Kossuth County Recorder

114 W. State Street | Algona , IA 50511 | Phone: (515) 295-5660

Office Hours: 8 am to 4 pm, Mon.-Fri.

Vital Records

Marriage Records

Certified copies of marriage certificates are available. Each certified copy is $15.00. Certified copies are available only to those with entitlement. To receive a copy, you must prove your relationship.

MARRIAGES 1954 to present can be obtained at any county Recorder’s office. Any marriage prior to 1954, the record must be obtained in the county of marriage.

To apply for a marriage license, bride, groom and witness (18 or older and knows both parties) must sign application before notary. There is a $35 fee, a three working day wait and the marriage can take place anywhere in Iowa.

Birth Records

Birth Records are available for years 1880 to 1920 and 1942 to current. The records for the years 1921 to 1941 are kept at Iowa Health and Human Services. in the vital records section.

BIRTHS 1990 to present can be obtained at any county Recorder’s office. Any birth prior to 1990, the record must be obtained in the county of birth.


Births to unwed mothers prior to 7/1/95 are only available at Iowa Health and Human Services.
Copies are available for certified at $15.00 each*.

* Certified copies available to only those with entitlement. (i.e. person named on record (if 18 or older), mother or father (if named on record), spouse, brother or sister (if 18 or older), maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents (if father is named on record).

Death Records

Death records are available except for years 1921 to 1941. The records for the years 1921 to 1941 are kept at Iowa Health & Human Services

DEATHS 1954 to present can be obtained at any county Recorder’s office. Any death prior to 1954, the record must be obtained in the county of death.


Copies are available for certified at $15.00 each.

If you need an out-of-state vital record, click here to access the National Center for Health Statistics' site on Where to Write for Vital Records.