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Missouri Birth Certificates
Learn how to obtain a replacement for a Missouri birth certificate from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). The state fee for replacements is $15.00 for each copy, and the current processing time is 8 to 12 weeks. Authorized individuals who can request these certificates include the person on record, family members, and legal representatives.
How to Order State of Missouri Birth Certificates
You can now order Missouri birth certificates through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificates. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your birth certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the Missouri DHHS by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Be certain to review the associated costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times, before placing your order to ensure a successful and timely replacement.
Ordering with VRO
Requesting a Missouri birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.
- Complete the online application and upload your documents.
- Process your order.
Starting from
$29+ state fees
Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO
- 5 minutes process
- No waiting in lines
- No handling paperwork or mail
- Simplified application process
- 24 hour service
- Online assistance by specialists
- Verification and error-checking
- Order tracking
- Online notary
- Pay online by credit card
- Remote processing time
required documents
What Documents Are Required to Order State of Missouri Birth Certificates?
The eligibility criteria and requirements can vary based on personal circumstances defined by the Missouri DHSS. For mail-in applications, you must show an ID when signing your application in front of a public notary. If you are applying in person, you can refer to the table below for acceptable forms of ID. Review the table below for the required information and documents, and remember that proof of identity is necessary.
Primary ID Requirements Options | Secondary ID Requirements Options |
|---|---|
Driver’s License or State ID | Letter from Government |
How to Get a Missouri Birth Certificate Without ID
If you are applying by mail, you do not need to submit a photocopy of your ID, but you do need to sign your application in front of a public notary, where you will be asked to present a valid form of identification. If you are applying in person and do not have a primary ID, you may still obtain a Missouri birth certificate by providing two secondary forms of identification. Acceptable secondary IDs (listed in the table above) can include a utility bill, bank statement, social security card, or other documents that verify your identity. Additionally, authorized third parties, such as family members or legal representatives, can request the birth certificate on your behalf if they provide proof of their relationship to you and proof of identification.
Cost & fees
What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in Missouri?
When replacing a birth certificate in Missouri, the total costs will vary depending on whether you submit your application and documents in person, by mail, or online. The Missouri DHSS charges a fee of $15.00 for each certified copy (and additional copies). When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.
State Fee |
|---|
$15.00 |
Rush Processing |
|---|
Not offered for mail-in orders |
Additional Copy |
|---|
1 x $15.00 |
Processing time
How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in Missouri?
Processing and replacement times for Missouri birth certificates may vary. Standard processing takes 8 to 12 weeks. Rush processing of 5 to 7 business days is available through Missouri DHSS website. Refer to the chart below for the current delivery and processing timelines. The processing times may vary depending on the volume of backlogged orders at Missouri DHSS. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.
Processing Time |
|---|
8 to 12 weeks |
Rush Processing Time |
|---|
Not offered for mail-in orders |
Authorization
Who is Authorized to Order a Missouri Birth Certificate?
Missouri birth certificates are confidential and have restricted access indefinitely, except for the person named on the record and authorized individuals. If you need to order a certified copy on behalf of someone else, make sure you're eligible to submit a request and provide proof of identity.
Authorized People
- Immediate family members are qualified to receive copies of birth certificates. Immediate family members shall include those family members and in-laws in the direct line of descent up to, but not including, cousins. This qualification of entitlement also applies to Statements of Marriage, Divorce, and Single Status.
- Applicant must identify at least one (1) parent on the record.
- All family members, genealogists representing a family member, and professionally recognized genealogists are eligible to receive copies of death certificates. All family members includes in-laws and cousins and great and step relationships for the following: brother, sister, mother, father, son, daughter, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, or uncle. Family members outside of these relationships (ex: great, great) will need to produce additional documentation or information to demonstrate the applicant's link to the requested record. Alternatively, direct and tangible interest documents may be used to prove entitlement. Note: death records over fifty (50) years old may be searched for using the Secretary of State's Missouri Digital Heritage Website.
- Applicant must identify at least one (1) parent on the record. Death records over fifty (50) years old are exempt from this requirement.
- Official representatives shall include an attorney, physician, funeral director, or other authorized agent acting in behalf of the registrant or his/her family. Official representatives shall demonstrate a link between themselves and the registrant on the vital record or qualified family member. Funeral directors may act as an official representative to obtain copies of death records only.
- Example: an attorney that has signed contractual documentation/retainer demonstrating they represent the immediate family member.
- Example: a funeral home director listed on the death record that shows identification that matches the funeral director name on the death record or an officially signed letter by the funeral director on record authorizing another funeral home representative to request the record.
- An other authorized agent shall produce a signed and notarized statement by the registrant or a member of his/her qualified family authorizing the release of a record.
- Example a mother may write a signed notarized statement authorizing a neighbor to request and receive a record for her child if the mother is unable to make the request for herself.
- Others may demonstrate a direct and tangible interest when information is needed for determination or protection of personal or property rights.
- Example: Direct and tangible interest would be present if a car title needed to be changed over to a person buying the car and the owner is deceased. The buyer would be qualified to receive a copy of the owner’s death certificate by providing documentation of the car purchase.
- Example: An ex-wife (divorced from decedent) needs a death certificate of a former husband to obtain benefits from the time period they were married. The ex-wife is no longer a family member but would be qualified to receive a copy of the ex-husband’s death certificate by providing documentation showing her eligibility to receive benefits.
- A parent or legal guardian on behalf of a minor (under 18) applicant.
- Example: a mother (not married to the father of her child, and, therefore not automatically entitled to the record by her relationship to the father) needs a death certificate of the father of her minor child for the child to receive benefits from the deceased father. The mother would need to demonstrate the relationship between the minor child, herself, and the father prior to her being authorized to request the record on behalf of the minor child. This may be accomplished by presenting a copy of the minor child's birth certificate at the time of the request.
- Note: Emancipated minors, upon providing legal proof of emancipation, would be entitled to a copy of their vital record.
- A guardian may receive a copy of the birth certificate of a child who is under his/her care and custody by showing guardianship papers.
- Foster parents may receive a copy of a birth certificate of a child who is under their care and custody upon furnishing a copy of their custody papers.
- A stepparent may receive a copy of a certificate of a legitimate birth by demonstrating relationship.
- A father may receive a copy of a birth record if he is shown as the father on that child’s birth record. An alleged father may not receive a copy of a birth record if he does not appear on the record, unless the alleged father has legal proof of custody or guardianship (court documentation, custody or guardianship papers referencing father's status as the legal father, or a notarized or certified power of attorney document from the mother or her legal representative that states he may receive copies on behalf of the mother). Family members of an alleged father may not receive copies a child's birth certificate unless he is shown on that child's birth certificate. In which case, they must be a member of the registrant's immediate family and may be required to demonstrate a link to the alleged father.
- The state registrar, as outlined in section 193.255.4, RSMo, and prescribed in 19 CSR 10-10.090, may authorize vital records access to entities not normally entitled—when deemed in the public interest and not for purposes of commercial solicitation or private gain. Specifically, copies of records or data from records are allowed for public agencies administering health, welfare, safety, law enforcement, education or public assistance programs, and to private agencies approved by the state registrar. Access, in these instances, shall be for statistical or administrative purposes upon such terms or conditions as may be prescribed by regulation, provided that such copies or data shall not be used for purposes other than those for which they were requested unless so authorized by the state registrar.
Do I Need to Notarize My Application?
If you are requesting your certificate by mail, your application must be notarized. If you are applying in person at the DHSS, obtaining a notary is not necessary. Some situations, such as specific legal processes or requests made by third parties, might require notarization. If a notarized application is needed, VRO offers an online notary as a final step during application submission.
Tracking
How to Track the Status of Your Birth Certificate Replacement
When you place an order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Missouri DHSS-BVR for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's progress to the Missouri DHSS-BVR.
When manually mailing your birth certificate request to the Missouri DHSS-BVR, it is required to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your application. It's recommended to use mail tracking to guarantee timely handling and secure delivery of your certificate. Once records leave the Missouri DHSS office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.
frequently asked questions
Other FAQs
How to Obtain a Missouri Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base
If you were born overseas on a U.S. military base, your birth is recorded with the U.S. Department of State. Therefore, you will not have a birth certificate on record with the state of Missouri. In such cases, you can request a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) from the U.S. Department of State. The CRBA, also known as form FS-240, serves as evidence of U.S. citizenship and is equivalent to a U.S. birth certificate. It can be used to prove birth and citizenship, apply for a passport, and access social services. If you need additional copies of the CRBA, you can contact the hospital where you were born or order them from the Department of State.
For more information about the CRBA, you can visit the U.S. Department of State website.
Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Missouri Birth Certificate?
It's important to have certified copies of your birth certificate for some milestones in life. A birth certificate is an officially recognized document proving your legal name, place, date of birth, and parents' names. Birth certificates are crucial for establishing identity and citizenship and are accepted by government and commercial entities. They are also helpful in legal proceedings, family matters, school enrollment, employment, and travel.
Birth certificates are often useful or required for:Applying for a driver's license
Applying for a new passport
Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card
Applying for Social Security benefits
Claiming pension or insurance benefits
Genealogy research
Claiming family inheritance
Applying for a new job
Enrolling in school
Enlisting in military
Obtaining a marriage license
What Does a Missouri Birth Certificate Look Like?
What Does a Missouri Birth Certificate Look Like?• Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.
• Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.
• Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.
• Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.
• State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.
• Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.
• Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.
• Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.
In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:
• Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.
• Name of the Physician who attended the labor.
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Missouri Birth Certificate
If you lose your birth certificate:
1.Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the DHSS.
a For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department or the DHSS Bureau of Vital Records office.
b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the DHSS at:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
930 Wildwood Dr,
Jefferson City, MO 65109
c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).2. The DHSS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.
How to Correct or Amend a Missouri Birth Certificate
The process varies depending on the changes needed to correct a Missouri birth certificate. An addendum is created to make the necessary modifications, and the original record remains unaltered.
The process and requirements for amending a birth certificate can vary. Typically, amendments to birth certificates will require:
- A completed amendment application: Affidavit for Correction, signed in the presence of a notary public.
- Supporting documentation: The suggested documents submitted with the application will depend on the correction being requested.
Suggested Documents include (not the complete list):
Church Baptismal Record
Prenatal Records
School Enrollment Records
U.S. Passport
Social Security Card
Driver’s License
Insurance Policy
State or Federal Tax Return
Military Record - Appropriate fee(s): There are no fees to process an Affidavit for Correction. If the change requires a court order there is a $15.00 fee.
How to Obtain an Apostille for a Missouri Birth Certificate
If you need an apostille for a Missouri birth certificate, you can order directly through the Missouri Secretary of State or online using VRO's Express Apostille Service. Apostilles are issued by the Missouri Secretary of State. They are often necessary when submitting a birth certificate to a foreign government that is part of the 1961 Hague Convention.
To manually obtain an apostille for a Missouri birth certificate, follow these steps:- Complete the Apostille Request Form: Obtain the necessary form from the Missouri Secretary of State's office or download it from their official website.
- Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have the certified copy of the birth certificate that needs the apostille, and include any other supporting documentation as required by the Missouri Secretary of State.
- Include with your documents:
A letter stating the destination country for your documents
Your return address
Your phone number and email address - Submit the Request: Mail or deliver your completed form, the birth certificate, and any additional documents to the Missouri Secretary of State's office.
- Payment: Include the appropriate fee ($10.00) for the apostille service with a check or money order made payable to the Missouri Secretary of State.
Mailing Address: