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 1,205,528 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
901. 8882 : Not looking to cause any problems‚ just want to know who I am! Was raised by wonderful patents who have passed away! Came from the Catholic children’s home I believe Sister Mary Zita in Des monies Iowa ! Adopted from Mercy Hospital through a lawyer from what i understand
902. Jtiano : Born in Des Moines, IA baby boy Martinez. My parents who adopted me are the Tianos.
903. Skyblue10 : Looking for any siblings that might have born in 1967 or 1968 or 1969 The hospital could’ve been in Washington state or Salt Lake City Utah. The birth mother Joyce Elizabeth Chaston was a young mother at the time between 24 years old to 26 years old from Salt Lake City Utah. At the time could of had more children her last names she had was Binch, Rasmussen, Armitage, Taylor, Monge and maybe Murphey
904. Lorettakopitzke : My mother was adopted by Walter D. and Minnie G. Wilson while in Des Moines, Iowa. My mothers name was Maxine Bernice Wilson (Munson). She attended Wallace School in Des Moines, Iowa in 1923. Thank you for your assistance with this.
905. LisaB1979 : Last name of Schafbuch. Place of birth Ladora, Grinnell or Marengo Iowa, Iowa county Iowa
906. Mama2Boys : Alykszandar Fogle and Nikias Anthony. Des Moines Mercy Hospital.
907. Bear14 : Looking for birth mother. Would like to meet her if she wants. Will be in Iowa May 3rd to the 6th of this year.
908. Lost7229 : My name is Misty Dawn Rodriguez (Klein) maiden My son would be turning 30 and I just want to meet you Cameron I’ve waited seems like forever.. Your adopted parents took u to LONG ISLAND NEW YORK..
909. LauraFriedel : has 8 sibling and was adopted out with one of his sisters adopted dad past away they lived in New Providence, Iowa when adoption took place i have received 2 pictures since last contact one picture was with the adopted father and adopted mother and him is biological sister and other kids that are male then 2nd picture was told taken after adopted father passed away and was with adopted mother him and his biological sister and some of the other boys. Both him and his sister are very loved and missed.
910. LauraFriedel : She is one of 8 kids. However was only adopted out with one other sibling and which was one of her old brothers. adopted dad past away they lived in New Providence, Iowa when adoption took place i have received 2 pictures since last contact one picture was with the adopted father and adopted mother and her biological brother and other kids that are male then 2nd picture was told taken after adopted father passed away and was with adopted mother him and her biological brother and some of the other boys. Her and her brother are very much loved and missed.
911. Nessanielsen : Adriean Gomez
912. Olivia0267 : my birth moms name is clarissa. im looking for my birth-father nicknamed vegas.
913. Itsmignonne : Born at John Gaston hospital, TN.
914. EmilyFox : I was born at Mercy Hospital in DesMoines, Ia on July 4, 1981. My adoption didn’t last more than the necessary time frame back then. My birth mother’s name is Teri Lynne See and my Birth Farher on my adoption papers is Jeffrey L. Harper and all I know is he lived in Iowa, I have no idea what town but assume in the vicinity of DesMoines and Carlisle, Ia area.
915. Nmuir : It is very important for my sons to find their adopted brother to know we are searching for him. Birth mother. Judy birth father Tim from Independence‚ Iowa.
