How to File for a Missouri Birth Certificate
A birth certificate is a document most of us don't think about --- until we need it. And we do need it to get a Social Security card, enroll a child in school, get a driver's license or passport, or even register a child in a sports league. Most Missouri residents may get a copy of their birth certificates through their local health departments. All it takes is a few simple steps and a small fee.
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Instructions
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Request a Birth Certificate With an Application
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Go to the State of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website.
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Download and complete the "Application for Copy of Birth or Death Certification."
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Check the website or contact your local health department for the fee for requesting a copy of your birth certificate. Include with your application a check or money order in this amount written to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Checks must be drawn on a United States bank. Money orders must be drawn on a United States bank or issued by the U.S. Postal Service. Do not send cash.
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Deliver the application in person or mail it to the nearest local health department. All local health departments are listed on the Department of Health and Senior Services website. You also may mail your completed application and fee to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Remember to include a legal-size, self-addressed stamped envelope and check or money order for the search fee.
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Allow two to four weeks to receive your birth certificate.
Request a Birth Certificate Without an Application
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Request a Missouri birth certificate without an application by writing to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
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Include in your request the following information: full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth, both parents' names and mother's maiden name, your relationship to the person whose record you are requesting, and the reason you are requesting the record.
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Enclose a check or money order with the appropriate search fee (listed on the Department of Health and Senior Services website) with your request. Also, include a legal-size, self-addressed stamped envelope. You should receive your birth certificate in two to four weeks.
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Tips & Warnings
Birth certificates are not available at the St. Louis City Health Department. Missouri-born residents may obtain birth certificates at the Recorder of Deeds Office, City Hall, 1200 Market St., Room 127, St. Louis, MO 63103.
Requests for birth certificates received without the appropriate search fee will be returned to sender.
References
- Photo Credit birth marriage and death image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
