Fort Madison residents obtain birth certificates through Lee County’s unique dual county seat system, with records maintained by the South Lee County Recorder in Keokuk. Whether your child was born at Fort Madison Community Hospital or Great River Medical Center, certified copies are essential for school enrollment, sports participation, and travel documentation. The recorder’s office in Keokuk serves the entire county, including Fort Madison families, creating a short drive across Lee County for this important service. Many residents combine certificate requests with other business in the southern county seat.
✓ Official Lee County Information
Vital Records & Certificates in Fort Madison, IowaSouth Lee County Recorder
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the South Lee County Recorder. We also offer expedited passport services for Fort Madison residents with 3-day processing.
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❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Fort Madison residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
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3-Day ServiceCertificate + Passport✓
Error-FreeWe check everything📞
Personal SupportDedicated managerBirth Certificates in Fort Madison
Requirements
Valid photo identification, payment, proof of direct and tangible interest in the record
💵 Fee: Certified copy $15, additional copies $15 each
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Fort Madison
Couples planning weddings with Mississippi River backdrops or ceremonies at historic venues like the Old Fort Madison site obtain marriage licenses from the Lee County Recorder. Iowa requires no waiting period, making it popular for destination weddings. The recorder’s office in Keokuk processes applications for couples throughout Lee County, including Fort Madison residents who appreciate the scenic river valley setting for their celebrations.
Requirements
Both applicants present with valid photo ID, Social Security numbers, dissolution decrees if previously married
💵 Fee: Marriage license $35
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Fort Madison
Death certificates for Lee County residents are available through the South Lee County Recorder in Keokuk. The office serves families throughout the county, including Fort Madison, processing requests for insurance claims, estate settlement, and Social Security benefits. These certified documents are frequently needed by attorneys handling probate matters and family members settling final affairs.
Requirements
Valid photo identification, proof of direct and tangible interest
💵 Fee: Certified copy $15, additional copies $15 each
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Fort Madison
Lee County District Court maintains divorce records and provides certified copies of dissolution decrees. These documents are crucial for remarriage applications, property transfers, and updating legal status. Court staff efficiently handles requests from Fort Madison residents and others throughout the county’s unique two-seat governmental system.
Requirements
Valid photo identification, case number recommended
💵 Fee: Certified copies vary by document length, typically $5-20
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Fort Madison
Due to Lee County’s dual county seat system, vital records are processed at the South Lee County Recorder office at 25 N 7th Street in Keokuk, approximately 20 miles south of Fort Madison. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. From Fort Madison, take Highway 61 south directly to Keokuk. Street parking is available near the courthouse area. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Allow extra travel time when planning your visit, as this requires driving between the two county seats.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ South Lee County Recorder
Address
25 N 7th St, Keokuk, IA 52632, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Monday
Tuesday
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Get Directions
From Fort Madison, take US Highway 61 south for approximately 20 miles to Keokuk. The South Lee County Recorder is located at 25 N 7th Street in downtown Keokuk near the courthouse square.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Lee County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Fort Madison residents with 3-day expedited service.
⏱️Complete in 10 minutes online
✓Name change handled
🚀3-day delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Fort Madison, Iowa
Why do I need to go to Keokuk for certificates if I live in Fort Madison?
▼Lee County is unique among Iowa’s 99 counties in having two county seats – Fort Madison and Keokuk. Vital records are handled by the South Lee County Recorder in Keokuk, while other governmental functions are divided between the two cities. This arrangement dates back to the 1800s.
How far is the drive from Fort Madison to the vital records office?
▼The South Lee County Recorder in Keokuk is approximately 20 miles south of Fort Madison via US Highway 61. The drive typically takes 25-30 minutes depending on traffic. Plan for about an hour round trip plus time for your certificate transaction.
Are there any vital records services available directly in Fort Madison?
▼Due to Lee County’s dual seat system, certified vital records must be obtained from the South Lee County Recorder in Keokuk. However, some basic information and forms may be available at Fort Madison city offices to help prepare for your trip to Keokuk.
Can I handle multiple types of certificates in one trip to Keokuk?
▼Yes, the South Lee County Recorder can process multiple types of vital records during a single visit. This is efficient for Fort Madison residents making the drive to Keokuk. Bring all necessary documentation and fees to handle birth, death, and marriage certificates in one trip.
What are the office hours in Keokuk for Lee County vital records?
▼The South Lee County Recorder office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. They are closed weekends and holidays. Given the drive from Fort Madison, it’s wise to call ahead to confirm hours and avoid making the trip unnecessarily.
Is there parking available near the recorder’s office in Keokuk?
▼Yes, street parking is available along N 7th Street and surrounding downtown Keokuk streets near the recorder’s office. The courthouse area typically has adequate parking for visitors conducting county business.
Can I mail my vital records request to avoid the drive to Keokuk?
▼Yes, the South Lee County Recorder accepts mail-in requests. Send completed applications, copies of ID, proof of relationship, and appropriate fees to 25 N 7th St, Keokuk, IA 52632. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing and return mail, plus mailing time.
What should I bring for my trip to Keokuk from Fort Madison?
▼Bring valid photo ID, exact fees (cash, check, or money order), and any required proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate. Having complete information like full names, dates, and places will speed up the process during your visit.
Are there other county services in Fort Madison I should know about?
▼Yes, Fort Madison serves as one of Lee County’s two county seats, so many other county services are available locally. Only vital records require the trip to Keokuk. Check with local county offices to see what services are available without traveling between the county seats.
Can someone else pick up my certificate if I can’t make the drive?
▼Yes, but they must bring their own valid ID plus a notarized authorization letter from you. Given the distance between Fort Madison and Keokuk, many residents use this option to avoid making the trip personally when urgent certificates are needed.
Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Fort Madison residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Lee County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs
Need Your Certificate Faster?
Expedited passport service available for Fort Madison residents