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 1,205,521 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
1066. Lorireintsma : Twins born November 18, 1967 on the usaf base in Cheyenne, wy. 2 known siblings. Last name Armstrong.
1067. ComlyWhite2019 : My father was taken away and adopted back in 1942. For many years he knew very little about his biological family. He knew his father’s last name was White and he was taken away from his mother, because his biological father was never home or supporting him and his siblings. In the late 90’s his biological niece found him and showed us some of the family including her father which was adopted as well. As well as his mother Nellie E. Poush White, his half siblings, Beverly, Bill, and Jerry and his biological father Denver Thomas White. When I had the opportunity to talk to Denver, I asked him how many aunts and uncles I have. His answer was he was a truck driver that drove from coast o coast and he had a warm bed and cuddle buddy at every stop. So I am looking for my biological family that are the children or grandchildren of Denver Thomas White. If that names sounds like someone you know please, please contact me!
1068. Saluloff : My Dad Jim (James) luloff was adopted by Leo and deloris Luloff. They provided him a fabulous life. I would like to know who my Grandparents are.
1069. Ginger30 : I am Melissa Montgomery. I am looking for my daughter. Her name was Stormy Dawn Kalar. She was born March 20, 2001 and is now 18. At the time of adoption Stormy was 4 and my name was Melissa Pratt. Her father’s name is Blue Jay Kalar. Stormy was born in Ottumwa, Ia. Before she was adopted she lived with my foster parents Lil and Bill Perry in Washington, Ia. My life is completely different now and I am so sorry for how I failed my daughter as her mother. Stormy has 2 older brothers Jessie and Shay Pratt that were also adpoted. I am in Jessie’s life but Shay has no desire to connect and I respect his wishes. She also has an 11 year old brother that lives with me. She has never been forgotten and we all would love to meet her if she would bless me with a chance to know her.
1070. Momoffour588 : Im looking for my son jordan he would be 15 today febuary 9th i just want to know he is ok and how much i love him
1071. Dixalee : I am searching for my grandaughter Kailey and my grandson Zakkary. She would be 15 now. My name is Dixie Van Asch which was Kailey’s last name prior to adoption.
1072. Dsmith41833 : Mason City, IA, Mercy Hospital, taken in by attorney working the adoption, then adopted a few days or weeks later.
1073. CindyJackson : Florence Ann Petry Born in Dubuque County but filed June 18, 1947
1074. CindyJackson : Florence Ann Petry born Dubuque, Iowa. Dr Walter Bierring. State file number 4512. May have been files on June 18th 1947
1075. Kendra42bell : I just want to meet who he lives with and make sure he is ok
1076. Fjasmine : I am a female born in Dubuque, Iowa at Finley Hospital on November 19, 1970.
1077. Benny21 : Was born In Sioux City at St Lukes
1078. AdamHamner : I was adopted through a Lutheran adoption service. My adoption was finalized on 2/14/1979. I was born in Cedar Rapids‚ IA at St Luke’s Hospital
1079. Hrlyrider19 : I was born in Des Moines, Iowa at Des Moines General hospital (I believe). My mother’s birthdate is 4-10-61 and she may have the last name Mook, or have relations to that last name.
1080. Deckard77 : Child Aaron R Sanderson Parents Steven R Deckard and Leslie D Sanderson Born 10-12-1998 in Springfield Missouri
