# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Obtain a Birth Certificate in Des Moines, Iowa

Birth certificates are a required form for identification if you apply for a driver's license or a passport. The Polk County Recorder maintains records for births that occur in that county, which includes the city of Des Moines. To get a copy of a birth certificate, you must be the person listed on the certificate (the registrant) or the registrant's parent, legal guardian, spouse, grandchild, grandparent, sibling or legal representative.

Valid photo identification

Instructions

- 1
  Download a vital records application from the Polk County Recorder website (see Resources).
- 2
  Complete the vital records application by providing the registrant's information (name, date of birth, place of birth and parents' names), the reason for the request, your relationship to the registrant and your contact information. Have your signature notarized if you are mailing the application to the Polk County Recorder.
- 3
  Make a photocopy of your valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
- 4
  Mail or bring your application and a copy of your photo identification to Polk County Recorder's office (see Resources). Pay the fee, which is $15 as of November 2010, by check or money order for applications submitted by mail. The office also accepts cash if you submit the application in person.