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Legal Disclaimer

Vital Records Online is not affiliated with any government agency. We provide a secure online service to help customers file applications for certified vital records to the appropriate state or county office. Free application forms are available directly from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital Records.

Missouri Marriage Certificate

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Missouri Marriage Certificate Overview

Learn how to order Missouri marriage certificate from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital Records (DHSS-BVR). The current processing time for a copy of a marriage record is 12 to 16 weeks. The state fee is $15.00 per certified copy. Authorized individuals include the certificate holder, immediate family members, and authorized third parties.

Where to Get a Missouri Marriage Certificate

Missouri marriage certificate is available from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Bureau of Vital Records, which maintains statewide marriage records from July 1948 to the present. Certified copies can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at the Jefferson City office. The fee is $15 for a certified copy. Visit the Missouri Vital Records website for details.

For marriages before July 1948, or for faster local service, contact the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the marriage license was issued. Missouri has 114 counties plus the City of St. Louis (which functions as an independent city). Each recorder of deeds maintains local marriage records.

For a secure, guided experience, order your Missouri marriage certificate online through VRO with document verification and order tracking.

Is a Missouri Marriage Certificate Issued by the State or County?

Missouri issues marriage certificate at both levels. The Recorder of Deeds in each county is the original recording authority — couples obtain their marriage license there, and the officiant returns the completed certificate to the same office. The county then reports the record to the state Bureau of Vital Records.

Certified copies from either source are equally valid. The state has records from 1948 onward, while county recorders often have much older records. The state charges $15 per copy, and county fees vary. Note that in Missouri, the City of St. Louis maintains its own vital records separately from St. Louis County.

Missouri Marriage Certificate and No Waiting Period

Missouri is popular for marriages due to its lack of a waiting period — couples can obtain a marriage license and marry on the same day. There are no blood test requirements, no mandatory premarital counseling, and the license is valid for 30 days from issuance.

Missouri also has historically low minimum age requirements for marriage. Recent legislation has been proposed to raise the minimum age. Currently, individuals aged 16 and 17 can marry with parental consent. The ease of obtaining a marriage license has made Missouri a destination for couples from neighboring states with stricter requirements.

Missouri does not recognize common-law marriage for unions established after 1921. However, common-law marriages validly established in other states are recognized in Missouri. Only ceremonial marriages performed by authorized officiants produce a standard Missouri marriage certificate.

How to Order State of Missouri Marriage Certificate

You can order Missouri marriage certificate through the VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order marriage certificate. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital Records (DHSS-BVR) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your marriage certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the Missouri DHSS-BVR by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. The Certified Statement Relating to Marriage is issued by the Department of Health and Senior Services. A certified copy of the original marriage certificate may only be obtained by contacting the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the license was obtained.

Before you submit your application, confirm the costs, eligibility, requirements, and current processing times to ensure there is no error.


Person ordering a marriage certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Missouri marriage certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. 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

Get Started Online

required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order State of Missouri Marriage Certificate?

Applicants must provide proof of their identity to the Missouri DHSS-BVR, including a valid driver’s license, state-issued photo ID, passport, school ID, or employment ID. If you do not have a valid form of identification, two secondary forms of ID may be accepted: a utility bill and an insurance policy, for example.

The DHSS-BVR has specific conditions and requirements for ordering Missouri marriage certificate. Carefully review the criteria in the table below.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Driver’s License or State ID
US Military Photo ID
US Passport
School Photo ID (with date of school year)
Work Photo ID

Letter from Government
W-2 with Copy of Social Security Card
Court Certified Adoption Papers that Include Adopted Parent(s)
Certified Deed/Title
Insurance Policy
Medicaid/Medicare ID
Payroll Stub Showing Social Security Number
Military Discharge (DD-214)
Cancelled Duplicate Check (with Name, Address, Signature, Institution)
Utility Bill
Shelter Name Band

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Marriage Certificate in Missouri?

The costs for obtaining a certified Missouri marriage record depend on the fees defined by the Missouri DHSS-BVR and your preferred application method. The DHSS-BVR charges a $15.00 fee for certified copies of marriage certificate. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering marriage certificate.


State Fee

$15.00


Rush Processing

Not Available


Additional Copy

1 x $15.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Missouri Marriage Certificate?

The standard processing time for copies of Missouri marriage certificate varies from 12 to 16 weeks. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

5-7 business days

Rush Processing Time

Not offered


Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Missouri Marriage Certificate?

Individuals on record, their immediate family members, and legal representatives can lawfully request a certified copy of a marriage record, as defined by the Missouri DHSS-BVR. Certified marriage records are accessible to the general public fifty (50) years after the marriage event. If you are ordering a marriage certificate on someone else's behalf, verify your eligibility by checking who is authorized to request the type of certificate you need. Informational copies of the marriage certificate are available to anyone.



Authorized People


  • Attorneys
  • Immediate Family
  • In-Laws
  • Legal Guardian
  • Other person of interest (personal and property rights)
  • Person on Record
  • Physician

Do I Need to Notarize My Application for a Missouri Marriage Application?

A notarized statement is required when ordering an authorized copy of a Missouri marriage certificate by mail. If you are requesting the marriage certificate in person, adding a notary may not be necessary. Third-party representatives requesting vital records on someone’s behalf may require a notarized statement.


Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Missouri Marriage Certificate

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 or the county registrar of deeds.

When manually mailing your marriage request to the Missouri DHSS-BVR, you must include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your application. Mail tracking is recommended to guarantee your certificate's timely handling and secure delivery. Once records leave the state office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • Can I Order a Missouri Marriage Certificate Online?

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    Yes, you can order a Missouri marriage certificate online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. The online process allows you to submit your application, provide required information, and pay securely. Online orders are typically processed faster than mail-in requests. You will need to provide identifying information about both spouses and the date and location of the marriage.

  • What Is the Difference Between a Missouri Marriage Certificate and a Marriage License?

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    A marriage license is the document you obtain before your wedding that legally authorizes you to marry in Missouri. A marriage certificate is the official record proving your marriage took place. After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the appropriate office for filing. Once recorded, it becomes the official marriage certificate. You need the certificate for legal purposes like name changes, insurance benefits, tax filing, and immigration applications.

  • Where Can I Get a Copy of a Marriage Certificate in Missouri?

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    You can obtain a certified copy of a Missouri marriage certificate from the state vital records office, the county clerk or recorder where the marriage was filed, or online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. For older records, you may need to contact the county directly or the state archives. Processing times vary by method, with online and in-person requests typically being the fastest options.

  • How Much Does a Missouri Marriage Certificate Cost?

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    A certified copy of a Missouri marriage certificate costs $15 from the Missouri DHSS Bureau of Vital Records. Additional copies are also $15 each. Marriage certificate can also be obtained from the recorder of deeds in the county where the marriage license was issued, and fees may vary by county.

  • Can Someone Else Request My Missouri Marriage Certificate?

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    Yes. An authorized third party such as a spouse, parent, legal representative, or attorney may request a Missouri marriage certificate on someone else’s behalf. You will typically need to provide a notarized affidavit or sworn statement confirming your relationship and the purpose of your request. A Power of Attorney (PoA) document is also accepted as proof of authorization.

  • Are Missouri Marriage Records Public?

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    Missouri marriage records are generally considered public records. Certified copies can be obtained from the Missouri DHSS or the recorder of deeds in the county where the marriage was recorded. While basic marriage information is publicly accessible, certified copies with full details are typically restricted to eligible individuals such as the parties named on the certificate or their authorized representatives.

  • How to Correct or Amend a Missouri Marriage Certificate?

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    Different forms are required when a marriage record needs to be changed, depending on the information that needs to be amended. In Missouri, some amendments require a court order, typically requiring an attorney.

    To request a correction or amendment to your marriage record, contact the Recorder of Deeds in the county where your marriage license was initially recorded and filed.



    The process and requirements for amending a marriage certificate can vary. Correcting or revising vital records usually will require the following:

    1. A completed amendment application,
    2. Supporting documentation,
    3. Appropriate fee(s)
    4. A notarized, sworn statement completed by an authorized person
  • How do you obtain an Apostille for a Missouri Marriage Certificate?

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    An apostille is required for marriage records submitted to foreign governments. The Commission Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records initially filed with DHSS-BVR. You can request an Apostille for Missouri marriage records through the Secretary of State or Vital Records Online (VRO). VRO offers reliable apostille services in all 50 states and is legally recognized by governments and organizations in over 100 countries.

    To manually mail a request, you will need to provide the following information:

    • A letter stating what country the documents will be sent to, a return address, and a contact phone number and e-mail address
    • Certified marriage record certificate
    • $10.00 per document, checks, and money orders made payable to the Secretary of State’s Office
    • Self-addressed envelope only if expedited delivery is needed

    You can submit requests for your marriage record apostilles to the DHSS-BVR at the following addresses:

    For standard mail, use the address below:



    For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address below:

  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Missouri Marriage Certificate

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    If you lose your marriage certificate:

    1. Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the Missouri DHSS-BVR.
      1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department.
      2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the Missouri DHSS-BVR at:
        Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services,
        Bureau of Vital Records
        930 Wildwood Drive,
        Jefferson City, MO 65109
      3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
    2. Missouri DHSS-BVR will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.