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

How do I get a copy of a death 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: Death records less than 50 years old require direct and tangible interest (immediate family, legal representative, etc.). Records 50+ years old are public.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON (Local Health Department - FASTEST): Visit your local public health agency; most can issue certified death certificates immediately for Missouri deaths from 1980 to present; for deaths before 1980, contact the state Bureau of Vital Records; bring valid photo ID
  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; has records from 1910 to present
  5. BY MAIL (State): Complete Missouri vital records application; 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): Additional fees; all major credit cards
  7. Submit with valid photo ID and proof of tangible interest (if less than 50 years old)
  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)
  • Proof of qualifying relationship or tangible interest (for deaths less than 50 years old)
  • Payment: check or money order for mail; card for VitalChek or in-person at many locations
Fee
State office: $14 per first certified copy (verify current fee); $11 for each additional copy at same time; local health departments: typically same; VitalChek adds service fees
Processing Time
Local health department in person: same day in most cases (from 1980+); state office: same day typically; mail: weeks; VitalChek: expedited
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek (authorized vendor)
Where to Go
Local Public Health Agency (county/city health department - fastest, deaths from 1980+); DHSS Bureau of Vital Records (Jefferson City - all records from 1910+, in person, mail, or VitalChek)
County-specific variations apply

Many Missouri local health departments issue death certificates for deaths in their jurisdiction from 1980 to present. For deaths before 1980, contact the state Bureau of Vital Records. Call your local health department before visiting to confirm they have the specific record you need and to confirm hours.

Missouri Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Death records 50+ years old: PUBLIC RECORDS accessible to anyone; older records available at Missouri State Archives (sos.mo.gov/archives).
  • State Bureau of Vital Records has records from 1910 to present.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need a copy.
  • Funeral homes assist with initial filing for recent deaths.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
$14 per first certified copy (verify current fee); $11 for each additional copy at same time; local health departments: typically same; VitalChek adds service fees PROCESSING TIME: Local health department in person: same day in most cases (from 1980+); state office: same day typically; mail: weeks; VitalChek: expedited ONLINE OPTION: Yes - VitalChek (authorized vendor) WHERE TO GO: Local Public Health Agency (county/city health department - fastest, deaths from 1980+); DHSS Bureau of Vital Records (Jefferson City - all records from 1910+, in person, mail, or VitalChek)