Vital Records & Certificates in Urbandale, IowaDepartment of Health and Human Services Vital Records

Urbandale families rely on certified vital records for school enrollment in the acclaimed Urbandale Community School District, passport applications for international travel, and various life transitions. Whether registering children for activities at the community center, applying for driver’s licenses, or handling estate matters, residents regularly need these essential documents to navigate bureaucratic requirements in this growing Des Moines suburb.

Urbandale birth certificates are processed through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office located at 321 E 12th Street in nearby Des Moines. Babies born at UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center or MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center require certified birth certificates for school enrollment in the highly-rated Urbandale Community School District. Parents frequently need these documents when registering for youth programs at the Urbandale Community Center or applying for passports before family trips. The state charges $20 for the first certified copy, with additional copies costing $15 each. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days for in-person requests, though mail orders may require up to two weeks during busy periods.

Couples planning weddings at elegant venues like Hyperion Field Club or the scenic Living History Farms obtain marriage licenses through the Polk County Recorder’s office in downtown Des Moines. Iowa requires a three-day waiting period after license issuance, though this can be waived by completing a premarital education course. The license remains valid for 20 days from issuance, giving couples flexibility for outdoor ceremonies at Walker Johnston Park or intimate gatherings at local reception halls. License fees in Polk County are $35, payable by cash, check, or money order. Both parties must appear together with valid photo identification and complete the application in person.

Death certificates for Urbandale residents are issued by Iowa Vital Records, whether the passing occurred at local healthcare facilities or elsewhere in the metro area. Families typically need multiple copies for insurance claims, estate settlement, and Social Security administration. The Iowa Department of Health processes these requests with fees of $20 for the first copy and $15 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Expedited service is available for urgent matters involving probate court proceedings or immediate travel needs.

Divorce records for cases processed in Polk County are maintained by the Polk County Clerk of Court. Former Urbandale residents often need certified copies when remarrying, applying for loans, or updating beneficiary information. Court records are accessible with proper identification and payment of applicable fees. The clerk’s office provides both in-person service at the Polk County Courthouse and mail-order options for those living outside the Des Moines area.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records office at 321 E 12th Street operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Visitors can park in nearby metered spaces or the Kaleidoscope parking ramp on Grand Avenue. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards. For Polk County marriage licenses and court records, visit the Polk County Administration Building at 111 Court Avenue, where validation parking is available in the attached ramp. Online ordering is available for birth and death certificates through the state’s VitalChek system for added convenience.

From Urbandale, take I-35 south to downtown Des Moines. The Vital Records office is located in the Lucas State Office Building near the Iowa State Capitol.