Birth Records
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 "Muscatine County Recorder".
Non-certified, plain paper copies of birth records from Muscatine County only are available and will be stamped "Not For Legal Purposes."
Available Records
Birth records for Muscatine County are available for years 1880 to 1920 and 1942 to present. The records for the years 1921 to 1941 are on file at the Iowa Department of Public Health. Adoptee's birth certificates and births to unwed mothers, prior to 1987, are on file with the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Certified Iowa birth certificates for the years 1985 to present are available at any Recorder's office in the State of Iowa.
Instructions
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
How to Request A Vital Record Vital Record Application
Ways to Apply
- Apply in person.
- Make sure to bring your valid ID or driver’s license and a check or money order (payable to Muscatine County Recorder) or credit/debit card for payment.
- 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 a check or money order (payable to the Muscatine County Recorder).
- If you would like Muscatine County to process your request, please mail your notarized completed application and payment to:
Muscatine County Recorder
414 E. Third St.
Suite 103
Muscatine, IA 52761
- If you would like Muscatine County to process your request, please mail your notarized completed application and payment to:
- 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 a check or money order (payable to the Muscatine County Recorder).
- Apply by phone or 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