Vital Records
Certified Missouri Birth and Death Records
Certified copies of Missouri birth and death certificates can be obtained at the Lewis County Health Department office when the record is available in the state system. Certificates are printed in the office while you wait.
Call (573) 767-5312
Birth Certificates
Computer generated Missouri birth certificates are available for births from 1920 to present. Newborn records may take approximately six weeks after birth before they can be printed locally.
Occasionally, certificates cannot be printed locally due to circumstances such as delayed filing of the birth, too many characters in a name, or other state record issues. In those cases, certificates must be requested directly from the Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City.
Death Certificates
Computer generated Missouri death certificates are available for deaths that occurred from 1980 to present.
The office can provide certified copies of death certificates to funeral directors for the deceased's family when a death occurs in Missouri.
What to Bring
Identification and Eligibility
To obtain a certified copy, you must complete an application and produce a picture ID or another acceptable form of identification.
Who may receive birth certificates?
- Registrant, meaning the person whose certificate is filed
- Immediate family members, including in-laws in a direct line of descent up to but not including cousins, such as wife, husband, son, daughter, mother, father, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, grandchildren, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew
- Guardian with guardianship papers
- Foster parent with custody papers
- Step-parent by stating that relationship
- Physician acting on behalf of the registrant or family
- Authorized agent with a signed, notarized statement
- Others who demonstrate a direct and tangible interest
- Representative of heir-tracing companies under certain circumstances
- News media staff under certain circumstances
Who may receive death certificates?
- Family members
- Genealogists representing family members
- Professionally recognized genealogists
- Attorney or physician acting on behalf of the registrant or family
- Authorized agent with a signed, notarized statement
- Funeral director acting as the official family representative
- Others who demonstrate a direct and tangible interest
- Representatives of heir-tracing companies under certain circumstances
- News media staff under certain circumstances
Fee-Exempt Birth Record
Homeless or Unaccompanied Youth
Missouri law allows an eligible homeless or unaccompanied youth under age 21 to receive one fee-exempt certified copy of a birth record. Requests are still subject to all other application requirements and require the state affidavit form.
- A youth may only receive one fee-exempt birth record.
- Additional certificates require the statutory fee.
- The Affidavit of Homeless or Unaccompanied Youth Status must accompany the birth certificate application.
- If one fee-exempt copy has already been issued by the Bureau of Vital Records, additional copies are subject to applicable fees.
Vital Records FAQ
Need a Certified Record?
Bring identification and call ahead if you have questions about eligibility, fees, or record availability.