Birth & Death Certificates

Birth & Death Certificate Hours

Monday: 7:30 am to 4:15 pm
Tuesday: 7:30 am to 4:15 pm
Wednesday: 7:30 am to 4:15 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am to 4:15 pm
Friday: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm

Cost of Certificates

• Birth Certificates - $15 per copy of certificate.
• Death Certificates - $14 for first copy of certificate, $11 for each additional copy per application.

Birth and Death Certificates

In the State of Missouri, vital records are not open to the general public. Copies of vital records are provided to specifically defined individuals or entities. This helps protect identities, prevent fraud, and preserve the integrity of vital records. State law only allows a certified copy of a vital record to be issued to a person with a direct and tangible interest in the record. Learn more about who can obtain a copy of a vital record.

How to Obtain Certificates

• In person– Certificates can be obtained in person at the Cole County Health Department. Same day service is available to walk-in customers.
  • To request a certificate in person, you will: 
    • Complete an application and pay the required cost by cash, check, or money order. 
    • Show required identification, see below for acceptable forms of identification.
  • Tangible interest documents or a signed notarized statement authorizing release of record may be required in certain situations.
• By Mail- Certificates can be obtained through the mail and are normally processed the same day that applications are received. 
  • Requests by mail must:
    • Be notarized by an acceptable Notary Public
    • Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope
    • Include a check or money order payable to the Cole County Health Department
  • Requests should be mailed to:

Cole County Health Department
 Vital Records
 3400 W Truman Blvd.
 Jefferson City, MO 65109

• By Phone or Online via VitalChek– Certificates can be obtained by phone or online and charged to a major credit card. VitalChek fees apply.
  • Call VitalChek at 1-877-817-7363.
    • This is a toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week resource OR
  • Visit VitalChek online. 
• Out of State - For certificates issued from states other than Missouri, please visit: Who to Contact for Vital Records Outside of Missouri.

Acceptable Forms of Identification

Primary Documents

One (1) primary document is required when requesting a certificate in person. All documents should be current/valid. 

• A school identification card/document showing applicant’s name, photograph, and date of school year
• A U.S. military identification card that includes a photograph
• A state issued driver’s license that includes a photograph and date of birth
• A state issued identification card that includes a photograph and date of birth
• A U.S. passport with current photograph
• Work identification card that includes the applicant’s name, photograph, and company name

Alternate Forms of Identification Documents

When applying in person, at least two (2) alternate forms of identification documents must be used if applicant does not have a primary document for identification. Alternate documents must display name of applicant, may display date of birth, date of issuance (or year), must display institution, company or organization/agency name. Documents should be as current/valid as possible based on the type of documents provided.

• Letter from government or social agencies
• W-2 form issued within last year in addition to signed Social Security care (Social security numbers must match
• Social Security card or Social Security numident printout (print out of an applicant’s Social Security account of activities)
• Court certified adoption papers that includes adopted parent(s) name
• Official certified deed or title to property
• Certificate of vehicle title or registration documents
• Proof of auto insurance
• Insurance policy (health, home, life, etc.)
• Medicaid/Medicare documents or identification card
• A payroll stub that includes a Social Security number of applicant (cannot be handwritten stubs)
• Military discharge document (DD-214)
• Utility bills which shows name and address of applicant (water, gas, electric, telephone)
• Shelter letter (including name of shelter)