Where to Request a Death Certificate in Missouri
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 cannot get one from a funeral home, county clerk, or hospital, though those places may help you understand the process.
The Bureau of Vital Records is located in Jefferson City. You can reach them by mail, phone, fax, or in person. If the death happened in Missouri, the certificate is filed there. If the death happened out of state, you need to contact that state's vital records office instead.
Processing times vary depending on how you request the certificate. Ordering by mail takes longer than ordering by phone or in person. The Bureau charges a fee for each copy—the amount depends on whether you need a certified copy (required for most legal purposes) or an informational copy (which costs less but is not accepted by banks, courts, or government agencies).
Key Takeaways
- Missouri death certificates come only from the Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City, not from funeral homes or local offices.
- You need the deceased person's full name, date of death, and place of death to request a certificate.
- Certified copies cost more than informational copies but are required for legal matters like probate, insurance claims, and changing titles.
- Phone orders are processed faster than mail orders, and in-person requests at the office are fastest.
- You do not need to be related to the deceased to request a death certificate in Missouri, though some states have restrictions.
How to Order by Phone or Online
The fastest way to order is by phone. Call the Bureau of Vital Records at 573-751-6387. Have ready the deceased person's full name, date of death, and place of death (city and county). The staff will tell you the fee and accept payment by credit card or debit card. They will mail the certificate to you or, in some cases, hold it for pickup.
Missouri also offers online ordering through the VitalChek system, which is a third-party vendor authorized by the state. You can order at vitalchek.com and select Missouri. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the state fee, so the total cost is higher than ordering directly from the Bureau. However, VitalChek offers expedited shipping and sometimes next-day delivery if you pay for it.
When you order online or by phone, you will be asked to confirm your relationship to the deceased or your reason for needing the certificate. Missouri does not restrict who can order, but you may be asked to provide this information for record-keeping.
Ordering by Mail or In Person
To order by mail, send a written request to the Bureau of Vital Records, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570. Include the deceased person's full name, date of death, place of death, and the number of certified copies you need. Include a check or money order for the fee (do not send cash). Mail processing typically takes two to four weeks, depending on the volume of requests.
If you are in or near Jefferson City, you can visit the Bureau in person at 930 Wildwood Drive, Building 40. Walk-in requests are processed the same day or within a few hours. Bring a photo ID and payment by cash, check, or card. This is the fastest option if you need the certificate urgently.
When ordering by mail, include your phone number and email address so the Bureau can contact you if there are questions about your request. If the death record cannot be found, they will notify you and explain next steps.
What Information You Need to Provide
The Bureau needs the deceased person's full name (first, middle, and last), date of death (month, day, and year), and place of death (city and county in Missouri). If you do not know the exact date, provide the approximate month and year. If the name was spelled differently at the time of death (for example, a maiden name), mention that.
You should also specify how many certified copies you need. Most people order two to four copies because banks, insurance companies, and courts each may require an original. Ordering multiple copies at once is cheaper than ordering them separately later.
If you are ordering on behalf of someone else, you may be asked to provide your name and relationship to the deceased. You do not need to be a family member—Missouri allows anyone to order a death certificate—but the Bureau keeps a record of who requested it.
Understanding Certified Versus Informational Copies
A certified copy has the state seal and the registrar's signature. It is a legal document accepted by banks, courts, insurance companies, and government agencies. You need certified copies to settle an estate, claim life insurance, change property titles, or file for survivor benefits. Most people need certified copies.
An informational copy is a photocopy of the record without the seal or signature. It costs less but is not accepted for legal purposes. Some people order an informational copy first to verify the information is correct, then order certified copies. However, if you know you will need the certificate for legal matters, order certified copies from the start.
The fee for a certified copy is set by Missouri law and varies depending on the number of copies. The Bureau's website lists current fees. VitalChek and other vendors may charge additional service fees on top of the state fee.
What to Do If the Death Record Cannot Be Found
If the Bureau cannot locate the death record, they will notify you by mail or phone. This can happen if the death was very recent (records take time to be filed), if the name was spelled differently, or if the death happened outside Missouri.
Ask the Bureau to search again with different spelling variations or a broader date range. If the death happened more than 50 years ago, records may be archived and take longer to retrieve. If the death happened in another state, you will need to contact that state's vital records office.
If you believe the record exists but cannot be found, you can request a search by the Bureau's staff. There may be an additional fee for an extended search. The Bureau can also provide a letter stating that no record was found, which some agencies accept as proof of death.
Fees and Payment Methods
Missouri charges a fee for each certified copy of a death certificate. The exact amount depends on the number of copies ordered and whether you are ordering in person, by mail, or through a vendor. The Bureau accepts payment by cash (in person only), check, money order, and credit or debit card (by phone or online).
If you order through VitalChek, you will pay the state fee plus VitalChek's service fee. VitalChek offers options like standard shipping, expedited shipping, and rush processing, each with different costs. Compare the total cost before ordering.
If you order by mail and include incorrect payment, the Bureau will return your request. Make sure your check or money order is for the correct amount and made out to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a death certificate in Missouri?
By phone or online, processing usually takes three to five business days plus shipping time. By mail, allow two to four weeks. In person at the Jefferson City office, you can get a copy the same day or within a few hours. VitalChek offers expedited options that can deliver within one to two business days for an extra fee.
Do I need to be related to the deceased to order a death certificate?
No. Missouri does not restrict who can order a death certificate. You do not need to be a family member or have legal authority. The Bureau may ask your name and relationship for record-keeping, but this will not prevent you from ordering.
What if the death happened outside Missouri?
Contact the vital records office in the state where the death occurred. Each state has its own process, fees, and requirements. You can find contact information for any state's vital records office through the CDC's website or by searching "[state name] vital records office."
Can I get a death certificate if the person was never born in Missouri?
Only if they died in Missouri. The certificate is filed in the state where the death occurred, not where the person was born. If they died elsewhere, contact that state's vital records office.
What if I need the certificate urgently?
Call the Bureau at 573-751-6387 and ask about rush processing. If you are in Jefferson City, visit in person for same-day service. VitalChek also offers expedited shipping and next-day delivery for an additional fee. Have the deceased person's full name, date of death, and place of death ready before you call.