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 1,205,522 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
841. Nitelite : Birth mother’s name is Rita Mae Nye. She was born May 6, 1933. Last known address is in Indiana, but she was a dancer and traveled the US.
842. SteveRhode : I was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa The adoption agency for my adoption was Florence Crittian Center Birth mother was 24 years old Birth father was in the Navy
843. Soloveo : the adobtion took place in Iowa Pamela Pettit-Noel was the adopted mother it was though Johnson County courts he was born 5/5/2000 his name is Elijah Michael Noel
844. Elnov001 : I am looking for my adopted sister. born AUGUST 11, 1965 in souix city, iowa. birth mother’s name is carol jean davis.
845. Abby17 : I was adopted thought Catholic Charities Dubuque Iowa
846. Duncan701 : Was born to Joann J Bose in sioux city ‚ IA or possibly in Michigan. in the fall (I think). May have been born at St. Luke’s hospital with Dr. Thomas Coriden as the physician (in Iowa). Not sure about information if he was born in Michigan. Father’s last name was Babcock.
847. ToniCBuckley : The adoption was handled privately by Dr. David Duncan of Prescott‚ AZ. I was a resident of AZ. I saw Dr. Duncan for my first physical appt. The adoptive parents were from Iowa. They were personal friends of his. An attorney was involved. Mr. David Lance‚ They’ve never responded to correspondence sent years ago. A social worker was involved. She sent me a letter once stating "Mr. MRs B. " were so happy and blessed. that Mr. B took work away from the city to be closer to family. I stayed with my sister on 312 polk St. Waterloo‚ IA. I completed national registry info years ago. Cannot find myself. I received e.mail in the 90’s from an adoption angel‚ i wasn’t sure if it was real. I was given driver license info‚ I never heard from angel again. I am 55‚ Baby girl" BUCKLEY" is almost 37. Fathers name HEMSATH‚ STEVE-Waterloo‚ Iowa I delivered at Allen Hospital‚ Waterloo‚ Iowa. The delivery nurse is one of my cherished memories‚ she was an angel in a very sterile old environment. Thank you. Toni C. Graybill
848. Wisconsin1944 : Betty lou Wenzel , Elizabeth lou, Milwaukee wi or Chicago Illinois. Age at birth 13-16
849. BradySmith : Donovan . Twins named Kendra and Alexis
850. BrittJJHE : Born in Des Moines Iowa Polk county Jan 1968 believe the hospital was Des Moines general, I know it has since burnt down. Hixson is the adoptive parents both deceased.
851. Blair1 : He was lived in lake wales Florida when he was born. His birth name was James Edward Sapp. He had a half sister named Reagan. He was around 5 or 6 when he was adopted. His mothers name was Nikomi Adams. His fathers name is James Sapp Jr.
852. Keishamomsearching : I know at birth I named him Breshawn Lee Thacker I know that since then his name has probably been changed! I know his adopted parents had 5 other adopted kids 1 of their own and were some kind of doctors! Thats all I know tho since it was a closed adoption! They might live in surrounding little towns because I know when we were doing my visits he had to travel a little bit
853. DianeKay1949 : Lived in Grinnell, IA all my life but found my birth certificate in 1994 in POLK county so found out I was born in DesMoines, IA but unsure of hospital. My Mom that I have been raised by for 69 years doesnt remember my birth and I found that odd and when I asked her why I was born in DesMoines she says I DON’T REMEMBER. I had to get a lawyer to find my birth certificate and when she did she told me there was a sealed document at the courthouse in DesMoines, IA that had my name on it DIANE KAY DAVENPORT. She did not attempt to get ahold of that sealed document. So go ahead to 2019 and I just found out from a living relative that I was adopted by my parents ARLENE MILDRED GRAFF DAVENPORT & WILLIAM OSCAR DAVENPORT from Grinnell, IA and this relative told me that one of my moms sisters had me but wasnt married and couldnt take care of me so ARLENE & BILL took me and raised me. I am troubled by this and want answers as to am I adopted, is the court sealed document true that it is for an ADOPTION or what is in this sealed document and WHY did a relative tell me this if it wasnt true. I just want to know who my real MOTHER was before I die. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!
854. Meme1188 : Biological Mother is Belinda Burrow (married name Belinda Miller)
855. Ashleyyoder : Clinton, Iowa Gordon Stuart -bio father Tina Dalton -bio mom
