Vital records in Missouri — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce records — are handled at the state level by Missouri DHSS Bureau of Vital Records. Marriage licenses are issued locally by the Recorder of Deeds.
What this page covers: Missouri vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact Missouri DHSS Bureau of Vital Records. For marriage licenses, contact the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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