Iowa Adoption Records
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Accessing Iowa Adoption Records
Iowa adoption records are sealed, and you can only access them with a court petition. However, Iowa recently began allowing adoptees to obtain copies of their original birth certificates. This document usually lists the birth parents’ names, unless they’ve requested to remain anonymous.
Like in many other states, accessing adoption records in Iowa can be a long and overwhelming process. At Adopted.com, we created a better way to quickly connect family members through mutual consent.
When you join Adopted.com, you can search for biological relatives in Iowa and across the country. You don’t need to fill out a complicated form or plead your case to a court. You just need to answer ten easy questions about the adoption, which most people already know.
We have the largest voluntary adoption reunion registry in the United States. Whether you’re in Dubuque, Sioux City, or anywhere in between, you have the opportunity to reunite with your birth family on Adopted.com.
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4,422 Are Iowa Adoption Records Public?
No. Iowa seals all records once an adoption is finalized. These records aren’t accessible without a court order showing good cause to open them.
While Iowa adoption records are sealed, adult adoptees can request some information from their files, including medical histories. This information won’t include the birth parents’ names.
How to Find Adoption Records in Iowa
In 2022, a new state law went into effect that allows an adult adoptee born in Iowa to get a non-certified copy of their original birth certificate. This document will have the names of the adoptee’s biological parents. However, birth parents can request to redact their names if they don’t want them released.
If you want to obtain your original birth certificate, complete an application with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). Your application must be notarized. Submit the notarized application, a copy of a government-issued photo ID, and a fee to IDPH Bureau of Health Statistics in Des Moines. You can mail the form or submit it to the bureau in person.
Only adoptees over the age of 18 can request original birth certificates in Iowa. However, other relatives can get these records if an adoptee has died. These include an adoptee’s spouse, children, grandchildren, and their adoptive parents, siblings, and grandparents.
After making your request, the state estimates it will take six to eight weeks to get an original birth certificate.
How to Unseal Adoption Records in Iowa
For adoption records besides the original birth certificate, you need to petition the court for access. Complete an adoption affidavit form, which requires you to provide a reason for the request. Have the form notarized and file it with the court that handled the adoption.
If you’re trying to locate a birth relative, you have one other option through the state. Iowa has a Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry for adoptees, birth parents, and biological siblings. If you and one of your family members both join the registry, the state will notify you of the match. There’s no guarantee there will be a match, and the state will not conduct a search for your birth relatives.
You can register with the country registrar’s office where you live. Country registrars usually work in county courthouses or county administration offices. You must pay a fee and provide a copy of your birth certificate to join the registry.
Are Adoptions Closed in Iowa?
In Iowa, adoptions can be open or closed. An open adoption means the adoptive family knows the birth parents’ identities. The birth mother or both birth parents may have ongoing contact with the child through phone calls, social media, or in-person visits. In a closed adoption, the birth parents’ identities remain confidential, and they have no contact with the child after the adoption.
Whether an adoption is open or closed, Iowa seals all adoption records. You can only access them by petitioning the court.
Let Adopted.com help you find your lost family today!
Adopted.com is a powerful adoption reunion registry designed to help you reconnect with your birth parents. By registering, you gain access to a growing database of over 1,205,526 profiles, increasing your chances of finding your biological relatives. The platform respects your privacy and allows you to update your profile anytime.
Registration is free, and the unique search tool ensures measurable match results. When you find your birth parents, remember to approach the reunion with an open heart and understanding, as it can be an emotionally significant experience for everyone involved.
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Iowa Who Chose To Be Featured
1666. Collinjeffords1 : I’m Collin Joseph jeffords born usc medical center Los Angeles adoptive Scott Allen jeffords Julie Anne Fredricksen marriage name ( jeffords) Sioux City Iowa I currently reside in Lincoln Nebraska thanks
1667. Sharon0927 : I was adopted with my twin sister in Dubuque‚ Iowa at 6 weeks of age on 11/5/1964. We were born in Iowa City iowa on 9/27/1964. I was told the last name of my birthmother was VanDeWalker.
1668. LexMoore : 10 years ago my mother unknowingly to my siblings‚ the father‚ and myself‚ gave my younger sibling up for adoption. I have no information other than an estimated date of birth‚ we are from Michigan‚ they would be around 10 years old if born on the days she went to the hospital‚ and they would be white indigenous and latino/a mixed. My main concern is to make sure they are safe.
1669. Inoe1 : Our mother is Paula Morataya Coyan
1670. Luke80 : Decorah Iowa birth place April 26 1980
1671. JohnOakley : In 1963/64‚ Cathleen Neumann left Marion‚ IA for Des Moines‚ IA to stay at a home for pregnant teenagers. She delivered a baby in June of 1964. I believe she had a girl but unsure. The baby’s father is Tom Oakley (my father). Cathleen’s family moved to Hiawatha‚ IA sometime after the delivery. I know very little else about the event. The baby was adopted but the adoptive parents and location are unknown. Cathleen (since married) lives in Sun City‚ AZ currently. Looking for information regarding the baby girl who’s birthday is 24 June‚ 1964.
1672. Justfoundout777 : My sister and I were cleaning out moms house after she recently passed. We found adoption paperwork for an adoption that took place in Blackhawk County in 1969. She gave birth to a baby girl. We want to meet our sister if she wants to meet us.
1673. Ariadna4 : My mother had a baby in the spring of 1964. The best we can determine is April or May. We do not know an exact date. She lived in Rockwell City‚ Iowa at the time. Likely had the baby in Lake City. The baby was immediately given up for adoption.
1674. Brookesophia : She was born in Iowa City. I just want to know if she has a good family and how she’s been.
1675. Kayden7106 : I am the father of Kayden Tyler Woodard he was 9 when he was taken from me I’m lost without him I just need to know he’s alive and ok please help me
1676. KDaranceM : Memorial Hospital Burlington Iowa Dr. W.C. Friday Highlands Adoption Agency
1677. Rosemmilano : Birth Mother was Florence Faligo‚ 20‚ from Oelwein IA ‚ Dr. Galvin was the attending physician. Child was born at her Father’s home in Oelwein. There is no information regarding the Birth Father’s identity.
1678. TedStoltze : I live in Iowa and was born in July 1963. I believe I was adopted shortly after. All I know about my birth parents is that my birth mom was 15 and my birth father was 18. I believe I was adopted out of Florence Crittenton Center in Sioux City Iowa. I never asked my adopted parents any information out of respect. My parents have passed so curious if I have any birth relatives.
1679. Shauna01 : Looking for my half brother. He was born at Mercy Hospital in Sioux City IA. The agency my mother went through to give him up for adoption was Florence Crittenton Center in Sioux City. He was born in November 1991. My mother believes the date is either between November 14th-16th. She is not 100% positive. The father was not in the picture. This is all I know.
1680. JeremyLBehrend75 : I was born at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo‚ IA‚ Blackhawk County. I am looking for my birth parents and biological siblings. I need to know medical and Mental Health history.
