Death Records
The Des Moines County Recorder has records for deaths occurring in our county starting in 1880. Each certified copy is $15.00. Those requesting certified copies must prove entitlement (immediate family) before acquiring a copy.
Deaths from 1954 to the current date are available electronically in all counties in Iowa, regardless of where the event occurred in the state.
When requesting a certified death record by mail, all completed applications must be notarized and a photocopy of the applicant's valid driver's license or other government-issued picture ID is required. We accept a check or money order made payable to the Des Moines County Recorder. All certified copies are $15 each.
Proof of Entitlement - Genealogy
Proof of Entitlement - Attorney
If the event occurred in Des Moines County, and you would like us to process it, please mail your completed application to:
Des Moines County Recorder
513 N. Main St.
Burlington, IA 52601
Uncertified copies of death records are available in the office only, for a fee of $5.00 per record. Those out-of-county or out-of-state persons wishing to secure genealogical information will be referred to the local genealogical association. Office hours for Genealogical research are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Records from 1921 to 1941 are kept on the state level. The application may be brought in to the Des Moines County Recorder's office for ordering or mailed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (IDHHS) address in Des Moines, Iowa:
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075
To order a death record via phone through the IDHHS, please follow the instructions on the back of the Vital Record Application or on their website with the link below.
