IAGenWeb Franklin County > Records

Note: While Iowans were asked to register births and deaths beginning in 1880, registration did not become mandatory until 1921. Consequently, between 1880-1921 the records are incomplete, particularly in the earlier years.

County Records

At the county level, all vital records occurring in that county (excluding fetal death, adoptive records, and out-of-wedlock births prior to July 1, 1995) are open to the public for inspection. County offices may set and charge a reasonable fee to inspect the records.

To secure a certified copy of a record from the county-of-event, applicants must have direct or tangible interest in the record. In other words, you must be the registrant (person named on the record) or have a lineal relationship to the registrant, such as a legal parent, grandparent, spouse, brother, sister, child, legal guardian, or legal representative. All requests or applications for each certificate must be in writing and include the purpose for the certificate.

State Records

Vital records maintained at the state level are closed to inspection and are not open to public inspection.

To secure a certified copy of a record from the state, applicants must have the same direct and tangible entitlement as for a county record. Requests may be in writing or by telephone using a credit card.

Fees

At both the county and state level, a fee of $15.00 is required for each record search conducted, with a copy issued if one is found. If the record is not found, a record search letter, also called a no-record letter, will be provided. The fee is not refundable.