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.
The State Bureau of Vital Records began recording birth and death records on January 1, 1910 for events occurring in Missouri. Statewide registration of marriage and divorce records began on July 1, 1948. Many Missouri residents can quickly obtain their birth, death, marriage, and divorce records at the local level. There are some types of vital records only available at the county level, and other types of records that are only available from the Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City. For more information, visit: Bureau of Vital Records.
*Certification/issuance fees are generally valid for one (1) year. Amendment fees are generally valid for two (2) years.