Home › Missouri › How-To Guide
Missouri · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Bureau of Vital Records (state level - Jefferson City) / Local Public Health Agencies (county/city health departments - many issue copies locally)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Missouri birth records are NOT public records. Eligible requesters must have a "direct and tangible interest" - the person named (if adult), parents, legal guardian, legal representative, spouses, children, grandparents, siblings 18+, and others with documented legitimate interest.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON (Local Health Department - FASTEST): Visit your local public health agency (county or city health department); most can issue certified birth certificates immediately for Missouri births (typically post-1910); bring valid photo ID; fees vary; many offer same-day service
  4. IN PERSON (State Bureau of Vital Records): DHSS Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109; Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; bring valid photo ID; call ahead for current wait times
  5. BY MAIL (State): Complete Missouri vital records application (health.mo.gov/data/vitalrecords); include valid photo ID copy; check or money order payable to "Missouri Vital Records"; mail to: Bureau of Vital Records, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
  6. ONLINE (VitalChek): VitalChek (authorized vendor); additional fees; all major credit cards accepted
  7. Submit with valid photo ID and proof of tangible interest
  8. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed Missouri vital records application
  • Valid government-issued photo ID (copy for mail orders)
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting on behalf of another
  • Payment: check or money order for mail (verify acceptable forms); card for VitalChek or in-person at many locations
Fee
State office: $15 per certified copy (verify current fee at health.mo.gov/data/vitalrecords); local health departments: typically $14-$15 for first copy, $11 for additional copies; VitalChek adds service fees
Processing Time
Local health department in person: same day in most cases; state office in person: same day typically; mail: weeks; VitalChek: expedited
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek (authorized vendor); additional fees
Where to Go
Local Public Health Agency (county/city health department - fastest option); DHSS Bureau of Vital Records (Jefferson City - in person, mail, or VitalChek)
County-specific variations apply

Missouri's local public health agencies (LPHAs) are co-authorized to issue vital records for events in their area. This means your county or city health department may be able to issue your birth certificate immediately without a trip to Jefferson City. Call ahead to confirm availability and hours. Local health departments for St. Joseph (Buchanan County), Kansas City (Jackson County), St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Columbia/Boone County are large and well-staffed. NOTE: Some records (genealogy, insurance, etc.) must come from the state Bureau of Vital Records.

Missouri Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Missouri vital records NOT public records - restricted to direct and tangible interest.
  • State Bureau of Vital Records has records from January 1, 1910 to present.
  • For births before 1910: contact Missouri State Archives - sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/bdrecords.
  • Marriage certificates are NOT issued by state DHSS - go to Recorder of Deeds in issuing county.
  • Divorce records: contact Circuit Court Clerk in the county where divorce was granted.
  • DHSS Bureau of Vital Records can issue certified STATEMENTS about marriages or divorces (names, date, county) but not full certified copies of those records.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
$15 per certified copy (verify current fee at health.mo.gov/data/vitalrecords); local health departments: typically $14-$15 for first copy, $11 for additional copies; VitalChek adds service fees PROCESSING TIME: Local health department in person: same day in most cases; state office in person: same day typically; mail: weeks; VitalChek: expedited ONLINE OPTION: Yes - VitalChek (authorized vendor); additional fees WHERE TO GO: Local Public Health Agency (county/city health department - fastest option); DHSS Bureau of Vital Records (Jefferson City - in person, mail, or VitalChek)