Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Information

Vital Records within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has certificates of Missouri births, deaths, and fetal death reports from January 1, 1910, to the present with some delayed filings prior to 1910. The reporting of Missouri marriages and divorces to the State Bureau of Vital Records began July 1, 1948. Registration for the Putative Father Registry is also available. The Putative Father Registry records the names and addresses of fathers (or men who believe they are fathers) of children born outside of marriage. Note: in the State of Missouri, vital records are not open to the public.

Certified copies of Missouri records of birth, death, and fetal death reports are available by writing to:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Bureau of Vital Records
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102\

CASH OR MONEY ORDER ONLY

FOR BIRTH AND DEATH CERTIFICATES

A $15.00 search fee is required when requesting records of births, fetal death reports or statements relating to marriages or divorces. A 5-year search may be conducted. This fee entitles the applicant to one (1) certified copy if the record is found. For additional copies of the same record, applicant should submit a fee of $15.00 for each.  

A $13.00 search fee is required when requesting a death record. A 5-year search may be conducted. This fee entitles the applicant to one (1) certified copy if the record is found. For additional copies of the same record requested at the same time for the same person, applicant should submit a fee of $10.00 for each.

Fee must accompany the request. Make check or money order payable to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Checks must be drawn on a United States bank. A money order must also be drawn on a United States bank or issued by the United States Postal Service. Do not send cash. Please enclose a legal size self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow approximately two weeks for processing.  

For expedited service, contact Vital Chek at the toll-free phone number 1-877-817-7363 twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Documents can be requested by phone and charged to a major credit card. However, there is an additional $9.95 charge for the use of this service. To further expedite the request, overnight services are offered. Applications can also be placed on-line at www.vitalchek.com

Application for copy of Birth or Death Certification

Application for copy of Statement Relating to Marriage or Divorce

Putative Father Information Pamphlet

For requesting birth, death or fetal death records without an application, please include the following information:

• Full name at birth, death, or fetal death
• Date of birth, death, or fetal delivery
• Place of birth, death, or fetal delivery
• For birth records and fetal death records please provide both parents’ names including mother’s maiden name
• Your relationship to the person whose record is being requested
• Explain reason for requesting the record

For requesting statements relating to marriages or divorces without an application, please include the following information:

• Full name of groom
• Full maiden name of bride
• Date of marriage or divorce
• Place of marriage or divorce
• Your relationship to groom or bride (specify which)
• Explain reason for requesting the statement

Certified copies of most Missouri birth and death records are also available from the local county health agencies. Certified copies of a marriage license or a divorce decree are available from the Recorder of Deeds or Circuit Clerks in the county of the event. For further details contact these offices direct. Ozark County Health Department (417)679-3334.

Local Health Agencies
Recorder of Deeds
Circuit Clerks
Circuit Clerks ex-officio Recorder

For Out-of-State birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates see the National Center for Health Statistics site on “Where to Write” For Vital Records”. The Internet address is    http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w /w2welcom.htm

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Vital Records serves as the state archives for vital records. The services provides are:  

For questions or further information, call 573-751-6387

How Do I Get Birth/Death Records Corrected or Changed?

Please call the following numbers for information relating to Amendments