Frequently Asked Questions

No, divorce records are kept in the Clerk of District Court.

Des Moines Genealogical Society: 515-276-0287

State Historical Society of Iowa: 515-281-6200

Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, Library Archives Bureau & State Historical Museum
600 E. Locust St.
Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Yes, the license is valid in any county in the state of Iowa​​​​​​.

No, there is no requirement to register at this time. For more information please review the Officiant Pamphlet.

Yes. As of July 1, 2022, the Muscatine County Genealogical Society's library is now closed for the mornings. It will re-open in mid-August at 315 W. 3rd St. N. Suite 400. Hours are Thursdays and Fridays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. There is a charge of $12.50 for research, that includes the cost of copies and postage. For any other questions, please call 641-792-1522.

If the death occurred between 1954 and the present you can obtain the record at any County Recorder’s Office in the State of Iowa. Prior to 1954, please contact the county office where the death occurred.

Requesting Death Records

If the marriage occurred between 1954 and the present you can obtain the record at any County Recorder’s Office in the State of Iowa. Prior to 1954, please contact the county office where the marriage application was filed.

Requesting Marriage Records

Muscatine County Recorder

414 E. Third St.
Suite 103
Muscatine, Iowa 52761
Phone: 563-263-7741

Please call with any questions.

Requesting Birth Records

There is no formal “registration” of Officiants in Iowa. You are authorized to solemnize marriage ceremonies in Iowa if you are:

• An Iowa judge, magistrate, or associate judge serving on the Iowa supreme court, court of appeals, or district court; or
• An individual ordained or designated as a leader of the person’s religious faith, regardless of the state of residence or service (595.10)

No. We will record your military documents at no fee and provide certified copies at no fee.

Once it is picked up from the Recorder’s Office, it is good until you are married. The Recorder’s Office will hold the paperwork for six months. If not picked up before the expiration of six months, it will expire and be unusable.

• Both parties need a current government-issued photo ID (driver’s license) or passport.
• $35 fee, cash or credit card only accepted (3% fee applies for credit card).
• One witness,18 years of age or older.  They must know both parties.

$15 per certified copy. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted (fee applies to credit card transactions).

Military discharge records are not available to anyone who cannot prove they are entitled to the record. Identification must be given to prover entitlement (unless the record is 62 years or older).

Divorce records are court actions, so they are kept at the Clerk of Court: 563-263-6511.

Entitlement to a record includes the person named on the record, or the person’s spouse, children, legal parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, or legal representative or guardian (legal guardians and representatives must provide proof of guardianship or representation). Applicant must be 18 years old or older.