Missouri Vital Records Listing, MOGenealogy Trails

Vital Records of Missouri

This is a listing of what records are available in Missouri and where to get them!

Vital Record Facts

Marriages
In 1835 Missouri Law forbidden marriage between black and white until August 15, 1869
In 1865 bigamous marriage became prohibited in the State.
Marriages between slaves was not legal.
Before June 26, 1881, marriage license were not required.
Since, June 20, 1921 common law marriages have not been allowed.

Birth and Death Records
Not required by law until 1910 and to be maintained by the Bureau of Vital Records.
In 1863 a non-compulsory birth registration law was adopted. It allowed the County Recorders of Deeds to record births upon request.
Compliance with the 1883-1893 law requiring birth and death registration was poor.
Thus, leaving the records at the County Clerk's or Recorder of deeds incomplete. A few counties have records that date before 1883.
County records, mostly prior to 1900, have been microfilmed and are available at the Missouri State Archives, Online Database
Missouri State Archives now has 1910-1955 Death Certificates.

What and Where

BIRTH RECORDS
Statewide Records are available from 1910 to present. Cost $15.00
Bureau of Vital Records
930 Wildwood
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City MO 65102
Telephone: (573) 751-6400

City of St. Louis July 12, 1870 through 1910
--St. Louis City Vital Records, P.O. Box 14702, St. Louis, Missouri 63178
St. Louis County Only. Records are available from 1920 to the present statewide. ($15.00)
--St. Louis County Vital Records 111 South Meramec Ave., First Floor, St. Louis, MO. 63105, (314) 615-1720)
Kansas City has incomplete early births.
--Kansas City Vital Records, 414 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106

DEATH RECORDS
Statewide Records are available from 1910 to present. Cost $13.00
Bureau of Vital Records
930 Wildwood
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City MO 65102
Telephone: (573) 751-6400

City of St. Louis recorded from 1850-1910
--St. Louis City Vital Records, P.O. Box 14702, St. Louis, Missouri 63178
St. Louis County, 1883 to the present. ($13.00)
--St. Louis County Vital Records 111 South Meramec Ave., First Floor, St. Louis, MO. 63105, (314) 615-1720)
Kansas City has incomplete early deaths.
--Kansas City Vital Records, 414 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106

DIVORCE RECORDS
Can be found in the County Circuit Clerk's office, where the divorce accorded.
EXCEPTION
St. Louis which are located at the City Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
--City Circuit Court Clerk, City Hall, 12th and Market, St. Louis, Missouri 63103
Kansas City which are located at the Judicial Records Department.
--Judicial Records Department, Jackson County Courthouse, 415 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106

MARRIAGE RECORD
Located at the County Recorder of Deeds Office.

Other Records that can be found at the County Courthouses

Adoptions, Dissolution of Partnerships, Judgment, Election Records and Tax Records
Criminal records and Criminal files of the circuit court. Civil Case Files and Land Records.
Naturalization records, including petitions, declarations of intention, certificates, and certificates of allegiance, and granting of citizenship.
Justice of the Piece Dockets, Supervisors Proceedings, Wills and Probates
Missouri State Archive lists what these records in tell.