Obtaining Certified Copies of Vital Records

Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce Information

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.

To request a certified copy of a marriage license contact the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the license was obtained.

To request a certified copy of a divorce decree contact 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.

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. Mail to:

Allow two to four weeks for delivery.
*Note: Fees are deposited upon receipt.

Requests received without the appropriate fee will be returned to the sender.

Requesting a vital record without an application form
A record can be requested by writing 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 groom
• Full maiden name of bride
• Date of marriage or divorce
• Place of marriage or divorce
• Your relationship to groom or bride (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).

Vital Chek
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. There is an additional $9.95 charge for this service. To further expedite the request, overnight delivery service is available.