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 p.m.
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:
- 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 death record requires applicants to explain the reason for obtaining a copy of the record.
- Obtaining a record illegally is a class D felony. A death certificate can ONLY be obtained for an IMMEDIATE family member.
- Death 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 Death Certificate
Have your Birth Certificate or Death Certificate Application notarized.
2
Notarized Death 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 Public Health).
- 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.