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 1,205,518 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
211. Tink71 : Halstead
212. Momwilson : my father was born in Iowa City, Iowa on June 15, 1950. He was adopted within the first two years of life, probably younger. His birth certificate was lost when his adopted father passed away 18 years ago.
213. Elnora83 : I am looking for Anthony Xavier Robinson and Joy Marie Robinson My biological mothers name is Rebecca and my biological fathers name is Kelvin Leon Robinson.
214. Abair058 : I was born in Mason City Iowa. My birth parents were both 16 years old at the time of birth
215. Mary2964 : Was born February 9,1964 at Iowa City, Iowa University Hospital. Was adopted from Fort Dodge Lutherans Home finding Society in Ft. Dodge, Ia. Was giving the name Kimberly Green. Adoption was finalized in March of 1967. Upon requesting my non identifying info mother was 21 yrs old when she had me. Father was from California. Come from the german and Irish descent. Please help me find my family!
216. Kkofka : I was born at Doctors Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, and Kalman Musin was the attorney who handled my adoption. My biological mother’s name at birth was Judy Ann Dittmer. I would love to find any member of my birth family.
217. Kkofka : I was born at Doctors Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa on Feb. 9, 1965. My biological mother’s name was Judy Ann Dittmer at birth.
218. Beth39 : I am searching for a child my mother gave up when she was young. Born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Davenport, IA. Dr. McCabe and the attorney was max Christy. Birth mother’s name is Patricia Coonfare ( married name is Patricia Whitaker) and birth father’s name is Don Hauman.
219. Mkrn1968 : I only know my biological parents were going to college in Mason City, Iowa
220. Iowagirl1969 : I was born June 20th 1969 at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines Iowa. It was a private adoption through a lawyer possible name Cogshell. My birth mother was young, single, and a beautician. She was from a small town and went to Des Moines to have me. I don’t know anything about my birth father. I am interested in finding birth parents and siblings.
221. Greg3883 : Was born in Des Moines IA. 9/27/1965
222. CMC1 : My dad was adopted and knows nothing about his birth parents. All I know is that he was born at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa and his parents were young, maybe 17.
223. Nullbentmywookie : He was born in Des Moines, Iowa. Given birth name is Lyle William Paulus. His mom was 19 and his dad was 20something. They were and remained unwed due to religious differences. One was Dutch Catholic. Trying to help my dad find his parents or their families.
224. Cjmeyer : The baby girl is was given up for adoption at birth sometime between 1951 and 1957 possibly. Born in Marshalltown, Iowa to a Jayne Nesbit. We think that the adoption was through a Church rather than an agency.
225. RyanGuerra : My great aunt passed away a few years ago but we know she had at least 3 children. She gave up 2 from what we knownof and kept the last one. We have met one of her other children, a male from nebraska, but we believe the other child to be a female. It was rumoured her name was Terry(may be spelled differently, if at all) My great aunt’s birth name was Patricia K Galivan born in Iowa on April 28,1949. She was later married and kept the same last name of Roberts even after their separation. We think that this missing child was living in New Orleans, but don’t know for sure or if she is even alive after what had happened there. We think she called once to contact us, but my late great grandfather had stubbornly told her to leave us alone. We are dying to meet her or at least know more about her. My aunt’s last child was born in 1971, so I would assume that our cousin would had to have been born in the 1960’s because that puts my aunt in her teen years. Please help.
