ByHow To Get A Copy Of Birth Certificate In Missouri In A Few Clicks
People need copies of their Missouri birth certificates for many reasons--a driver's license, school registration, passport, or a social security card. Because a birth certificate is a federally accepted form of identification, you have to jump through a lot of hoops to get one.
It's news to most people that the state does not automatically send a copy of the birth certificate to new parents. Keep reading to learn how to request a copy, the documents you'll need, and how much it costs.
Two Types of Birth Certificates: Long and Short Form
Do you know which type of birth certificate you need? There are two-- informational, or short form, and authorized, or long-form in Missouri.
- Short Form. This is the copy you'll need for a driver's license, school registration, or a personal ID. It looks just like a traditional birth certificate with colored borders. This type of birth certificate is also called an abstract.
- Long Form. The long-form copy, or "," is what's called the original. It's a copy of the actual birth certificate on file with the Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City. Information about the time of birth, parent's names, ages, and nationalities, the hospital and doctor or midwife--all this is on the long-form birth certificate.
Who Can Get a Birth Certificate Copy in Missouri?
Since a birth certificate is the foundation of identification in the US, you must have a "direct and tangible interest" to obtain a copy. This safeguard prevents fraud and protects identities. These are the people who can get a birth certificate.
- Applicant
- Immediate family members--Parents, adult siblings, grandparents, aunts, and uncles
- Guardians of minor children
The applicant must identify at least one parent on the birth certificate as an additional safeguard.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Birth Certificate Copy in Missouri?
| City/County/State Office | Contact Address and Phone Number | Birth Certificate Processing Fee |
| Bureau of Vital Records | Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
930 Wildwood Drive Jefferson City, MO 65109 Phone: 573-751-6387 Email: VitalRecordsInfo@health.mo.gov | First Copy: $15.00
Additional Copies: $15.00 |
| Clay County Public Health Center | 800 Haines Drive
Liberty, MO 64068 Phone: 816-595-4200 | First Copy: $15.00
Additional Copies: $15.00 |
| Kansas City Vital Records | 2400 Troost Avenue
Suite 1000 Kansas City, MO 64108 | First Copy: $15.00
Additional Copies: $15.00 |
| St. Charles County Health Department | 1650 Boone's Lick Road
Saint Charles, MO 63301 | First Copy: $15.00
Additional Copies: $15.00 |
| St. Louis County Vital Records | 6121 N Hanley Rd
Berkeley, MO 63134 | First Copy: $15.00
Additional Copies: $15.00 |
There is an exemption to get a free copy if you need one to get a free non- driver's license ID to vote. For more information, email VitalRecordsInfo@health.mo.gov or call (573) 751-638. If you use VitalChek, there is an additional $9.50 processing fee.
In , you can pay with cash, a check, money order, or credit/debit card.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate?
The fastest way to get a birth certificate copy is to go to the county Health Department in person. If you have all the required documents for the application, they will print one while you wait. You can also request the document online or by telephone through VitalChek.
If you send the application by mail, expect the processing time to be 2-4 weeks.
What Documents Do I Need to Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Missouri?
You only have to provide one form of identification if you have a government-issued photo ID. Here's what the state accepts.
- Driver's License
- Passport
- Military ID
- Booking sheet
- Other government-issued photo ID
These documents are required if you do not have an acceptable photo ID. You must provide two.
- Social security card
- Paystub
- Car registration or title with your current address
- Utility bill
- Medicaid/Medicare document or ID card
Getting a Missouri Birth Certificate on Your Own
You can apply for a birth certificate copy for yourself or a loved one, but keep in mind that it is an exact process, and one typo throws the whole thing out.
If you want to obtain a copy of a Missouri birth certificate on your own, here are the steps. You'll have to fill out the forms and provide documentation regardless of whether you need short or long-form.
Download and complete the appropriate application form.
- Gather the registrant's information.
- Registrant's full name--first, middle, last
2.1. Gender 2.2. Race 2.3. Place of birth 2.4. Date of birth 2.5. Father's full name 2.6. Mother's full name 2.7. Mother's maiden name (name prior to marriage)
- Complete tangible interest documents or a signed and notarized statement, allowing the birth certificate's release. If you are requesting the document on behalf of a family member, you will also need to provide proof of the relationship.
- Certify the request with a signed statement from the registrant if you are requesting by mail. A Notary Public has to witness the signature.
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope if you are requesting by mail.
If you can't make the request on your own, you can gather the documents and information and ask a trusted family member or neighbor to do it on your behalf. You'll need to authorize the request via a signed notary statement, confirming the direct and tangible interest.
DoNotPay--the Solution if You Don't Want the Hassle or Don't Have the Time?
Wouldn't you love to just hand off the information to somebody else and save yourself the trouble? You're in luck--simply find DoNotPay.com in your web browser, and follow these easy steps.
- Go to the Birth Certificates product on DoNotPay.
- Select who the certificate is for (you or a loved one). If you are requesting a copy of someone else's certificate, enter their personal details, and upload evidence that proves your relationship.
- Enter the location you or your loved one was born in, so we can complete the form specific to your state.
- Enter the name(s) of the parent(s) as displayed on the certificate.
- Indicate what you will be using this certificate for, and choose whether you need an authorized or certified copy.
- Enter your contact information and shipping address. Upload copies of your government-issued identification, such as a driver's license.
- Choose whether you would like to electronically sign this form or not. Once we generate the form, verify that all of the information is correct.
- If you need the document to be notarized, schedule a notarization appointment using our Notary product. Otherwise, proceed to our Mail Checks product and let DoNotPay mail in your request form with a check on your behalf.
Schedule an appointment with a DoNotPay Notary Public if documents need to be notarized.
You're all done--no hassle, no stress about spelling, and no trips to the post office or bank. You'll be updated as your request processes and should have the copy on hand in just a few weeks.