Iowa § 144.40 - 144.40 Paternity of children — birth certificates.
Full text of Iowa Iowa Code § 144.40 — 144.40 Paternity of children — birth certificates., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 144.40. 144.40 Paternity of children — birth certificates.
Upon request and receipt of an affidavit of paternity completed and filed pursuant to section 252A.3A, or a certified copy or notification by the clerk of court of a court or administrative order establishing paternity, the state registrar shall establish a new certificate of birth to show paternity if paternity is not shown on the birth certificate. Upon written request of the parents on the affidavit of paternity, the surname of the child may be changed on the certificate to that of the father. The certificate shall not be marked “amended”. The original certificate and supporting documentation shall be maintained in a sealed file; however, a photocopy of the paternity affidavit filed pursuant to section 252A.3A and clearly labeled as a copy may be provided to a parent named on the affidavit of paternity. [C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §2406; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, §144.21; C71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §144.40; 81 Acts, ch 64, §8] 93 Acts, ch 79, §10; 94 Acts, ch 1171, §4; 2005 Acts, ch 89, §13 Referred to in §144.23A, 144.38, 144.41 Wed Dec 10 22:57:25 2025 Iowa Code 2026, Section 144.40 (20, 0)
Source: official Iowa text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa § 144.40
What does Iowa Code § 144.40 cover?
Section 144.40 ("144.40 Paternity of children — birth certificates.") is part of the Iowa Code, the codified statutory law of Iowa. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Iowa § 144.40?
A common citation format is "Iowa Code § 144.40" (Iowa). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Iowa law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Iowa official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Iowa attorney.
How does Iowa § 144.40 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Iowa can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Iowa.