Where to Request a Death Certificate in Missouri

You request a death certificate from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records. This is the only state office that issues certified copies. You can request one by mail, in person, or online through their VitalChek portal.

The Bureau of Vital Records is located in Jefferson City. If you go in person, you can walk in during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except state holidays) and receive a certificate the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days after they receive your form. Online requests through VitalChek are processed within 1 to 3 business days, but VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the state fee.

You do not need to know the exact date of death to request a certificate, but having it makes the search faster. The Bureau will search by the person's full name and approximate year of death if that is all you have.

Key Takeaways

  • The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records is the only office that issues certified death certificates for deaths in Missouri.
  • You can request a certificate by mail, in person at the Jefferson City office, or online through VitalChek, with processing times ranging from same-day (in person) to 1 to 10 business days depending on the method.
  • The state fee is $15 for the first certified copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, though VitalChek adds its own service fee.
  • You will need to provide the deceased person's full name, date of death or approximate year, and your relationship to the deceased or reason for requesting the certificate.
  • If the death occurred in Missouri but was not registered there, or if the person died before 1910, contact the county health department where the death occurred.

What Information You Need to Provide

When you request a death certificate, have the deceased person's full legal name, date of birth, and date of death ready. If you do not know the exact date of death, the year is usually enough for the Bureau to find the record.

You will also need to state your relationship to the deceased or explain why you need the certificate. Missouri recognizes when ready family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling), legal representatives, and people with a documented legal interest in the record. If you are not related to the deceased, be prepared to explain your reason — for example, settling an estate, probate proceedings, or genealogical research.

Some requesters are asked to provide proof of their relationship or identity. Have a government-issued ID ready, and if you are requesting on behalf of someone else, bring a power of attorney or court order if you have one.

How to Request by Mail

read the process for Certified Copy of Death Certificate from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website, or call the Bureau at 573-751-6387 to request the form by mail. Fill out the form completely, including the deceased person's name, date of death, your relationship, and your contact information.

Mail the completed form with a check or money order for $15 (first copy) plus $3 for each additional copy to:

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records 930 Wildwood Drive Jefferson City, MO 65102

Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the Bureau can return your certificate. Mail requests typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days of receipt. If you need the certificate faster, consider requesting in person or through VitalChek.

How to Request in Person

Visit the Bureau of Vital Records office at 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65102, during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed state holidays). Bring the completed process for Certified Copy of Death Certificate, a government-issued ID, and payment in cash, check, or money order.

You can also request the form at the office if you do not have one filled out ahead of time. The staff will help you complete it. If the record is found in the system, you will receive your certificate the same day. Bring extra copies of the form if you need multiple certificates, since each copy costs $3 and you may want to order several at once.

How to Request Online Through VitalChek

Go to the VitalChek website and select Missouri as your state. Follow the prompts to enter the deceased person's information, your relationship, and your mailing address. VitalChek will charge the $15 state fee plus its own service fee (typically $10 to $20, depending on how fast you want the certificate).

You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number. Standard processing takes 1 to 3 business days, and VitalChek will mail the certificate to you. Expedited options are available for an additional fee if you need it faster. VitalChek accepts credit and debit cards, which makes it convenient if you do not have a check.

What to Do If the Death Was Not Registered in Missouri

If the person died in Missouri but the death was never registered with the state, or if the death occurred before 1910, contact the county health department in the county where the death occurred. County health departments sometimes hold older records or can direct you to the correct office.

If the person died outside Missouri, you will need to contact the vital records office in the state where the death occurred. Each state has its own process and fees. The National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) website has links to vital records offices in every state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a death certificate cost in Missouri?

The state fee is $15 for the first certified copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. If you request through VitalChek, add their service fee, which ranges from about $10 to $20 depending on processing speed. In-person requests at the Jefferson City office do not have an extra fee beyond the state charge.

Can I request a death certificate for someone who is not a family member?

Yes, but you will need to explain your reason. Missouri allows requests from legal representatives, people with a documented legal interest (such as creditors or insurance companies), and genealogical researchers. The Bureau may ask for proof of your reason or identity before releasing the certificate.

What if I do not know the exact date of death?

Provide the year of death and the person's full name. The Bureau can search by year and name. If you have an approximate date or know the person's age at death, include that too — it helps narrow the search.

How long does it take to get a death certificate by mail?

Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days after the Bureau receives your form. This does not include the time your envelope spends in the mail. If you need it faster, request in person (same day) or through VitalChek (1 to 3 business days).

Can I request multiple copies at once?

Yes. Order as many copies as you need in a single request. Each additional copy beyond the first costs $3. Many people order 5 to 10 copies at once because they may be needed for banks, insurance companies, probate court, and other purposes.