Missouri Birth Certificates
Your birth certificate is the most important document you’ll need to prove your legal identity and age. You’ll need it to apply for a passport or government benefits, enroll in school, join the military, or claim pension or insurance benefits.
General Information
Individuals may apply for a birth certificate at the Jackson County Public Health. We offer same-day printing of certified copies of birth certificates for individuals born in Missouri.
For birth certificates prior to 1920, 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 p.m.
General Guidelines:
- Must be born in the State of Missouri
- Certificates date back to 1920
- For newborns, please allow 4-6 weeks for processing before applying
- Birth certificates cost $15.00 per certified copy
Payment and Identification Information:
- Debit or Credit are the only payment types accepted
- Picture identification is required
- 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 online service, payment must be made at the time of application.
- Birth certificates may be obtained at the Jackson County Public Health in person or by mail.
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.
1
Complete Application Form
Complete and sign the online application. Fee must accompany application for express pickup service.
2
Allow One Hour for Processing
After submitting your application, allow one hour for processing, then pick up any time from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.
2
Allow One Hour for Processing
After submitting your application, allow one hour 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 name and address OR
- One piece of mail with name and address and social security card
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 name and address OR
- One piece of mail with name and address and social security card
4
Review Certificate
Review the certificate for accuracy.
4
Review Certificate
Review the certificate for accuracy.
How to Apply by Mail
1
Complete Application Form
Complete and sign the birth certificate and death certificate application form.
1
Complete Application Form
Complete and sign the birth certificate and death certificate application form.
2
Notarized Birth Certificate
Have your Birth Certificate or Death Certificate Application notarized.
2
Notarized Birth Certificate
Have your Birth Certificate or Death Certificate Application notarized.
3
Prepare Mail
Prepare the following items to mail:
- Your payment by money order (payable to Jackson County Public Health).
- 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 Health Department).
- 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.
Out of State Certificates
Born in a U.S. State
For a certified copy of your birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state you were born for instructions on how to request a copy and information on any fees.
If you need to get a coy of your birth certificate quickly, ask the vital records office at the time you place your order about getting expedited service or shipping.
Born in a U.S. State
For a certified copy of your birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state you were born for instructions on how to request a copy and information on any fees.
If you need to get a coy of your birth certificate quickly, ask the vital records office at the time you place your order about getting expedited service or shipping.
Born Abroad
If you were born to American parents abroad, they should have registered your birth with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in that country, and received a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. You can get a copy of this report from the U.S. Department of State (DOS). Depending on the country, a vital records office in the nation may also list the birth.
If you were born on a military base abroad, and your parents did not register your birth with the U.S. Embassy, you may have to contact the hospital where the birth took place. You may also try contacting the base operator or public affairs office for the appropriate military branch.
Born Abroad
If you were born to American parents abroad, they should have registered your birth with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in that country, and received a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. You can get a copy of this report from the U.S. Department of State (DOS). Depending on the country, a vital records office in the nation may also list the birth.
If you were born on a military base abroad, and your parents did not register your birth with the U.S. Embassy, you may have to contact the hospital where the birth took place. You may also try contacting the base operator or public affairs office for the appropriate military branch.
Adopted by U.S. Citizen
The country in which you were born issued your birth certificate. If you need a replacement, you must contact the nearest foreign embassy or consulate from that country. A child born in a foreign country and adopted by a U.S. citizen will not receive a U.S. birth certificate. If the document is in a language other than English, you should also seek the embassy’s help in getting the document translated if you require authenticated documents.
Adopted by U.S. Citizen
The country in which you were born issued your birth certificate. If you need a replacement, you must contact the nearest foreign embassy or consulate from that country. A child born in a foreign country and adopted by a U.S. citizen will not receive a U.S. birth certificate. If the document is in a language other than English, you should also seek the embassy’s help in getting the document translated if you require authenticated documents.
