Quick Facts
Order Birth Certificates
Jackson County Public Health provides certified copies of birth certificates. For your convenience, we offer services both in-person and by mail.
Applying for a newborn? Please wait until 2-3 weeks after your child’s birth before you apply.
Walk-In Services
Hours & Location
We offer walk-in services on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our office is located at 3651 NE Ralph Powell Rd in Lee’s Summit.
Required Documents
To apply for a birth certificate in-person, you will need to provide one identity document that displays your name and photograph, such as a driver’s license, passport, or your school, work, or military ID.
If you do not have a photo ID, at least two alternative forms of identification must be presented as follows:
- Two pieces of mail from two different sources (such as both an electric bill and a water bill) with your first name, last name, and current address
OR
- One piece of mail with your first name, last 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. Information must be consistent between pieces of mail (if applicable).
Cost
Birth certificates are $15.00 per certified copy. We accept debit, credit, or cash.
Note: We cannot accept American Express.
How to Apply by Mail
Step 1: Complete Application Form
Complete and sign the birth certificate and death certificate application form.
Step 2: Notarize Printed Form
You must have your birth certificate application notarized before sending.
Step 3: Prepare Mail
Prepare the following items to mail:
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. This will be used to send the death certificate to you.
- 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 application.
Step 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
Step 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 copy 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. 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.