Frequently Asked Questions

If the death occurred between 1954 and the present you can obtain the record at any County Recorder’s Office in the State of Iowa. Prior to 1954, please contact the county office where the death occurred.

Requesting Death Records

If the marriage occurred between 1954 and the present you can obtain the record at any County Recorder’s Office in the State of Iowa. Prior to 1954, please contact the county office where the marriage application was filed.

Requesting Marriage Records

Cerro Gordo County Recorder
220 N. Washington Ave.
Mason City, IA  50401
Phone: 641-421-3056

Please call with any questions.

Requesting Birth Records

There is no formal “registration” of Officiants in Iowa. You are authorized to solemnize marriage ceremonies in Iowa if you are:

• An Iowa judge, magistrate, or associate judge serving on the Iowa supreme court, court of appeals, or district court; or
• An individual ordained or designated as a leader of the person’s religious faith, regardless of the state of residence or service (595.10)

There is no fee to get married at the courthouse in front of a Magistrate Judge. Please contact the Clerk of Court to set up an appointment by calling 641-424-6431.

No. We will record your military documents at no fee and provide certified copies at no fee.

Request a Record

Once it is picked up from the Recorder’s Office, it is good until you are married. The Recorder’s Office will hold the paperwork for six months. If not picked up before the expiration of six months, it will expire and be unusable.

• Both parties need a current government-issued photo ID (driver’s license) or passport.
• $35 fee, cash or credit card only accepted (3% fee applies for credit card).
• One witness,18 years of age or older.  They must know both parties.

$15 per certified copy. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted (fee applies to credit card transactions).

Military discharge records are not available to anyone who cannot prove they are entitled to the record. Identification must be given to prover entitlement (unless the record is 62 years or older).

Request a Record

Divorce records are court actions, so they are kept at the Clerk of Court: 641-424-6431.

At the County Recorder’s Office.

Marriage License Information

Entitlement to a record includes the person named on the record, or the person’s spouse, children, legal parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, or legal representative or guardian (legal guardians and representatives must provide proof of guardianship or representation). Applicant must be 18 years old or older.