Birth Records

Cost

Certified copies are available for $15.00 to persons of entitlement. We accept cash, checks, money orders, cashiers checks, and credit cards.  There is a 3% card fee.

Non-certified copies of birth records from Lucas County only are available and will be stamped "Not For Legal Purposes".  The fee is $5.00 per copy. We accept cash, checks, money orders, cashiers checks, and credit cards. There is a 3% card fee.

Available Records

Iowa birth records from 1983 to the current date are available in ALL counties in Iowa regardless of the county the event occurred. 

Birth events that took place in Lucas County between 1880 to 1983 are available at the Lucas County Recorder’s office. (There are some instances where the record may not be available at the county level, see below under important notice.)

Instructions

You will need a valid photo ID or driver's license, be at least 18 years old and have entitlement.

To obtain a Certified Copy of a Vital Record:

• You must be entitled to it, such as yourself, a legal parent, grandparent, spouse, brother, sister, child, legal guardian or legal representative. Representatives and legal guardians must provide additional proof of representation or guardianship.
• Applicants must be 18 or older
• You will need a valid photo ID
• Application must be in writing and completely identify the record

Vital Record Application
 

Ways to Apply

• Apply in person.
  • Make sure to bring your valid ID or driver’s license and a money order (payable to Lucas County Recorder) or credit/debit card for payment. There is a 3% card fee.
     
• Applying by mail.
  • If applying by mail, you must fill out the application with your signature notarized, and we need a copy of your valid ID or driver's license and a money order (payable to the Lucas County Recorder).
    • If you would like Lucas County to process your request, please mail your notarized completed application and payment to:
      
      Lucas County Recorder
      916 Braden Avenue
      Chariton, IA  50049
       
• Apply by phone or online through the IDHHS and VitalChek.
  • Visit the IDHHS Website for instructions.

Identification

If you do not have a valid driver's license or ID, please provide alternative identification. View Identity Documents for acceptable forms of alternative IDs.

Entitlement

Direct and Tangible Interest to a Certified Copy in Iowa

Important Notice

Lucas County has limited birth records between 1921 and 1941. 

The Lucas County Recorder’s Office does not have access to single-parent birth records prior to July 1995, nor do we have access to adoption-related birth records.

For help obtaining these records, please contact the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services – Bureau of Vital Records:

📍 Address:
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075

📞 Phone: 515-281-4944
📧 Email: vitalrecords@hhs.iowa.gov
🌐 Website: Iowa Vital Records

They are the official source for these records and can guide you through the request process.