Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital Records

Missouri · Vital Records

health.mo.gov/vital-records-registries/vital-records/order-copy-vital-record

State Vital Records in Missouri

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital Records issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Missouri. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.

Steps to takeKey facts

Steps to take when someone dies

1
Confirm the death occurred in Missouri; the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
2
Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
  • •Online: Order online through VitalChek
  • •By phone: Call VitalChek toll-free at 1-877-817-7363, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • •By mail: Mail notarized request with self-addressed stamped envelope and fees
  • •In person: Walk in at a local public health agency (115 locations; deaths 1980-present) or make an appointment at the state Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City
3
Include what the office requires with the order:
  • •Signed application and search fee
  • •In person: one photo identity document, or two alternate forms of identification
  • •By mail: the application notarized by a notary public
  • •If applicable: tangible interest documents or a signed notarized statement authorizing release
4
Allow the office's processing time (4-8 weeks for mail orders; local offices usually faster).

State Vital Records in Missouri: key facts

What Missouri says9

Administering office

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital Records.1

Office location and hours

930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Lobby (appointment recommended): Monday – Friday 9 AM - 3 PM Central; telephone: Monday – Friday 9 AM - 4 PM Central; excluding state and federal holidays.1

Mail orders

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109.1

Certificate fee

$14 for the first certified copy; $11 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1

Processing time

4-8 weeks for mail orders; local offices usually faster.1

Who may order

Family members, including in-laws and cousins; Genealogists representing a family member, and professionally recognized genealogists; Guardian; Official representatives (attorney, physician, funeral director, or other authorized agent with a notarized authorization).1

Others who document a direct and tangible interest for the determination or protection of personal or property rights.1

Filing deadline

The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.2

Public record

Death records become public 50 years after the death.1

Records available from

1910.1

Governing law: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 193.145

Sources2

  1. 1.Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital Records
  2. 2.Missouri death-certificate filing rule (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 193.145; Mo. Rev. Stat. § 193.175; Mo. Rev. Stat. § 214.090; Mo. Rev. Stat. Chapter 214; Mo. Rev. Stat. Chapter 333; 20 CSR 2120-2.070(16); 19 CSR 20-24.010)

Missouri vital records offices

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital Records

Phone

573-751-6387

Hours

Lobby (appointment recommended): Monday – Friday 9 AM - 3 PM Central; telephone: Monday – Friday 9 AM - 4 PM Central; excluding state and federal holidays

Mailing address

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Verified Oct 2026

Tools for Settling an Estate in Missouri

Free tools for settling an estate in Missouri: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?

In Missouri, certified death certificates come from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital RecordsMissouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $14Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $11Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.

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How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Missouri: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 30 daysRSMo §§ 473.233, 473.240Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsRSMo §§ 473.033, 473.360, 473.380, 473.397, 473.403, 473.444Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.

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