Death Records
Alert
The Iowa DOT released an announcement that Iowa Mobile ID is available in the Apple Store and Google Play. The app allows residents to keep a digital version of their Iowa-issued driver’s license or ID on their smartphone.
For Vital Records and Notary purposes, the physical driver's license is still required. Per instructions from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services the Cedar County Recorder's Office will not be accepting any Iowa Mobile ID's presented to our office.
The Cedar 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.
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 Cedar County Recorder. All certified copies are $15 each.
Proof of Entitlement - Genealogy
If the event occurred in Cedar County, and you would like us to process it, please mail your completed application to:
Cedar County Recorder
400 Cedar St., Suite 105
Tipton, IA 52772
Uncertified copies of death records are available in the office for a fee of $0.25 per record. Those out-of-county or out-of-state persons wishing to secure genealogical information can contact the office directly at 563-886-2230 to discuss options on how to obtain the requested record and fees. Office hours for Genealogical research are 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Records from 1921 to 1941 are kept on the state level. The application may be brought in to the Cedar County Recorder's office for ordering or mailed to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) address in Des Moines, Iowa:
Iowa Department of Public Health
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 IDPH, please follow the instructions on the back of the Vital Record Application or on their website with the link below.
