Divorce is one of the most significant life events that creates both personal and legal consequences. In Iowa, when a marriage is legally dissolved, the outcome is not only a change in status but also the creation of official records. Among these records, the Iowa divorce certificate plays an essential role. It is the official proof that a divorce took place, and it is often required in matters ranging from legal identification to remarriage.
Yet many people are uncertain about what a divorce certificate actually is, how it differs from other divorce-related documents, and how to obtain a certified copy in Iowa. This guide explains in detail the purpose of a divorce certificate, the agencies responsible for maintaining it, and the steps required to request one—whether in Des Moines at the state level or through county offices across Iowa.
By the end, you will understand not only how to request a certificate but also why these records matter for legal, personal, and genealogical purposes.
Divorce Records in Iowa
Before focusing on certificates specifically, it is important to distinguish between the types of divorce records maintained in Iowa. Each serves a different purpose and is handled by different offices.
Divorce Certificate
A divorce certificate is a one-page official document issued by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Statistics. It confirms that a divorce occurred and includes essential information such as:
- Full names of both spouses.
- Date of divorce.
- County where the divorce was finalized.
The certificate does not provide details about child custody, division of property, or spousal support. Its primary function is to act as legal proof of the dissolution of marriage.
Divorce Decree
The divorce decree, also called the decree of dissolution of marriage, is issued by the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was finalized. It contains the full judgment of the court, including orders about property, child custody, child support, and alimony. The decree is critical for enforcing the terms of the divorce.
Divorce Case File
A case file includes every document filed in the proceedings. These may contain sensitive personal information and are typically accessed only by the parties or their attorneys.
While the decree and case file are obtained through the county Clerk of Court, the divorce certificateis issued by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Vital Records office in Des Moines or through authorized county recorders.
Legal Status of Divorce Certificates in Iowa
Iowa law recognizes divorce certificates as part of the state’s system of vital records, along with birth, death, and marriage certificates. Vital records are protected documents, and access is restricted to entitled persons. Unlike some states where divorce indexes may be widely searchable, Iowa restricts access to protect personal privacy.
Under the Iowa Open Records Law, divorce decrees are generally public, but divorce certificates are considered confidential vital records. Only authorized individuals may request them. This balance ensures accountability while also protecting sensitive personal details.
Who Can Request an Iowa Divorce Certificate?
Not everyone is allowed to obtain a certified copy of an Iowa divorce certificate. According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Vital Records office, entitled individuals include:
- Either spouse listed on the record.
- The legal parents of the individuals named.
- Direct descendants such as children or grandchildren.
- Grandparents, siblings, or legal guardians.
- Attorneys or legal representatives acting on behalf of one of the parties.
Applicants must provide proof of identity, typically through a government-issued photo ID, and sometimes additional documentation showing their relationship to the parties.
How to Obtain a Divorce Certificate in Iowa
The process for obtaining a divorce certificate depends on whether you are applying at the state level in Des Moines or at a county office.
Ordering Through Iowa HHS Vital Records
The Iowa HHS Bureau of Health Statistics in Des Moines maintains all divorce certificates from 1906 to the present. Requests can be made in person, by mail, by phone, or online through the authorized vendor VitalChek.
In person (Des Moines):
- Visit the Lucas State Office Building, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines.
- Submit a completed application with notarized signature.
- Provide government-issued photo identification.
- Pay the $15 fee for each certified copy.
By mail:
- Download the application form from the Iowa HHS website.
- Complete, sign, and have it notarized.
- Enclose a copy of your photo ID and a check or money order payable to “Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.”
- Mail to the Bureau of Health Statistics, Des Moines.
By phone or online:
- Use the VitalChek system (vitalchek.com).
- Additional service fees apply ($9-$14 per order).
- Online orders can be shipped or scheduled for pickup in Des Moines.
Processing times:
- 2-5 business days for in-person orders.
- 5-10 business days for online or phone orders.
- 4-6 weeks for mail orders, depending on demand.
Ordering Through County Recorders
County recorder offices may also provide certified copies for divorces filed in their county, though availability may vary by year. Generally, county recorders issue certificates for divorces that occurred after 1954. Earlier records may require a request to the state office.
Applicants must contact the Clerk of Court for divorce decrees or case files, since county recorder offices only provide certificates, not detailed judgments.
Costs and Payment
The standard fee for an Iowa divorce certificate is $15 per certified copy. This fee is non-refundable, even if the record cannot be located, as it covers the cost of the search.
Additional copies requested at the same time are also $15 each. Online and phone requests through VitalChek include extra processing fees. Payments are accepted by cash (in person), check, money order, or credit card (online/phone).
Required Information to Request a Certificate
When applying for a divorce certificate, you must provide enough details for the records office to locate the document. Typical required information includes:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of the divorce.
- Date of divorce (or approximate year, if unknown).
- County where the divorce was finalized.
- Your relationship to the individuals named in the record.
Without accurate information, the request may be delayed or unsuccessful.
Where to Request Divorce Records in Iowa
Record Type | Office Responsible | Contents | Who Can Request |
Divorce Certificate | Iowa HHS Vital Records, Des Moines / County Recorder | Basic proof of divorce (names, date, county) | Restricted to entitled persons |
Divorce Decree | County Clerk of Court | Full court judgment (property, custody, support) | Parties and legal representatives |
Divorce Case File | County Clerk of Court | All filings and documents | Restricted, sometimes sealed |
Historical and Genealogical Value of Divorce Certificates
Divorce certificates are not just legal tools—they are also valuable for genealogical research. The State Historical Society of Iowa maintains older records (75 years or older) that are open to public access. These provide important insights into family history, especially when combined with marriage and birth records.
For example, a researcher tracing family lines in Des Moines may use marriage records to establish lineage, then confirm subsequent divorces to create accurate family trees. These records help ensure that historical accounts reflect the actual changes in family structures over time.
Access Rules for Iowa Divorce Certificates
Category | Access Allowed? | Example Scenario |
Spouse named on record | Yes | A woman requests her own certificate to remarry |
Child of divorced couple | Yes | An adult child requests the record for legal proof |
Genealogical researcher | Only if record is 75+ years old | A historian researching marriages in 1930s Des Moines |
General public | No | A stranger cannot request certificates for unrelated individuals |
Common Reasons for Requesting Divorce Certificates
People seek certified copies of divorce certificates for a variety of reasons. Among the most common are:
- Remarriage: To apply for a new marriage license, proof of prior divorce is required.
- Name change: Updating identification documents often requires a certificate.
- Social Security and pensions: Agencies may need proof of divorce to adjust benefits.
- Immigration matters: USCIS may request certificates as part of an immigration application.
- Legal proceedings: Courts may require certified proof for child custody or inheritance disputes.
Practical Tips for Applicants
- Plan ahead. Processing times vary, and urgent needs (such as upcoming marriage) require early requests.
- Check county vs. state offices. For older records, state archives or the Iowa Department of Health may be the only option.
- Use correct names. Provide names exactly as they appeared at the time of divorce.
- Expect fees. Even unsuccessful searches require payment.
- Consider privacy. Divorce certificates contain sensitive information, and access is restricted accordingly.
Divorce Certificates vs. Other Vital Records
Understanding divorce certificates is easier when compared to other vital records:
- Birth certificates: Establish identity from birth.
- Marriage certificates: Confirm legal union of two individuals.
- Death certificates: Provide proof of death for estate and insurance purposes.
- Divorce certificates: Confirm the legal end of a marriage.
All of these records are overseen by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office, making it the central hub for life event documentation in the state.
Remember That…
An Iowa divorce certificate is more than just a piece of paper. It is the legal proof that a marriage has been dissolved and an essential document for many aspects of life after divorce. From remarriage to pension claims, this certificate ensures that legal and personal transitions are recognized by government agencies, courts, and other institutions.
Although the process may seem bureaucratic, Iowa has clear procedures for requesting and obtaining certified copies. Whether you apply in Des Moines, through a county recorder, or online with VitalChek, the key is preparation: know what information is required, be ready to provide identification, and allow adequate time for processing.
By understanding the role of divorce certificates within the broader system of vital records, individuals can better manage their legal responsibilities and protect their rights. For researchers, attorneys, and families, these records also serve as vital links in the chain of personal and historical identity.