Certified copies of Missouri birth and death certificates may be obtained through our office by filling out an application and presenting identification.
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.
Our office can access the following records:
Births from 1920 to present
Deaths from 1980 to present
YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING:
One primary identification document that includes your name and photo such as: a driver’s license, U.S. military ID card, U.S. passport, work or school ID, etc.
OR
At least two alternate forms of identification (Documents must contain your name and the name of the company or organization issuing the document.)
Vital Records
Mail-In Options for Missouri Birth and Death Records
You have the option of mailing in an application to our location. The application must be notarized and sent in with payment and applicable documents.
Make check or money order payable to the Lawrence County Health Department and send to:
105 W. North St. Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
Checks must be drawn on a United States bank. A money order must be drawn on a United States bank or issued by the United States Postal Service. Do not send cash or a blank check.
Requests received without the appropriate fee will be returned to the sender.
If applicable, tangible interest documents or signed notarized statement authorizing release of record should be included with the application and search fee.
If a family member is requesting a record for another family member, additional documentation or information may be required if the applicant’s link to the requested record cannot be established.
Out of State Vital Record Information
Use the valuable tool below to find out how to obtain birth and death records from other states. Just click on the state where the birth or death occurred and the information will be provided.
Birth And Death Records, Pre-1910
Over 250 reels of microfilm containing birth and death records from 1883 to 1893 are available at the Archives for research. Researchers should note that the records vary from county to county during this period because there was no requirement for mandatory reporting from parents or professional attendants. To learn more about researching birth and death records from this period, contact the Archives at archref@sos.mo.gov