Frequently Asked Questions

The Bureau of Vital Records accepts documents containing notarization from notaries registered in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of State, documents can be notarized overseas through notarizing officers at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. It is also possible to have a document notarized by a local foreign notary and then have the document authenticated for use in the United States. Visit the Department of State’s website for more information.

Yes. One of the most important reasons vital records are kept confidential and only released to authorized entities is because, in the wrong hands, they can be used to help criminals steal your identity. This can have a negative impact on your availability to obtain credit, result in costly legal fees, and waste your time and effort to correct, among other issues.

Therefore, be sure to keep any copies of vital records in a secure location and ensure only authorized individuals or those absolutely necessary are shown or given a copy. Learn more about protecting your identity.

If you believe your identity has already been stolen, know your rights and report it.

The Revised Statutes of the State of Missouri (RSMo) and the Missouri Code of State Regulations (CSR) specifically outline how the statewide operation of the vital records system shall operate, the dollar amounts of the statutorily required search fees for a vital record and who must pay them, along with the requirement to submit a correctly completed application and, if applicable, tangible interest documentation. Unless Missouri state law specifically exempts you or your agency from the statutorily required search fee, a fee must be submitted with an application for a vital record—regardless of the reason or need for the vital record. State agencies may pay for vital records utilizing the PVQ process. All subpoenas, summonses, warrants, et al. must still comply with state law and cannot exempt requestors from statutory requirements and regulations. An application must always be submitted to obtain a copy of a vital record. The applicant’s relationship to the registrant and/or reason for the request will determine whether tangible interest documentation shall accompany the application. All mail-in applications must be notarized, pursuant to 19 CSR 10-10, regardless of the requestor or the reason or need for the vital record.

View more on "How to Order a Copy of a Vital Record".

No, the Bureau of Vital Records does not collect or retain medical records. The bureau only collects and retains vital records for major events that occurred in Missouri such s a birth, death, fetal death, marriage, or divorce. In some instances for adoptees (those who have been adopted), the bureau may have birth parent(s) medical history form(s) available if the birth parent(s) submitted such documentation to the bureau. Medical history forms, however, are self-reported and are not official medical records. If you are looking for medical records, reach out to the physician, hospital, or other entity where the medical event(s) occurred. If the physician, hospital, or other entity is no longer in practice, check to see if records have been transferred to another practice, facility, or entity. You may also contact the Missouri State Medical Association or Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts for possible additional guidance.

No. Copies, duplications, or reproductions of certified copies of vital records are prohibited by state law (193.245, RSMo and 193.255, RSMo) and rendered "void" as the authenticity of such vital records cannot be verified. Certified vital records contain a state seal and are printed on certificate security paper. Only vital records created or issued by official methods originating directly from a vital records office should be used for any purpose.

In Missouri, governmental and other authorized agencies should complete verifications and certifications of births and deaths by utilizing the Electronic Verification of Vital Events (EVVE) system. The EVVE system can either verify an identity quickly and powerfully by matching against United States birth certificate databases (a certification) or in cases where a birth certificate is in hand, EVVE allows for immediate confirmation of the document’s legitimacy (a verification). EVVE is the sole source for this capability. No other private or federal database contains this data. For more information, visit: https://www.naphsis.org/get-vital-records/for-work/on-demand.

If an EVVE birth or death verification fails, a letter requesting a manual verification may be sent to the State Registrar/Custodian of Vital Records (Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109). The letter must explain the failed EVVE verification in detail, along with the applicable vital record information trying to be verified, along with any supporting documentation, and/or notarized authorization (Ex: the Social Security Administration may submit: Form SSA-L706-F3/Form SSA-562-U3). A manual verification payment is not necessary after a failed EVVE verification/certification.

Governmental agencies can complete confidential verifications of marriages and divorces upon submission of an application for a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage or Certified Statement Relating to Divorce along with tangible interest documents or signed notarized statement authorizing release and applicable search fee to the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109.

Personal Service for all Service of Process (subpoenas, summonses, warrants, et al.) can be served upon the Department at:           
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Office of General Counsel
912 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109

Note: In the State of Missouri, vital records are not open to the general public. Copies of vital records are provided to specifically defined individuals or entities. State law only allows a certified copy of a vital record to be issued to a person with a direct and tangible interest in the record upon receipt of a notarized application, statutorily required search fee, and, if applicable, tangible interest documents or a signed notarized statement authorizing release.

Yes. In Missouri, traditional, electronic, and remote online notarization (RON) of applications/documents, including correction affidavits, are accepted by the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records. The electronically notarized document must be mailed, and if necessary, along with applicable fees and documentation to the Bureau of Vital Records at 930 Wildwood Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109.

While electronic and remote notarization is acceptable, other standard requirements still apply in completing the application process and the correction affidavit process. For more information on submitting electronic or remote notarizations, email: VitalRecordsInfo@health.mo.gov or call 573-751-6387.

According to the National Notary Association, “an oath is a promise to a deity and an affirmation is a pledge on one's personal honor. Both are legally binding promises to tell the truth and subject the oath-taker or affirmant to penalties for perjury.” However, an affirmation does not contain a connection to religion or a deity.

Many applications, affidavits, and other documents provided by the Bureau of Vital Records contain affirmations, not oaths, and are a requirement for such documents to be accepted by the Bureau of Vital Records. Please do not scratch out, strikethrough, or replace any words or phrases on any document such as “do solemnly declare and affirm” or “pains and penalties of perjury”, among others. If the document is defaced in any way, it will not be accepted.

If you have found a Missouri vital record, and you are not sure who the record belongs to or where it came from, please mail the vital record along with a note stating “lost and found” to the following address: Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109.

Lost Vital Record
If you are certain the copy of the vital record was lost, and not stolen, (thrown out accidentally or perhaps in a box in the attic) you can simply request another copy of the vital record by contacting the Bureau of Vital Records at 573-751-6387 or learn more at order a copy of a vital record.

Damaged Vital Record
If you are certain the copy of the vital record was damaged, and not stolen, (spilled liquid, torn, ripped, or worn) you can simply request another copy of the vital record by contacting the Bureau of Vital Records at 573-751-6387 or learn more at order a copy of a vital record.

Note: Be sure not to laminate a copy of vital record in an attempt to preserve the certificate. This may prevent the authenticity of the certificate from being verified.

Stolen Vital Record
If you believe your birth certificate was stolen, a security review check may be placed on your record. This security review check will not prevent those who may legally obtain a copy of your vital record from doing so, nor will you be contacted when your record is requested, but the bureau will add an additional layer of security by requiring supplementary information and/or documentation from the applicant before the request is completed.

To request a security review check be placed on your vital record, submit a written, notarized letter to the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records (930 Wildwood Dr., Jefferson City, Missouri 65109). At a minimum, this letter should state that your vital record is believed to be stolen and list your full name (as it appears on the record), date of birth/event, parental names, and if applicable, parental dates of birth. If you need to request another copy of the vital record, contact the Bureau of Vital Records at 573-751-6387 or learn more at order a copy of a vital record. You may also consider following up with a credit monitor or other type of identity monitoring service.

Learn more about replacing vital records and reporting identity theft.

Vital Records
In Missouri, all vital records are registered and issued in English. If you need an official translation of a vital record, you will need to obtain services from a third-party translation service. To ensure your translation is acceptable, confirm requirements with the entity requiring the translation.

Applications/Affidavits/Other Forms
The Bureau of Vital Records does provide some example forms written in Spanish. However, these documents are for reference only and should not be submitted to the Bureau of Vital Records. Only forms in English are accepted for processing. View all applications and forms.

Documentary Evidence
Any documentary evidence submitted to the Bureau of Vital Records in an effort to register, obtain, or correct/amend a vital record must be in English or be accompanied by an official translation of the document.

Interpretation Services
The Bureau of Vital Records also offers live interpretation services in over 300 languages and dialects for immediate customer assistance in reading or completing any vital records form or process. Simply call 573-751-6387 and ask for a translator in your desired language.

In Missouri, fathers are added to a birth certificate as outlined in state law. When a mother is married to the father of the child, the father’s name is automatically added to the birth certificate at the time of the registration of birth. In other instances, the father may be added after the registration of the birth certificate by various methods such as completing paternity affidavits. If no father is present on a certificate, this may mean the mother did not provide the father’s information at the time of birth, that paternity affidavits have not been submitted or processed, or various other reasons. If paternity affidavits were submitted, bureau processing times before the father will be added to the record will vary, based on volume, from approximately 8-12 weeks.

Specifically, 193.085, RSMo, states:

If the mother was married at the time of either conception or birth, or between conception and birth, the name of the husband shall be entered on the certificate as the father of the child, unless:

• Paternity has been determined otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction; or
• The mother executes an affidavit attesting that the husband is not the father and the putative father is the father, and the putative father executes an affidavit attesting that he is the father, and the husband executes an affidavit attesting that he is not the father. If such affidavits are executed, the putative father shall be shown as the father on the birth certificate and the signed acknowledgment of paternity shall be considered a legal finding of paternity. The affidavits shall be as provided for in section 193.215.

In any case in which paternity of a child is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, the name of the father and surname of the child shall be entered on the certificate of birth pursuant to the finding and order of the court.

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if a child is born to unmarried parents, the name of the father and other required information shall be entered on the certificate of birth only if an acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to section 193.215 is completed, or if paternity is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or by an administrative order of the family support division.

If the father is not named on the certificate of birth, no other information about the father shall be entered on the certificate. The birth certificate of a child born to a married woman as a result of artificial insemination, with consent of her husband, shall be completed pursuant to the provisions of subsection 5 of this section. Either of the parents of the child, or other informant, shall attest to the accuracy of the personal data entered on the certificate in time to permit the filing of the certificate within the required five days.

Names on current certificates, along with all other data elements, on all types of vital records such as birth and death certificates are capitalized. This common administrative practice is done to better sort and locate vital records and to enhance the clarity and reporting of information through a standardized style. The design and format of vital records is determined by the State Registrar pursuant to 193.075, RSMo.

In the State of Missouri, vital records are restricted. Copies of vital records are provided to specifically defined individuals or entities. State law only allows a certified copy of a vital record to be issued to a person with a direct and tangible interest as outlined in 193.255.1, RSMo. However, 193.255.4, RSMo states: “Federal, state, local and other public or private agencies may, upon request, be furnished copies or data of any other vital statistics not obtainable under subsection 1 of this section 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.” (Entitlement is also further outlined in 19 CSR 10-10.090). Therefore, in instances of these requests, vital records are stamped prior to release. To enforce the aforementioned provision of state statute, the stamp is placed on any vital record issued to an entity that is not authorized under 193.255.1, RSMo. The stamp has specific language that should allow the requestor to utilize the stamp for specifically authorized purposes. A subpoena or other types of legal documents do not waive or alter the forms or procedures used in the issuance of certified copies of vital records. Issuance procedure authority lies with the State Registrar pursuant to 193.255.1, RSMo.

If you indicate on the birth registration paperwork at the time of birth (usually provided by a hospital, clinic, midwife, etc.) that you wish to give permission to provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) with the necessary information to issue a social security number, a social security card will be mailed by SSA to the address you provided on the birth registration paperwork.

Note: When naming your child and providing related information, any unknowns, extra character spaces, incorrect suffixes, and other specific naming sequences may prevent the automatic issuance of a social security number. As a result, you may have to contact the Social Security Administration directly and complete a Form SS-5 to properly register your child for a social security number. Ensure you ask the hospital, clinic, midwife, attendant, certifier, or call the Bureau of Vital Records (573-751-6387) for more information.

No. A vital record is released in the form of a physical, certified paper copy of a vital record. This security paper exists to ensure the information on the face of the document may be considered valid. In Missouri, vital records are not public records and are restricted, and as such, they are protected by law. State law only allows a certified copy of a vital record to be issued to a person with a direct and tangible interest in the record. Copies of vital records are provided to specifically defined individuals or entities after completion of an application, remittance of any required fees, among other requirements. This helps protect identities, prevent fraud, and preserve the integrity of vital records. Learn more about ordering a copy of a vital record.

Even though you do not need a Photo ID to vote, you might be eligible for a free Missouri nondriver license for voting purposes. The Missouri Department of Revenue, through the license offices throughout the state, provides one (1) nondriver license at no charge to Missourians who wish to obtain a photo ID for voting purposes (and do not already have one). Call 573-526-VOTE (8683) or visit https://dor.mo.gov/. Pursuant to 115.427, RSMo, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, can provide one (1) free exempt copy of a certified Missouri birth certificate to an individual seeking to obtain one (1) free nondriver license in order to vote in Missouri if the applicant does not already have a current nondriver license or current driver license. Email VitalRecordsInfo@health.mo.gov or call (573) 751-6387 for more details on how to request a birth certificate for voting/voter ID purposes.

For more general information, visit: https://www.sos.mo.gov/voterid

No, unless a pre-existing, legal agreement between your agency and the Department of Health and Senior Services exists specifically authorizing billing/invoices. Normally, the statutorily required search fee for a vital record must be received, along with all other requirements, prior to the release of a record.

Some entities may require a bill or invoice prior to being able to pay for a vital record or other service. In these instances, a completed Application for a Vital Record should be used to generate payment and then the payment, application, and any necessary tangible interest documents, may be sent to the Bureau of Vital Records.

Sunshine Law
No. In Missouri, vital records are not public records and are restricted, and as such, they are protected by law. Their disclosure and use is well-regulated even in circumstances regarding Sunshine requests. Vital records fall under an exception to sunshine for records and are protected from disclosure by law.

FOIA
No. Vital records are registered and maintained at the state level and are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FIOA). FOIA applies to executive branch agencies of the U.S. Government (federal level).

The Bureau of Vital Records only possess vital records that originally occurred within the State of Missouri. Births, deaths, marriages, and divorces occurring in states other than Missouri must be obtained from the state where the event took place. More information about out-of-state birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates can be found on the National Center for Health Statistics web site, "Where to Write For Vital Records." U.S. citizens (or non-citizen nationals) who have a child overseas, should work with the U.S. Department of State to obtain a "Birth of U.S. Citizens and Non-Citizen Nationals Abroad" (CRBA).

The original version of a birth or death certificate is registered and stored permanently by the Bureau of Vital Records per 192.060, RSMo. The Bureau of Vital Records maintains and exclusively operates the only vital records system throughout the state per 193.025, RSMo. The original version of a vital record is not given out to a member of the public or any other entity. The Bureau of Vital Records does issue certified copies of the original certificate which are considered to be the same as the original per 193.255, RSMo. Certified copies will be issued on security paper.

Note: Be cautious of false or misleading information regarding Missouri birth certificates, their origin or meaning, and history. The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records is the sole statutory authority over Missouri vital records.

Certified copies of vital records ordered through VitalChek can be transferred to the Missouri Secretary of State’s office for apostille/authentication and then sent directly to the recipient. To accomplish this task, please select “Apostille/Authentication” reason when ordering your certificate through VitalChek so your order may be automatically sent to the Missouri Secretary of State for apostille/authentication. If this option is selected, you will need to coordinate with the Secretary of State’s office for final processing/mailing of certificate(s).

If you did not select the “Apostille/Authentication” option and your VitalChek order was just placed/has not yet been processed, follow the steps below to manually request an apostille/authentication:

Once a certified copy of a vital record is ordered (long form certificate recommended) and order confirmation via email is received, contact the Bureau of Vital Records (573-751-6387, opt. 1) the following business morning between 9 AM - 11 AM central time to:

1. verify order is in processing queue for that day, and (b) request that the resulting certificate be forwarded for authentication/apostille

If you plan to order or have already ordered a copy of a vital record through the Jefferson City office by mail, and wish to get the copy sent to the Missouri Secretary of State’s office for authentication/apostille, contact the Bureau of Vital Records at 573-751-6387.

Certificates are delivered to the Secretary of State once per week on average. The Secretary of State will then contact customer for specifics and payment for their service. Finished documents will then be sent directly to customer.

For more information about authentication/apostilles, visit: https://s1.sos.mo.gov/Business/Notary/notary/certify

If possible, such an individual can reach out to a qualifying family member or official representative authorized to obtain a vital record.

If no such individual or representative is available and no ID or proof of identity can be established, the record could also be obtained through VitalChek (additional cost), which can verify an identity online through public record data powered by LexisNexis. The record could then be mailed to the requestor’s temporary, shelter, or current mailing address.

If the individual has no ID or paperwork, no family, no official representative or individual that would qualify with tangible interest, and cannot order online, in those rare circumstances, the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records could be contacted to evaluate the situation in consultation with the Missouri State Registrar of Vital Records. Providing a copy of a vital record in these situations is granted on a case-by-case basis.

One fee exempt copy of a birth record may be obtained by a victim of domestic violence or abuse, as those terms are defined in section 455.010, upon completion of a Victim of Domestic Violence or Abuse Fee Exempt Certified Copy of Birth Certificate Form and an accompanying application.

Usually, such an individual will have a shelter ID generated following the shelter’s written intake procedures to determine a participant’s eligibility for the shelter’s program. This can serve as one form of ID.

If possible, such an individual can also reach out to a qualifying family member or official representative authorized to obtain a vital record.

If no ID or proof of identity can be established, the record could also be obtained through VitalChek (additional cost), which can verify an identity electronically online through public record data powered by LexisNexis. This is a method that a shelter or program may be able to assist in completing. The record could then be mailed to the requestor.

If the individual has no ID or paperwork, no family, no official representative or individual that would qualify with tangible interest, and cannot order online, in those rare circumstances, the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records could be contacted to evaluate the situation in consultation with the Missouri State Registrar of Vital Records. Providing a copy of a vital record in these situations is granted on a case-by-case basis.

One fee exempt copy of a birth record may be obtained for a homeless or unaccompanied youth (under 21 years of age) upon completion of an Affidavit of Homeless or Unaccompanied Youth Status for Fee Exempt Certified Copy of Birth Certificate and an accompanying application.

The answer will depend on how the request for a vital record was placed and the volume of requests the bureau is experiencing at the time the request was made. The Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City accepts mail-in and in-person (by appointment) requests for vital records. The bureau also accepts telephone and online orders via VitalChek.

The standard mail-in request processing time takes approximately 8-12 weeks, while telephone and online orders through VitalChek take 5-7 business days. Expedited mailing services for online orders is also available. Processing times could be extended if the request is submitted with errors or requires additional research time. Also, each local public health agency across the state can usually provide same day birth and death certificate services.

For more information about processing times or to check the status of an order, call the Bureau of Vital Records at 573-751-6387.

Each copy of a birth, fetal death/stillbirth, marriage, and divorce record costs $15.00. The first copy of a death certificate costs $14.00. Each additional copy of a death certificate costs $11.00.

Yes. Genealogy requests received by the Bureau of Vital Records are treated in the same manner

While vital record keeping began in 1910, some delayed certificates may be available before 1910. However, there is no guarantee of a record’s existence either before or after 1910.

The Secretary of State’s Missouri Digital Heritage website contains publicly available information on birth certificates before 1910 and on death certificates greater than fifty (50) years old.

If your request falls outside of this criteria or additional information/an actual copy of a vital record is needed, an application for a vital record and a search fee is required and should be submitted to the Bureau of Vital Records. Typically, long form copies of vital records are useful involving genealogy requests.

If you are requesting information for legitimate research purposes, policies and procedures for release of vital records information can be found at Data, Surveillance Systems & Statistical Reports. Scroll to the heading Data Release Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines.

In Missouri, birth and death certificates each come in two different versions—short form and long form.

Short Form

A short form copy of a birth or death certificate, also referred to as an “abstract”, is an abbreviated version of the long form or original certificate. A short form birth certificate is officially titled a “Birth Certification”. A short form death certificate is officially titled a “Certification of Death”. Most short forms are available at each local public health agency (LPHA)/county health department across the state, the state vital record office in Jefferson City, or by phone/online through VitalChek.

The short form is the traditional looking copy with colored borders and will satisfy most purposes or needs for a birth or death certificate such as obtaining a driver's license, school registration, personal identification, death benefits, claim insurance proceeds, notify social security, and other legal purposes. The short form will typically not display any accent characters or markings.

Request a copy: To request a short form, simply complete a regular application either in-person, by mail, or phone/online through VitalChek. The default option for a vital record is the short form copy.

Long Form

A long form copy of a birth or death certificate, also referred to as an “original”, is a copy of the original birth or death certificate. A long form birth certificate is officially titled a “Certificate of Live Birth”. A long form death certificate is officially titled a “Certificate of Death”. Long forms are only available through the state vital record office in Jefferson City or by phone/online through VitalChek.

The long form contains additional general information about the birth or death such as a time of birth or death if available. This document is typically not required for most purposes or needs for a vital record. A long form may be preferred if previous changes to a vital record have been made or for genealogical purposes. Most accent characters or marks will only appear on a long form copy of a vital record.

Request a copy: To request a long form, complete a regular application either in-person or by mail, and select the “long form” option box. If requested by phone through VitalChek, you will need to inform the representative you are working with that you need a long form certificate. If you order online through VitalChek, please ensure you select “long form” from the list of available options or mark your request for genealogy purposes.

Note: in some instances, both a short form and a long form version of a vital record will not exist or be available for request. For more information, call the Bureau of Vital Records at 573-751-6387.

Fetal Death

• A fetal death is defined as a non-induced death prior to the complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of a fetus, irrespective of the duration of pregnancy, the death is indicated by fact that after such expulsion or extraction the fetus does not breathe or show any other evidence of life such as beating of the heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles.
• Each spontaneous fetal death of twenty (20) completed weeks gestation or more, calculated from the date of last normal menstrual period began to the date of delivery, or a weight of three hundred fifty (350) grams or more which occurs in Missouri shall be reported.
• If a report of spontaneous fetal death is filed with the state, a copy of the report may be requested by filing an application with the Bureau of Vital Records. If desired, either parent, or if both parents are deceased, a sibling of the stillborn child, also have the right to file an application requesting a “certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth”, which is created from information in the report of spontaneous fetal death.
• If a spontaneous fetal death occurs, neither a birth certificate nor a death certificate shall be filed or issued—only a report of spontaneous fetal death, and if desired, a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth certificate are available.
• Request a copy: To request a copy of a report of spontaneous fetal death or a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth, complete an application either in-person or by mail.

Induced Termination of Pregnancy (ITOP)

• An induced termination of pregnancy (ITOP), also known as an abortion, is defined as the intentional destruction of life of an embryo or fetus in his or her mother’s womb or the intentional termination of pregnancy of a mother with an intention other than to increase the probability of a live birth or to remove a dead or dying unborn child.
• Information received from the Report of Induced Termination of Pregnancy and the Complication Report for Post-Abortion Care are confidential, only used for statistical purposes, and to preserve maternal health and life by adding to the sum of medical knowledge through the compilation of relevant maternal health and life data and to monitor all abortions performed to assure that they are done only under and in accordance with the provisions of the law.
• For more general information regarding these terms, visit the National Center for Health Statistics.

VitalChek is an authorized resource for official, government-issued online vital records ordering powered by Lexis-Nexis. Once an order is placed through VitalChek, the order request is routed to the Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City or a regionally approved vital records office for fulfillment. VitalChek does not have access to vital records nor possess the ability to alter a vital record. Learn more about VitalChek. For more vital records related information, call the Bureau of Vital Records at 573-751-6387.

Checks are cashed/fees are deposited immediately upon receipt of the application by a separate division within the Department of Health and Senior Services. The application is then sent to the Bureau of Vital Records for processing. Therefore, a cashed check does not indicate an application has been processed.

In the State of Missouri, vital records are not open to the general public. Copies of vital records are provided to specifically defined individuals or entities. This helps protect identities, prevent fraud, and preserve the integrity of vital records. State law only allows a certified copy of a vital record to be issued to a person with a direct and tangible interest in the record.

Pursuant to 19 CSR 10-10, the registrant, a member of his/her family, his/her guardian, or one of their official representatives shall be considered to have a direct and tangible interest and may be issued a certified copy of a vital record such as a birth or death certificate. Applicants requesting records shall furnish adequate identifying information contained on the record to ensure the correct record is being released.

• 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.
• Example: a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency could submit a signed letter on letterhead outlining the need for a vital record to complete a special investigation. See example letter.

For additional information regarding vital record access, see the Missouri Code of State Regulations or contact the Bureau of Vital Records at 573-751-6387.

You will not automatically receive a copy of a newborn’s birth certificate. To receive a copy of a birth certificate, or any vital record, the record must be requested by an authorized individual or entity via a notarized application or letter and the appropriate fee must be paid to the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records.

For more information, see How to Obtain a Copy of a Vital Record or contact the Bureau of Vital Records at 573-751-6387.

A legal name change requires a court order prior to the Bureau of Vital Records being able to change the name on a vital record. If you are not legally changing your name, but attempting to make a correction, a notarized correction affidavit with supporting documentation may be acceptable to make the correction. Learn more about amending vital records.

Vital records in Missouri can be corrected or amended in specific instances in accordance with state statutes and regulations with the proper documentary evidence and/or legal documents. Some of these changes can be performed with a correction affidavit and applicable documentation, while some changes or amendments require a court order. Learn more about amending vital records.

Yes. Per state law, 193.145, RSMo, all data providers in the death registration process, including, but not limited to county medical examiners, coroners, funeral directors, embalmers, sheriffs, attending physicians and resident physicians, physician assistants, assistant physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and the chief medical officers of licensed health care facilities, and other public or private institutions providing medical care, treatment, or confinement to persons, shall be required to use and utilize any electronic death registration system.

If you are a licensed professional and would like to request access to register vital events electronically using the Missouri Electronic Vital Records (MoEVR) system, you will complete the MoEVR User Access Request form and email it to MoEVRsupport@health.mo.gov

A fetal death is defined as a non-induced death prior to the complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of a fetus, irrespective of the duration of pregnancy, the death is indicated by fact that after such expulsion or extraction the fetus does not breathe or show any other evidence of life such as beating of the heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles. Each spontaneous fetal death of twenty (20) completed weeks gestation or more, calculated from the date of last normal menstrual period began to the date of delivery, or a weight of three hundred fifty (350) grams or more which occurs in Missouri shall be reported.

Various state laws outline who is responsible for registering vital records with the State of Missouri. These individuals range widely from a doctor delivering a newborn child and filing a birth certificate to a coroner or medical examiner medically certifying the cause of death on a death certificate—among other entities such as PAs, APs, APRNs, funeral directors, and embalmers—to name a few.

Most vital records are registered electronically by licensed professionals using the Missouri Electronic Vital Records (MoEVR) system. For a minority of cases not involving a licensed professional (i.e. out of institution/home births or home burials), alternative paper methods are used to register the vital record.

A certificate of death for each death occurring in Missouri must be filed within five (5) days after the date of death (Section 193.145, RSMo) with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services by state law.

A certificate of live birth for each birth occurring in Missouri must be filed within five (5) days after the date of birth (Section 193.085, RSMo) with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services by state law.

Each spontaneous fetal death of twenty (20) completed weeks gestation or more, calculated from the date of last normal menstrual period began to the date of delivery, or a weight of three hundred fifty (350) grams or more which occurs in Missouri shall be reported within seven (7) days after delivery.