Obtaining Certified Copies of Vital Records
This page is part of the LOVE Columbia information library website. To contact the organization listed below, please follow links or phone numbers given within the article.
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Content updated July 25, 2024
Many Missouri residents can obtain their birth, marriage and divorce records locally.
To request a birth or death certificate from a local health department, you may download the application and submit it in person or by mail to the nearest local health department.
The Certified Statement Relating to Marriage issued by the Department of Health and Senior Services will include the names of both spouses, date of marriage and county where the marriage was recorded. A certified copy of the original marriage license may be obtained by contacting the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the license was obtained.
The Certified Statement Relating to Divorce issued by the Department of Health and Senior Services will include the names of both spouses, date of divorce and county where the divorce was recorded. A certified copy of the original divorce decree may be obtained by contacting the Circuit Clerk in the county where the decree was granted.
If necessary, you can request these documents from the Department of Health and Senior Services in Jefferson City. Follow the steps below to request a record.
Step 1 – Download and complete the appropriate form.
Application for copy of Birth or Death Certification
Application for copy of Statement Relating to Marriage or Divorce
Step 2 – Determine search fee for record: A search fee must accompany all requests for copies of vital records. A five-year search may be conducted.
Birth and Fetal Death Records
Marriage and Divorce Records
$15 per record
$15 for each additional copy
Death Records
$13 per record
$10 for each additional copy
Make check or money order payable to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Checks must be drawn on a United States bank. A money order must be drawn on a United States bank or issued by the United States Postal Service. Do not send cash.
Step 3 – Take to your Local Health Department or Mail request
Include completed application form, a legal size, self-addressed stamped envelope and check or money order for the search fee. Do not send cash. Requests received without the appropriate fee will be returned to the sender.
Mail to:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Bureau of Vital Records
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Allow two to four weeks for delivery.
*Note: Fees are deposited upon receipt.
Requesting a vital record without an application form
A record can be requested by sending a written, notarized request to the Bureau of Vital Records at the above address and providing the following information:
Birth, Fetal Death and Death Records:
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 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
Marriage and Divorce Records:
Full name of both parties
Include the last name prior to first marriage and any previous married names
Date of marriage or divorce
Place of marriage or divorce
Your relationship to the parties listed on the record (specify which)
Explain reason for requesting the statement
When requesting a copy of a vital record without an application, a check or money order for the appropriate fee must be mailed to the Bureau of Vital Records (fees and address listed above).
For expedited service, call Vital Chek at 1-877-817-7363, toll free 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Documents can be requested by phone and charged to a major credit card. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for using this service. To further expedite the request, overnight delivery service is available.
Birth certificates ordered online through VitalChek are $26.25 ($15 for the birth certificate and $11.25 for VitalChek’s handling fee).
Death certificates ordered online through VitalChek are $24.25 ($13 for the death certificate and $11.25 for VitalChek’s handling fee).