Birth Records
The Jackson County Recorder has records for births 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.
Births from 1985 to the current date are available electronically in all counties in Iowa, regardless of where the event occurred.
When requesting a certified birth 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 Jackson County Recorder. All certified copies are $15 each.
Vital Record Application Proof of Entitlement - Geneaology
If the event occurred in Jackson County, and you would like us to process it, please mail your completed application to:
Jackson County Recorder
201 W. Platt St.
Maquoketa, IA 52060
Uncertified copies of birth records are available in the office for a fee of $5.00 per record. Those out-of-county or out-of-state persons wishing to secure genealogical information can contact the office directly at 563-652-2504 to discuss options on how to obtain the requested record and fees. Office hours for Genealogical research are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Records from 1921 to 1941, single-parent births prior to 1995, and adoption records are kept at the state level. The application may be brought in to the Jackson County Recorder's office for ordering or mailed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 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 birth record via phone through the HHS, please follow the instructions on the back of the Vital Record Application or on their website with the link below.
