Missouri Birth Records Search
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services maintains all state birth records and issues certificates. They have been keeping these records since 1909. The historical society does have some records dating back before 1909.
You can start the process by downloading a copy of the application. You will need the following information when applying: full name on the Missouri birth record, date of birth, place of birth, hospital, father’s full name, mother’s maiden name, gender, the number of copies requested, applicant’s name, address, phone number, the purpose of the request and signature.
If you plan on requesting a copy by mail, your application must be notarized.
Table of Contents
If you are not the person listed on the certificate, you will have to provide your name, address and contact information along with proof of identity and relationship to the person.
To prove your identity, you must have a valid, photo ID such as:
- Driver’s license.
- Passport.
- Military ID.
- State or other government photo ID.
- Prison ID.
- Work photo ID.
- School ID.
If you have any questions or need help, you can reach them via phone at 573-751-6387.
Types of Missouri Birth Records
Missouri Population
Missouri offers certified copies of your birth records along with a Missouri birth record search of five years.
A certified copy is a legal document you can use to verify your identity for purposes of getting a driver’s license, passport, applying for school or the military or using with other government agencies such as social security.
Population change from 2010-2016
Population by Gender
There are more women than men in Missouri. The total population of Missouri is estimated at 6,091,176 people with 2,990,539 male and 3,100,637 female. There are 110,098 more more women than men in the state, which is 50.90% of the total population.
The Missouri Gender Ratio is 96 men to 100 women (99:100) or 0.96. State’s gender ratio is lower than the national average of 97 men to 100 women (97:100) or 0.97.
Gender ratio in 2016
Total population in 2016
Timeline of male/female population from 2010-2016
Missouri Birth Statistics
The state's birth rate decreased to 12.47 births per 1,000 population in 2016 with 74,705 total births — the lowest in Missouri history, and higher than the national birth rate - 11.95 births per 1000 women. The total number of births for 2016 was 74,705, 1.89% of the number of nationwide registered births.
State Birth Rate
Top 5 States with Lower/Higher Birth Rates than Missouri
Top 5 Counties in Missouri with the lowest/highest Birth Rate
| Top 5 counties in Missouri with the lowest birth rate | Top 5 counties in Missouri with the highest birth rate |
|---|---|
| St. Louis County - 11.71 | Jasper County - 14.01 |
| Jefferson County - 11.74 | St. Louis City - 13.86 |
| Boone County - 11.85 | Jackson County - 13.60 |
| Franklin County - 12.14 | Greene County - 12.40 |
| Clay County - 12.39 | Clay County - 12.39 |
Missouri Fertility Rate
In Missouri the fertility rate based on historical data went from 63.96 to 62.09 from 2010-2016, and currently is higher than the crude fertility rate of the US - 63.78 births per 1000 women. The state reproductive age of the mother has seen an increase during the last 6 years, going from 27.24 to 28.15.
State fertility rate timeline with the average age of mother
Fertility Rate By County
The top reproductive counties of Missouri are Jasper - 69.52, Franklin - 69.43 and Jackson - 67.01. For the fertility rates of the rest of the counties, please see the table below:
| County | Fertility rate |
|---|---|
| Jefferson County | 63.14 |
| St. Louis County | 61.54 |
| Clay County | 61.52 |
| St. Louis city County | 59.45 |
| St. Charles County | 59.25 |
| Greene County | 58.32 |
State Average Birth Weight and LMP Gestational Age
Where to Obtain a Missouri Birth Certificate
You may obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate at any local health department office or the central office of the Health and Senior Services Department. Bring the application with you, proof of your identity and fee.
Missouri charges a $15 non-refundable fee for a Missouri birth records search and certificate and you must make checks and money orders out to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Each additional copy will cost you another $15.
If you want to order through the mail, you can send your application, proof of ID and fee to: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, P.O. Box 570 Jefferson City, MO 65102
Mail orders take 2-4 weeks for processing. If you need it quicker visit them in person or you can order online using VitalChek.