Death Records
*Same day service in the Vital Records Department ends at 3:30pm*
Death Certificates for insurance policies, estate settlement, real estate transfers etc…
You may use the form provided here to write to us or you can come in and see us. A fee of $15.00 is required for each request. Accepted forms of payment include cash, check, credit card (Mastercard, Visa, Discover) and money order. We do not have death records prior to July 1, 1941.
For records we do not have, you may contact the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. You can contact them by phone at (515) 281-4944.
You may also use the "Request a copy of a county Vital Record"* form provided below, write to us or come in and see us. A fee of $15.00 is required for each request. Cash, Credit Card (Mastercard, Visa, Discover), check or money orders are accepted.
Mail your request and photocopy of your ID to:
Polk County Recorder
Attn: Vital Records
111 Court Avenue
Suite #245
Des Moines IA 50309
Once we receive your request we’ll mail it out the following day.