How to get a death certificate in Missouri

Fees and where to order in Missouri

• Fee set by RSMo 193.265: $14 first copy, $11 each additional copy ordered at the same time. Same fee at local public health agencies.
• State office: Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Phone 573-751-6387. In person by appointment, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.
• State level ordering: in person, by mail, and by phone or online through VitalChek (extra processing fee).
• Local level: walk-in service at 115 local public health agencies; local death records cover 1980 to present.
• Mail to Jefferson City: about 4 to 8 weeks. Applications must be notarized.
• Who can order: family members, genealogists representing a family member, and professionally recognized genealogists; funeral directors as the family's representative; others with a direct and tangible interest.

Sources: RSMo 193.265 (Missouri Revisor); DHSS, Order a Copy of a Vital Record; 19 CSR 10-10.090, Access to Vital Records

How the death certificate fits the cremation timeline

Missouri's statewide rule does not require a medical examiner to approve every cremation. Before cremation, a completed death certificate with the cause of death must reach the local registrar. If the cause is not yet known, the medical examiner, coroner or physician must give written authorization.

• 19 CSR 10-10.100(1): if the cause of death is known within 72 hours, the completed death certificate goes to the local registrar before cremation.
• 19 CSR 10-10.100(2): if not, cremation waits for a signed written authorization from the medical examiner, coroner or physician.
• 19 CSR 10-10.100(3): the crematory requires a signed statement that one of these has happened.
• Only a funeral establishment licensed as a Function B establishment may cremate (20 CSR 2120-2.071(1)).
• Permit fee: none found on the pages read. Some Missouri counties may add local review; not verified.

Sources: 19 CSR 10-10.100, Authorization for Cremation; 20 CSR 2120-2.071

What to use the certified copies for

Social Security pays a one-time $255 death payment to a surviving spouse. If there is no spouse, some children may get it. You must apply within 2 years of the death, by phone or online after signing in.

Banks, insurers, pension plans, the VA and the county recorder each usually want their own certified copy, so ask the funeral home how many to order at the start. Extra copies ordered at the same time often cost less.

• A spouse who lived with the person may qualify. A spouse living apart may qualify if they can get benefits on the deceased's record.
• If there is no spouse, eligible children include those 17 or younger, 18 to 19 in school (K to 12) full time, or any age if disabled before age 22 ("at age 21 or younger").
• Apply within 2 years of the death.
• Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), weekdays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; tell the representative you want to apply for a lump-sum death payment. The page also offers an online application after signing in to an account.

Source: SSA, Lump-sum death payment