How much do death certificates cost in Missouri?
A certified copy costs $14 for the first copy and $11 for each additional copy ordered at the same time from the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records or county health departments.
| Number of copies | Total cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $14 |
| 5 | $58 |
| 10 | $113 |
Online orders through VitalChek include additional processing fees.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
Your funeral director handles the initial order. This is the simplest route. Tell them how many copies you need when making arrangements.
From a county health department (in person)
Most Missouri county health departments issue certified death certificates with walk-in service and often same-day processing. Many accept cash, check, money order, and credit card (though credit card payments may include a service fee).
This is usually the fastest option for in-person requests.
From the state Bureau of Vital Records
The state office in Jefferson City maintains death records from January 1910 to the present.
- In person. Visit the Bureau of Vital Records at 930 Wildwood, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Appointments are recommended. Bring a valid photo ID.
- By mail. Send a completed, notarized application with a check or money order payable to "Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services" and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Do not send cash by mail.
Online
Order through VitalChek, the authorized online vendor. Additional processing and shipping fees apply.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| County health department (in person) | Same day |
| State office (in person) | Same day |
| By mail | 4 to 6 weeks |
| VitalChek (online) | 5 to 10 business days |
Who can order?
Missouri death records are not public records. Certified copies are restricted to:
- Surviving spouse
- Parent or grandparent
- Adult child, grandchild, or sibling
- Legal guardian
- Executor or administrator of the estate
- Anyone with a direct and tangible interest in the record (with documentation)
You must provide valid identification and state your relationship to the deceased and the purpose of the request.
What to know about Missouri specifically
Mail orders must be notarized. Missouri requires the application for death certificates by mail to be notarized. This is an extra step that most states do not require. You can get documents notarized at most banks, UPS stores, or through online notary services.
County offices are often the best option. For in-person requests, county health departments offer walk-in service with same-day processing. The state office in Jefferson City requires an appointment.
The one-year probate connection. Missouri has a one-year filing deadline for probate. If you are ordering death certificates for estate administration, plan accordingly. Banks and insurance companies will each need their own certified copy to close accounts and process claims.
For a broader overview of the death certificate process, see our guide on how to get death certificates. If you are handling probate, see our guide on how probate works in Missouri.
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