Home Burials
When a death occurs in Missouri and someone other than a funeral director is in charge of the final disposition, the other person must submit a written request to the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records for a death certificate. Section 193.145.4 RSMo requires the person in charge of final disposition of the body to file the certificate of death. The written request must, at a minimum, include the following items:
- Decedent’s legal name (including last name prior to first marriage if female)
- Date of death
- Date of birth
- Place of death (including facility name, if applicable, city, state and county)
- Name and telephone number of physician or medical certifier/coroner
- Name of requestor and relationship to decedent
- Requestor’s mailing address
- Requestor’s telephone number
The requestor may mail the written request to:
Department of Health and Senior Services
Attn: BVR Deputy Bureau Chief
Bureau of Vital Records
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Once the written request for a death certificate is received, one death certificate and instructions for completing the certificate will be mailed to the requestor.