Copyright © 2003-2009
Polk County Health Center
Bolivar, Missouri.
All rights reserved.

PCHC Disclaimer Statement

Birth and Death Certificates - Vital Records

Missouri birth, death, marriage and divorce records are maintained by the Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records.

Services include:

• Maintaining a central registry of Missouri births, deaths and fetal deaths reported from January 1, 1910 to the present (some delayed filings from births and deaths prior to 1910 are available)
• Preparing new certificates for adoptions and legitimations
• Maintaining a central registry of Missouri marriages and divorces (since July 1, 1948)
• Correcting vital records as authorized by state law
• Issuing certified copies of vital records
• Maintaining the Putative Father Registry

Note: In the State of Missouri, vital records are not open to the general public and can only be obtained by the individual, guardian or other legal party.

Fees for copies of vital records will be collected by the local agency providing the document. Fees for birth and death records are the same as those charged by the Bureau of Vital Records. The fee for marriage and divorce records are set by the agency issuing the documents, so the cost may vary.

For expedited service, contact Vital Chek at the toll-free phone number, 1-877-817-7363. Documents can be requested by phone and charged to a major credit card; however, there is an additional $9.95 charge for the use of this service. To further expedite the request, overnight services are offered. Applications can also be placed on-line at www.vitalchek.com.