Vital Records
Requesting a Certified Copy of Birth, Death, or Marriage
To obtain a Certified Copy of a Vital Record:
- You must be entitled to it, such as yourself, a legal parent, grandparent, spouse, brother, sister, child, legal guardian, or legal representative.
- Representatives and legal guardians must provide additional proof of representation or guardianship.
- Applicants must be 18 or older.
- You will need a valid photo ID.
- Application must be in writing and completely identify the record.
Available Records
Deaths from 1954 to the current date are available electronically in all counties in Iowa, regardless of where the event occurred. Deaths from 1953 & older are available only at the county level. Our county death records begin in 1896 and run to the present day. Gap in county-level records that are only available from the state: 1921 - 1941 and January 1903 - November 1906.
Birth Certificates
- Born 1984 to Present – you can go to any county in Iowa.
- Born 1983 and Older – you must go to the county where you were born.
Death Certificates
- Passed away 1954 to Present – you can go to any county in Iowa.
- Passed away 1953 and older – you must go to the county where the person passed away.
- Please note: If a person passed away in a different state, you would need to request a death certificate from that state. For example, if a person is from Iowa but passes away in Wisconsin, you will need to request a death certificate from the state of Wisconsin.
Marriage Certificate
- Is married in 1954 to Present - you can go to any county in Iowa
- Is married in 1953 and older – you must go to the county where you applied for your license
Cost
Certified copies are available for $15.00 to persons of entitlement. Must pay with cash or check; we can only accept credit/debit cards when in person. Please make checks payable to "Clayton County Recorder".
Non-certified, plain paper copies of birth records from Clayton County only are available and will be stamped "Not For Legal Purposes."
Ways to Apply
Apply in Person
Make sure to bring your valid ID or driver’s license and cash, or a check or money order (payable to Clayton County Recorder). Credit/debit card payments are allowed, but do charge an additional fee.
Apply by Mail
Please mail the following:
- An application with a notarized signature
- Copy of your valid ID or Driver's License
- Check or money order (payable to the Clayton County Recorder)
- $15 per Certified Copy
Our mailing address is:
Clayton County Recorder
111 High Street NE Suite 103
Elkader, IA 52043
Apply by Phone or Online
Apply online through the IDHHS and VitalChek. Visit the IDHHS Website for instructions.
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
Genealogy Purpose
Birth and Death Certificates go back to the 1880s. Marriage Certificates go back to the 1840s.