Ordering vital records online is now easier and safer with Vital Records Online (VRO). Based in the US, VRO provides the convenience of ordering Missouri birth, death, and marriage certificates from the comfort of your home. You can be confident that your vital records will be delivered safely to your address, and your private information will remain confidential.
Summary:
Missouri, “the Show-Me State,” has a population of just over 6 million. In 1883, the Missouri legislature created the State Board of Health after citizens campaigned for a state agency responsible for promoting Missourian’s health and preventing disease. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MSHSS) manages all public health programs to improve life and wellness for Missourians.
The Bureau of Vital Records (VR), within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, maintains a central registry of births, deaths, and fetal deaths reported from Jan. 1, 1910, to the present, preparing new certificates for adoptions and legitimations, maintaining a central registry of Missouri marriages and divorces (since July 1, 1948), correcting or amending vital records as authorized by state law, Issuing certified copies of vital records, and maintaining the Putative Father Registry. Missouri vital records are not open to the public. Those mentioned on the document, parents, immediate adult family members, official representatives, and others who can show cause may order certified copies.
If you are considering a family tree project, the Bureau of Vital Records can help you, or you can try many public archives. Find out what information they contain, where you can obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start Your Application Online for MO Vital Records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Obtain marriage records for yourself or a family member.
Get an original copy of a death certificate replacement for a lost record.
Vital records are critical documents that help you establish your identity, citizenship, and family relationships. They can be used to settle legal disputes, claim an inheritance, and investigate your family history.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates are essential documents that play a crucial role in many life events. They are required for various purposes, such as enrolling in school, joining the military, or traveling. Vital records can also provide detailed information about your ancestors, including their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations.
If you lose your birth, marriage, or death certificate, it is essential to file a police report and request a certified replacement as soon as possible.
For more information on the uses and benefits of vital records, you can check out the FAQs section for birth, death, and marriage certificates.
In Missouri, you can request your birth or death certificate through the state, either online, in person, or by mail. Birth and death certificates are issued centrally by the Missouri DHSS-BVR. You can also request them through your county. The procedure for requesting vital records varies by county, but many offer in-person applications.
Marriage certificates can only be issued by the county where the marriage was recorded, not by the state. The Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City can provide certified statements related to marriage or divorce, including limited information such as the names of the parties involved, dates, and the county of record. These statements can be helpful if someone is unsure about the county of record or other similar circumstances. However, official certified copies of marriage certificates can be ordered online from any location using VRO.
Each county in Missouri is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records that occur within its jurisdiction. To request a birth, death, or marriage certificate, search for your county and vital record replacement in the complete list of Missouri’s County vital record issuing agencies. The list contains locations, contact information, and access to online applications.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Missouri, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting the Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Missouri residents have multiple options to request vital records from their home state. They can order them online, in person (by appointment), or by mail. However, the process may vary by county. Marriage certificates must be requested from the county where they were recorded, and birth and death certificates can also be requested at local offices, although this may differ by county. Online requests are the most reliable and often the only option available.
The Missouri DHSS-BVR is responsible for producing and certifying the vital record copies if you meet the requirements and follow the detailed instructions for each birth, death, and marriage certificate. Each type of vital record has different requirements, so it is essential to understand them before proceeding with the request. Once you understand the requirements for each type of vital record, the process becomes straightforward.
The type of certificate you need and how you order it will impact the associated costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times. Therefore, it is crucial to study the steps and conditions before requesting a certified copy of the vital record from the DHSS-BVR. Make sure that your documents, application, and payment for the fee are mailed to the correct vital record location that produces a certified copy of the original record.
❗️ The DHSS-BVR only issues birth and death certificates; marriage certificates are issued from the county office that created the original certificate.
Ordering Missouri Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
If you are eligible as an authorized person, you can apply online to order a birth, death, or marriage certificate in Missouri. Before applying, ensure that you have all the necessary documents with you. You will be prompted to upload copies of these documents during the secure online application process.
Vital Records Online’s process helps ensure your application avoids rejections due to common mistakes or missing documents. It is a simplified system that guides you to the correct application, quickly collects and generates the required documents, and submits your packet to the health department’s vital records office that issues the certified record. The application process is easy to execute from any device with an internet connection, and you can complete the entire process in as little as five minutes.
The notary of your application required by the Missouri DHSS-BVR can be conducted virtually during the online ordering process.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
Ordering vital records can be done in several ways, depending on your location and preference. Applying in person is practical if you live within travel distance of the state health department office that issues certified copies of original vital records. However, be sure to confirm that the office is open to the public for walk-ins, and be prepared for potentially long queues.
If you live out of state, ordering by mail is a suitable option. However, online ordering is typically the most convenient method for residents living abroad. Regardless of the method you choose, the steps for ordering vital records are generally the same.
If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
Ordering online is the most suitable option for those living abroad or who prefer convenience. Ordering online is also ideal if the local vital records office is closed and you prefer to avert prolonged appointments or unsuccessful visits.
If you or a family member needs to replace a birth, death, or marriage certificate, it’s crucial to know that each certificate type has specific restrictions for who can request a certified replacement. However, with Vital Records Online, you can simplify the process and reduce the risk of mistakes, leading to quicker processing times. Learn more about our services today and get the help you need to obtain a certified replacement for your vital records.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Confirm that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ Before receiving approval, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification. — All mail-in applications require a notary
❗️ If you decide to mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Before gathering documents for your vital record application, it is essential to understand the conditions and requirements.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
The Missouri DHSS-BVR requires all applicants to prove their identity, which can be done by presenting a valid driver’s license, state-issued photo ID, passport, school ID, or employment ID. However, if you do not have a valid form of identification, two secondary forms of ID may be accepted.
If you are applying in person, you must present one primary ID or two secondary IDs. If you are applying by mail, you must sign your application before a notary. A notary is always required when ordering by mail and for some third-party requests, even when requesting in person at a local vital records office.
The DHSS-BVR does not issue marriage certificates, so identification requirements may vary by county when requesting a marriage certificate. However, they do issue “Certified Statements Relating to Marriage.”
For most types of vital records requests, driver’s licenses or state photo IDs are acceptable. Student and employment IDs are also accepted. If you are requesting a certified birth or death certificate or Certified Statement Relating to Marriage in person, you are required by the Department of Health and Senior Services to verify your identity by providing a valid primary ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) or two secondary forms of identity accepted by the DHSS-BVR.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Missouri?
The Missouri DHSS-BVR defines unique requirements for each type of certificate and personal circumstance. Thoroughly review the conditions and requirements before submitting your application.
❗️ Without a notarized application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
What Information is Required to Apply for Vital Records in Missouri?
When applying for a vital record in Missouri, applicants must provide key identifying information related to the record type. This may include names, dates, locations, and other relevant details to ensure accurate identification and processing of the request.
Certificate Required Information
Birth Certificate
Date of Birth, Father's Name, Father's Name at Birth, Full Name at Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Hospital of Birth, Mother's Maiden Name, Mother's Name, Place of Birth, Sex, Your Relationship to the Person of Record
Death Certificate
Date of Birth, Date of Death, Father's Name, Father's Name at Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Mother's Name, Place of Death, Purpose for the Certificate, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature
Marriage Certificate
Bride Name, Bride's Name Before Marriage, Date of Marriage, Groom Name, Groom Name Before Marriage, Mailing Address, Place where License Was Issued, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature
Divorce Certificate
Not Restricted
Who can request vital records in Missouri?
The individual on record, immediate family members, and legal representatives may lawfully request a copy of a birth certificate as defined by the DHSS-BVR. All family members may request a copy of a death certificate. However, if you request a vital record on someone else’s behalf, confirm that you are eligible by reviewing who is authorized to request the type of certificate you need.
The eligibility of third parties varies based on the certificate type. Refer to the table below for authorized third-party applicants for birth and death certificates. Generally, The Missouri DHSS-BVR allows a third party to make a legal request for a copy of the vital record as long as they show proof of familial or legal relationship to the individual on record. Third-party applicants might be requested to provide supplementary documentation to verify their eligibility.
Completing an “Authorization Form” is mandatory to request a record from the State. The authorized agent must present a signed and notarized statement by the registrant or a member of their qualified family authorizing the release of the record. Additionally, the requester must have the Vital Records Authorization Form signed and present copies of their ID and the primary ID of the person on record.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Self, Son, Daughter, Father, Mother, Spouse, Brother, Sister, Grand Child, Maternal Grand Parent, Paternal Grand Parent, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Parent, Child, Sibling, Grand Parent |
| Death Certificate | Self, Son, Daughter, Father, Mother, Spouse, Brother, Sister, Grand Child, Maternal Grand Parent, Paternal Grand Parent, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, other, Parent, Child, Sibling, Grand Parent, grandParent |
| Marriage Certificate | Self, Son, Daughter, Father, Mother, Spouse, Brother, Sister, Grand Child, Maternal Grand Parent, Paternal Grand Parent, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, other, Parent, Sibling, Child, Grand Parent |
| Divorce Certificate | Self, Son, Daughter, Father, Mother, Spouse, Brother, Sister, Grand Child, Maternal Grand Parent, Paternal Grand Parent, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, other, Parent, Sibling, Child, Grand Parent |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record.
❗️Non-authorized third-party applicants requesting Missouri vital records must have a notarized letter of consent to release information from the certificate holder or an authorized family member of the certificate holder.
❗️Other authorized agents must produce a signed and notarized statement by the registrant or a member of their qualified family authorizing the release of a record.”
✔︎ All requests ordered through Vital Records Online include an online notarization service, if necessary, as an extra step during checkout.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The DHSS-BVR may require eligible third-party representatives to prove their identity by notarizing a sworn statement with their application and documents when requesting a vital record. Only those with a “direct, tangible interest,” such as family members or legal representatives, may obtain certified death certificates. An online notary is included with your order when ordering through Vital Records Online.
❗️ A Notarized sworn statement may be required under the following circumstances:
If you need more information about unique circumstances that may require a notary with your application, you can visit the DHSS-BVR website at https://health.mo.gov/data/vitalrecords/. If you decide to use a local public notary, you must bring your ID to create this document. Notaries are necessary for apostilles, corrections, or amendments to vital records. You can find more information about these conditions in other FAQs below.
❗️A notarized sworn statement is required when ordering an authorized copy of a Missouri birth, death, or marriage certificate by mail or online.
❗️The DHSS-BVR requires applicants to prove their identity by providing state-issued ID when applying in person or by signing their application in front of a notary when applying by mail.
❗️If applying by mail, the Missouri DHSS-BVR does not require a photocopy of your ID. The notarized application document will be enough proof of identity.
✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service in your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when creating this document using a local public notary.
The total cost of obtaining vital record replacements will depend on the fees DHSS-BVR charges for each type of certificate and the method of application submission. If a notary is required to prove your identity, it will also add to the total cost. When using Vital Records Online to order birth, marriage, divorce, or death records, the online Application Assistant starts at $29.
The DHSS-BVR charges $15.00 for each certified copy of a birth record, and $14.00 for a copy of a death certificate. The fees for marriage certificates vary by county.
| Certificate | First Copy Fee | Additional Copy Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Death Certificate | $14.00 | $11.00 |
| Marriage Certificate | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Divorce Certificate | $15.00 | $15.00 |
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Missouri?
Processing and delivery times for birth, death, or marriage certificates may vary. Refer to the table below to confirm the current processing and delivery times. The method you choose to submit your application and documents can also affect the total amount of time until you receive your vital record in the mail.
Ordering through Vital Records Online simplifies the process of gathering documents and submitting your application packet. You can also choose to expedite your order for quicker processing of your documents and application packet. Please note that these times may change depending on the volume of requests received by the DHSS-BVR.
If a notary is required, you can include the notarization online as an extra step during the checkout when processing your order on Vital Records Online. Otherwise, account for additional time to obtain a notary from a local entity.
| Certificate | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Death Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Marriage Certificate | 12 to 16 weeks |
| Divorce Certificate | 6 to 8 weeks |
✔︎ All Vital Records Online includes an online notarization service that can be performed virtually during checkout.
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by DHSS-BVR may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process to ensure you obtain a notary (if required).
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
Once you have submitted your application through Vital Records Online, you can keep track of your order status to monitor the progress of your application and order processing. Additionally, you can track your application packet to the Missouri DHSS-BVR using the prepaid mail postage included with your order.
If you mail the application packet to the Vital Records Health Department manually, it is advised to purchase first-class mail tracking to ensure that your application arrives successfully.
The Missouri DHSS-BVR ships all vital records to your home via USPS first-class mail to protect your information. However, they do not claim responsibility for any misdirected or lost certificates. If your birth certificate is lost, it is important to file a report immediately. Lastly, avoiding errors or typos when filling out your application is critical, as this could expose your personal information if sent to the wrong address.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Missouri counties office locations directory.
| Address | Hours | Online Application |
|
(DHSS-BVR) Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Mailing Address: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, |
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. CST - telephone 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CST - email Appointment only - in-person |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate |
An apostille is required for vital records submitted to foreign governments. The Commissions Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records initially filed with DHSS-BVR.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
You can request an Apostille for Missouri vital records through the Commissions Secretary of State or Vital Records Online. Vital Records Online offers apostille services across all 50 US states. The service covers apostilles for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. It is recognized by governments with legal validity in over 100 countries. The entire process can be conveniently completed online in just three steps, starting at $149 (plus government fees).
Once you have finished preparing your apostille documents, we will send them to you via FedEx or DHL. In most cases, you don’t need to get a physical copy of your documents, as you can complete the process online. We rely on reputable courier services for global delivery, and the delivery will be made to your doorstep, regardless of your location, whether you are in the US or anywhere else in the world.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the DHSS-BVR at the following addresses:
For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Commissions Secretary of State’s Office,
600 West Main, Room 322,
Jefferson City, MO 65101
For standard mail, use the following address:
Commissions Secretary of State’s Office,
600 West Main, Room 322,
Jefferson City, MO 65101
You can reach the office at (573) 751-4153 or at https://s1.sos.mo.gov/Business/Notary/notary/certify.
The DHSS-BVR provides a list of common scenarios to assist individuals in acquiring corrections or amendments to their birth and marriage certificates. They offer a straightforward process for legally correcting or amending vital records such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or a family member’s death certificate.
Different forms are required depending on the information that needs to be amended when a vital record needs to be changed. An amendment is necessary in such cases. Supplemental changes become addendums to the original vital record. However, no entity can alter the original document. The requirements for requesting changes or amendments vary depending on which vital record needs to be changed. In Missouri, some amendments require a court order, typically requiring an attorney.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
In Missouri, death certificates become public after 50 years. However, birth and marriage records are confidential and only accessible to authorized individuals. You can search through Missouri’s archives of birth, marriage, and divorce records to find the information you need, but be prepared to spend a significant amount of time reviewing records.
Are Missouri Vital Records Open to the Public?
In Missouri, the accessibility of vital records depends on the type of record you are looking for and the year in which the birth, death, or marriage occurred. Third-party websites can make it easier to research specific types of vital records since they are not limited to geographic location. They can also serve as a good reference point when researching records. However, it is important to note that the data on third-party sites may differ from official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
To ensure that you have an official certified copy of your birth, death, or marriage certificate, it is crucial to check what the documents look like, as each state, county, and municipality has different vital records. Informational copies of vital records can be recognized by a stamp or large print across the face of the document that reads “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies of vital records are recognized as legal documents that can be used for official identification purposes. However, informational copies cannot be used to establish identity. Individuals must have a “direct and tangible interest” in the document to receive authorized copies of vital records.
If you need an authorized birth, death, or marriage certificate, you must verify your identity and authorization to request the document. Depending on the ordering method and your relationship with the record holder, this may require a notarization. It is important to note that without a notarized sworn statement, your request will be considered incomplete and returned to you without processing, leading to further delays.
Informational Copy:
Missouri does not offer any “keepsake,” “commemorative,” or “heirloom” certificates. Instead, the state only provides non-certified informational copies of original birth certificates for adoptees.
If you are an adoptee, your birth certificate copy will be non-certified and stamped with “For genealogical purposes only. Not to be used for establishing identity”. Under the Missouri Adoptee Rights Act (RSMo 193.125 and 193.128, RSMo), adoptees, adoptee’s attorneys, birth parents, and lineal descendants of deceased adoptees can request a copy of the adoptee’s original birth certificate.
Informational (non-certified) copies are not official legal documents and cannot be used for official purposes such as establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. They are intended only for display or personal reference and are typically used for personal record-keeping or genealogical research. In compliance with the Missouri Sunshine Law, citizens have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Missouri government website at https://health.mo.gov/data/vitalrecords/
