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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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Currently, there are
4,422
members searching in Iowa

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.

Search in nearby states to Iowa

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 1,205,918 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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RECENT MEMBERS IN Iowa

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Reunions

Erin
Augusta, United States of America

I was matched with my birth mother just minutes after setting up my profile. It turns out that she had been searching for me for years. It's been a joy to connect with her and the rest of my biological family.

Sarah
Buffalo, New York

I found my children after 30 years, not long after I joined! I'm glad to say it's been a happy ending to my search

Cheryl
San Diego, California

54 years it took us until we found each other. We did a DNA test to confirm! Perfect match. We spent two weeks together and have a blessed, wonderful relationship! We even look alike in so many ways. She is more than I was expecting! Thank you for your website, Adopted.com!

Rosezetta
Wadesboro, North Carolina

I was looking for the mother of my daughter in law, and found both her mother and also grandmother in only 3 days. They are planning a reunion soon. Thank you soooooo much!

Amy
Tracy, California

I found all 3 of my siblings and met them in a week. My life has changed forever! One lives in Tracy and the other two are in North Dakota.

Kate
Fairfax, Virginia

My partner's birthmother was a match here, but she hadn't checked the site in so long, and initially we couldn't get a response. The site was diligent in trying to make contact using several different methods. Support staff were understanding and dedicated. Thank you Nikki and Katharine! Patrick met his Mom last Saturday!

Chris
King City, California

Hi we have found our biological family. We couldn't do this without all our searcher's help. We send our thanks. We also found that we have two sisters that found us. We are in contact with them. A reunion coming.

Trevor
Eden Prairie, Minnesota

I came on to the website just to do research for when I wanted to try and find my birth mother. I filled out the questionaire not thinking anything of it and boom. There she was. 34 years later. We are both excited to get to know each other and eventually meet!

Liz
Perkinsville, Vermont

Thank you for reuniting me with my birth mother after 30 years.

Mary Kay
Kissimmee, Florida

It turns out my birth mother passed away in 1987 but her family knew of my birth and adoption! I have spoken to several of them. Many of the biological extended family have shared photos and memories. This journey so far has been a very positive experience!

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