies are available to anyone for a fee of $5.00 cash only. Photocopies are only available for events that happened in Pottawattamie County.
Access to Vital Records
To access any of the vital records below, you must have entitlement as defined by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
Individuals with entitlement typically include:
- Person named on record (if 18 or older)
- Mother or father (if named on record)
- Spouse (may need to show marriage certificate)
- Brother or sister (must show proof of entitlement)
- Maternal grandparents
- Paternal grandparents (if father is named on record)