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
1246. Allison1960 : Born and adopted in Sioux City, IA through Florence Crittenton home. Searching for birth parents and any family.
1247. Aanderson3377 : When he got adopted along side with me his name was jonnie he changed it to that but before it was Gianni Antonio Izaguiree. I really need to find him to see if he is okay I don’t know where he is and I haven’t seen him since he got Put in shelter I miss my brother I’m his big sister and I really need to know if he is ok
1248. Asmall1964 : Birthmother was Sandra Sue Pidcock, McMullen, Estep, Weaver. We do not know if there are more siblings out there. Nor do we know where or when this person was born except maybe 60’s and 70’s. I have done GED match and 23 & me.
1249. IowaFarmGirl54 : I am looking for a son that was born to my maternal aunt, Ruth Elaine Smith (deceased). I don’t know his name or dates but I am pretty sure the adoption took place in or near Tama county, Iowa around the 1970’s. The boy would be half Indian.
1250. IowaFarmGirl54 : My aunt Ruth lived in a county home in Toledo, Tama county, Iowa and was later moved to a facility in Woodward, Iowa and then on to a care home in Mason City, Iowa. Her son would have probably been born in or near Toledo or Woodward, Iowa and possibly in the 1970’s.
1251. Jobill : Am searching for birth mom. Born December 18 1970 in Storm Lake Iowa.Believe she could be in her 80’s. Eileen is believed to be her 1st name. Shelley, Scholey?? Last name. Husband ? Maybe was Vince. Birth father is possible Delbert Myers. Biological parents were both married. Dad passed away, before I knew how to ask. Time is short... Please and thank you. Amy
1252. Tmangold : looking for birthparents. female born 11/04/1970 in DesMoines at Iowa Methodist Hospital at 12:18 pm. Both mother and Father were 19 yrs old. Adopted through Iowa Family Services.
1253. Vyckie72 : UPDATE: I have found my birth mom and we have reunited. I am still looking for my birth father. I do have a name for him now. His name is Wilbert "Woody" Brodnax or Broadnax and was last known to still live in Rock Island‚ IL. My birthmother’s name is Elizabeth Scott from Rock Island‚ IL but I was born in Davenport‚ Iowa. I have done my DNA through AncestryDNA.com and 23 and me. I am also listed with FamilyTreeDNA.com and GEDMATCH.com. So if this sounds like someone you know or if this could be you please get in touch with me. Thank you. Vyckie
1254. BKorver : I was born at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa and was told my mother’s last name was Knight and she was around 15 or 16 at the time of my birth.
1255. Kuangi95 : I was born in Polk County, IA on 9/12/1972. I was adopted shortly after that in a private adoption. Birth mom had red hair, blue eyes, fair skin and weighed about 115 pounds at the time. She would be about 67 in 2020. Birth father is David Buber. Searching for birth mom and any siblings.
1256. JuleeStoesz : I have found my birth father(he past away 5 years ago. His name was Melvin Chambers. Im currently looking for my birth mother. I belive her first name is Carol. Im not sure of the spelling and I don’t have a last name. I have developed a personal relationship with my fathers sister, Betty and her family. The rest of the family has passed away including Betty’s Children. According to hospital on my birth certificate, I was never born there. This was in Iowa City, Iowa. I currently live in MN with my husband, my son and future daughter-in-law and granddaughter. I have 2 other daughters and an additional grandson and son in law. I have an awesome adopted family and am very happy.
1257. Dave683 : Searching for birth parents. Male born in Ames, Iowa, February 28, 1970, at Mary Greeley Memorial Hospital at 1:01 pm.
1258. Monar : CITY OF Waterloo Dr. VERNON PLAGER was doctor arranged adoption Mother’s name was Virginia Ellen Bozell
1259. Breebree1 : When born his name was Tyler Smart . Moms name is Jaimie smart . We been looking for you
1260. Pam2649johnson : Catholic Charities Father first Name Tim Mercy Hospital - Des Moines, Iowa
