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 1,205,515 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
181. KaraNDuffy1997 : I do not know much about my birth mom but I know she was about the age of 17 when she had me. I was born at methodist in des moines iowa. Im not sure where she is living now.
182. Jeanandelvis35 : I was born in Albert Lea, MN and adopted from Lutheran Brotherhood in Mason City, IA. Have a wonderful adopted family, just looking for information on where I came from. Thanks!
183. 53017304 : I was recently informed that my mother gave up a child for adoption after birth in approximately 1947. Her name was Essie Louise Dennis and went by Louise. Her parents were Charles and Leora Dennis. This would have occurred in or near Cedar Rapids, IA. My mother Louise died in 1979.
184. Jimmielcooper : I was adopted from the Bethany Children’s Home in Bettendorf Iowa. I was born in Monmouth Illinois according to the birth certificate. I was adopted by Moses and Bertha Carter however my birth certificate says My father’s name was Jimmie Cooper. I am bi racial but not sure what races. I am looking for either parent but especially interested in finding any possible siblings.
185. JohnW1968 : Birth father surname Williams Born at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames, IA
186. Jpolacek : Looking for a baby boy born in Mason city, Iowa on Aug. 28, 1973.
187. KLC73 : I am looking for my birth parents. I was born in Des Moines, IA on January, 8, 1973. I was born at Broadlawns Medical Center at 10:28 PM. I was placed in foster care for about a month while the adoption was finalized.
188. Cbryant33 : No information known on birth family. Born May 3, 1954 at 4:21pm in Ottumwa, Iowa in Wapello County, Iowa. Attending physician was Edward W. Ebinger. No other information is known. May have been adopted in September, 1954.
189. Gernaveus : I was born at St Lukes in Sioux City, Iowa. This was a private adoption, i believe arranged by doctors, possibly Rowney.
190. Heatherkloucek : I was born at St. Lukes Hospital in Sioux City,IA.
191. WarriorCross : Shirley Cross (Doolittle), Nina Doolittle, David Henry Cross
192. PrinceOfosu : I am looking for a caring mother
193. PIBaker : I am looking for a boy that was adopted in 1969. His siblings are looking for him. He was born around Omaha, Nebraska and was born at Methodist Hospital. Not sure if he was born in Omaha or if he was born near Omaha. His first name is Robert.
194. Hood1967 : The county was wright..and a last name on the certificate for biological mother is Franzen. was not franzen was rickels
195. Erwiebe : Looking for Twins (my half siblings) born approx 1959, don’t know birth mother’s name but she was approx 15-16 at the time of their birth. Birth father was Jerome Hinsch born Aug 12, 1942 and joined the Navy at 17. Twins may have been raised by birth mother’s parents or not adopted. Birth mother’s parents told father he was not allowed to be a part of their lives. Hoping they are looking for their biological father’s family.
