Vital Records

Requirements for Certified Copies (Birth, Death, Marriage)

  • Information must be requested in writing or in person. (Information regarding vital records can not be given over the phone.)
  • Certified copies are only available to the person on record or blood relative. (Contact the Recorder's Office for the specifics on blood relative.)
  • Photo identification
Notes: Uncertified copies are available for $5

Applications

Birth Records

Birth records for Muscatine County are available for years 1880 to 1920 and 1942 to present. The records for the years 1921 to 1941 are on file at the Iowa Department of Public Health. Adoptee's birth certificates and births to unwed mothers, prior to 1987, are on file with the Iowa Department of Public Health.  

Certified Iowa birth certificates for the years 1954 to the present are available from any Iowa County Recorder's office.


Death Records

Death records for Muscatine County are available for years 1880 to 1918 and 1942 to current. The records for the years 1919 to 1941 are on file with the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Certified Iowa Death certificates for the years 1954 to the present are available from any Iowa County Recorder's office.


Marriage Records

Marriage records for Muscatine County are available for the years 1838 to 1920 and 1942 to present. The records for the years 1921 through 1941 are on file with the Iowa Department of Public Health 

Certified Iowa Marriage certificates for the years 1954 to the present are available from any Iowa County Recorder's office.
 

Requirements for Marriage License and Certificate to Marry

  • The 2 parties intending to marry and one witness (all 18 years or older) must sign the application before a notary
  • Photo identification is required for all parties
  • $35 fee (cash only)
  • There is a 3 day waiting period once the application is received at the Recorder's Office before the actual marriage may occur.
  • Persons age 16 and 17, or anyone wishing to waive the 3 day waiting period need to contact the Recorder's Office for additional instructions.
  • Application to Marry in Iowa form is available in the County Recorder's office or via request at Recorder@Muscatinecountyiowa.gov
Note: An Iowa marriage license may be used anywhere in the State of Iowa and ONLY in Iowa.

OFFICIANT'S BROCHURE ~ Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Health Statistics

Magistrates in Muscatine County Who Perform Marriage Ceremonies

You will need to contact the magistrate for details about the wedding ceremony.

Genealogy Research

Genealogy research is not done by the Recorder's Office. To obtain genealogy information you may email Eleanor (Lynn) McCleary, call 563-264-1495, or mail:
Muscatine Genealogy Society
2906 Provence Lane
Muscatine, IA 52761