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.
Administering agency
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital Records
State Vital Records in Missouri: key facts
- Administering office
- Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital Records.
- Contact
- Phone 573-751-6387.
- Office location
- 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
- Certificate fee
- $14 for the first certified copy; $11 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing time
- 4-8 weeks for mail orders; local offices usually faster.
- Who may order
- Registrant; Family member; Guardian; Official representative.
- Filing deadline
- The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.
- Public record
- Death records become public 50 years after the death.
- Records available from
- 1910.
Steps to take when someone dies
- Confirm the death occurred in Missouri — the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
- Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
- Online: Order online through VitalChek
- By phone: Order through VitalChek by phone
- By mail: Mail notarized request with self-addressed stamped envelope and fees
- In person: Visit any of 116 vital records locations across the state (115 walk-in, 1 appointment-only state office)
- Include what the office requires with the order:
- Completed signed application
- For mail-in: notarization required
- Allow the office's processing time (4-8 weeks for mail orders; local offices usually faster).
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital Records
Phone: 573-751-6387
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
by phone: Order through VitalChek by phone. by mail: Mail notarized request with self-addressed stamped envelope and fees. in person: Visit any of 116 vital records locations across the state (115 walk-in, 1 appointment-only state office). The office is at 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
The death certificate must be filed within 5 days. The funeral director or person in charge of disposition files the certificate with the state; the family orders certified copies once the record is registered.
Completed signed application; For mail-in: notarization required. The office also asks for the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death to locate the record.
The record belongs to the state where the death occurred, not the state of residence. Order from the state of death, following its fees and eligibility rules.
Sources
Data sourced from State Vital Records in Missouri primary sources (1 page reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital Records