General Information

Individuals may apply for death certificates at the Jackson County Public Health. We offer same-day printing of certified copies of death certificates for individuals deceased in Missouri.

For death certificates prior to 1980, you must contact the Bureau of Vital Records at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Express pickup hours: Monday — Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*Walk-in hours: Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Questions?

For any questions or concerns regarding Vital Records, email VitalRecords@uhkc.org or contact:

General Guidelines:
  • Must have died in the State of Missouri
  • Certificates date back to 1980
  • Death certificates cost $14.00 for the first copy, $11.00 for each additional copy at the same visit
Payment and Identification Information:
  • We accept debit, credit, or cash.
    Note: We cannot accept American Express.
  • Physical (printed) documents are required for identification. Please bring at least one of the following:
    • Photo ID
      Ex: driver’s license; school, work, or military identification
    • Passport
    • Social security card (with a piece of mail)
    • If you do not have an ID/passport, you can bring two pieces of mail from two different sources (such as both an electric bill and a water bill). Mail must include your first name, last name, and current address.
  • Missouri 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. The application for obtaining a copy of a vital record requires applicants to explain their relationship to the person named on the record.
  • For express pick-up service, payment must be made at the time of application.
  • Death certificates may be obtained at Jackson County Public Health in person or by mail.
  • Obtaining a record illegally is a class D felony. A death certificate can ONLY be obtained for an IMMEDIATE family member.

How to Apply for Express Pickup Service

1

Complete Application Form

Complete and sign the online application. Fee must accompany application for express pickup service.

Application Form

1

Complete Application Form

Complete and sign the online application. Fee must accompany application for express pickup service.

Application Form

2

Allow Time for Processing

After submitting your application, allow one to two hours for processing, then pick up any time from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m, Monday – Friday.

2

Allow Time for Processing

After submitting your application, allow one to two hours for processing, then pick up any time from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.

3

Provide Form of ID

At the time you pick up your certificate, provide one identity document that displays a name and photograph, such as a driver’s license, passport, or school, work, or military identification is required. This type of identification is preferred and must include the applicant’s name and the name of the company or organization issuing the document.

If you do not have a photo ID, at least two alternative forms of identification must be presented as follows:

  • Two pieces of mail with your name and current address from two different sources (such as both an electric bill and a water bill)
    OR
  • One piece of mail with your name and current address + your social security card

Physical (printed) documents are required for identification. We cannot accept digital documents or photos displayed on your phone. Mail must include your first name, last name, and current address. Information must be consistent between pieces of mail (if applicable).

3

Provide Form of ID

At the time you pick up your certificate, provide one identity document that displays a name and photograph, such as a driver’s license, passport, or school, work, or military identification is required. This type of identification is preferred and must include the applicant’s name and the name of the company or organization issuing the document.

If you do not have a photo ID, at least two alternative forms of identification must be presented as follows:

1.
Two pieces of mail with your name and current address from two different sources (such as both an electric bill and a water bill)

OR

2.
One piece of mail with your name and current address + your social security card

Physical (printed) documents are required for identification. We cannot accept digital documents or photos displayed on your phone. Mail must include your first name, last name, and current address. Information must be consistent between pieces of mail (if applicable).

4

Review Certificate

Review the certificate for accuracy.

4

Review Certificate

Review the certificate for accuracy.

We offer walk-in services from Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Please see General Information tab for required identification and payment information.

How to Apply by Mail

1

Complete Application Form

Complete and sign the birth certificate and death certificate application form.

Application Form

1

Complete Application Form

Complete and sign the birth certificate and death certificate application form.

Application Form

2

Notarize Form

You must have your Birth Certificate or Death Certificate Application notarized before sending.

2

Notarize Form

You must have your Birth Certificate or Death Certificate Application notarized before sending.

3

Prepare Mail

Prepare the following items to mail:

  • Your payment by money order (payable to Jackson County Public Health).
    • We cannot accept personal checks. We can only accept money orders.
  • Notarized completed Birth Certificate or Death Certificate Application.
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope.

3

Prepare Mail

Prepare the following items to mail:

  • Your payment by money order (payable to Jackson County Public Health).
    • We cannot accept personal checks. We can only accept money orders.
  • Notarized completed Birth Certificate or Death Certificate Application.
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope.

4

Mail Items

Mail all of the above to:

Jackson County Public Health
Vital Records
3651 NE Ralph Powell Rd
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064

4

Mail Items

Mail all of the above to:

Jackson County Public Health
Vital Records
3651 NE Ralph Powell Rd
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064

5

Receive Certificate Back

You will receive the certificate back in the envelope that was provided to us. We process applications and mail them to you within 48 hours (excluding weekends) of receiving them.

5

Receive Certificate Back

You will receive the certificate back in the envelope that was provided to us. We process applications and mail them to you within 48 hours (excluding weekends) of receiving them.

Schedule an Appointment

Come on in and see how Jackson County Public Health can help you!