Vital Records

The City of Des Moines is not responsible for birth, marriage or death certificates, but we are happy to provide you with information on how to obtain these vital records.

Polk County Recorder
Responsible for:

  • Marriage licenses and marriage certificates
  • Polk County birth certificates
  • Polk County death certificates
  • Deeds & Contracts
  • State & Federal Tax Liens
  • Mortgages
  • Assignments
  • Releases
  • Plats & Surveys
  • Easements
  • Military Records


Contact the Polk County Recorder at (515) 286-3160 or their website.

State of Iowa Department of Public Health
Responsible for:

  • Iowa birth certificates for people not born in Polk County
  • For Iowa death records not available at the Recorder’s Office

Contact the State of Iowa Department of Public Health at (515) 281-4944 or their website.

Polk County Election Office
Responsible for:

  • Voter registration

Office Hours:
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Polk County Administrative Building
111 Court Ave Suite 250
Des Moines, IA 50309

Contact the Polk County Election Office at (515) 286-3247 or their website.