How to Find Missouri Birth Records

In 1821, the state of Missouri was created from the Missouri Territory. Statewide registration of births began in 1910.

Missouri was created from Missouri Territory in 1821
Between 1883 and 1893 Missouri law recommended county clerks record births. This also included the independent City of St. Louis.
1910 - Missouri Statewide birth registration began

Next Step: When did the birth occur?

Birth Records

Choose a time period:

Births before 1821

There was no requirement or mechanisim for recording births during the Missouri Territory period prior to statehood in 1821. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s birth date and place.

Records that give birth information:
Death Records Cemetery Records Newspapers	Church Records Census Military Records

Return to top: Choose another birth year

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for birth information in other records.

Births from 1821 thru 1909

STEP ONE: Find Birth Information

Limited births maybe found in the following databases. Try each link. If you do not find your ancestor's birth or if you want to order a copy of the certificate, then contact the Missouri State Archives. The Missouri State Archives has also created a list by county of all the records known to exist, available here.

Missouri Births Databases

	Pre-1910 - At Missouri Digital Heritage	Free; Index only. Copies of original records may be ordered; scroll to the bottom of the results page for information.

	1827-1935 - At FamilySearch.org	Free; Index only. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the FamilySearch Library or your local FamilySearch Center

Ancestry database: Index and Images
Choose one of the following:
	1850-1910 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries	Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center

	1850-1910 - use your Ancestry subscription	$, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library.

	Can't access Ancestry?	Go to Step Two: Part B listed below. You may be able to order the birth record for your ancestor from the Missouri Department of Health.
Can't find your ancestor in the online index?		Tips for searching online indexes
No birth record for your ancestor?		Other records with birth information

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate

PART A: You know the exact date of birth

With an exact date (from your records or the index above), you can order a copy of the birth record for a fee from the following locations:

To Order Birth Certificates
From County of Birth		From MO Dept. of Health
Pros	Cons	Pros	Cons
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state	County websites can be more difficult to use	Offers a search of the state index	May be more expensive than ordering from the county

See list of restrictions for ordering birth records

If you do not want to order the birth record, you can search other records with birth information.

PART B: You don't know the exact date of birth

If you do not know the exact date or place of birth:
The Missouri Department of Health office will do a 5 year search.

See list of restrictions for ordering birth records

If you do not want to order the birth record, you can search other records with birth information.

Return to top: Choose another birth year

Births 1910 to Present

PART A: You know the exact date of birth

With an exact date (from your records or the index above), you can order a copy of the birth record for a fee from the following locations:

To Order Birth Certificates
County From County of Birth		From MO Dept. of Health
Pros	Cons	Pros	Cons
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state	County websites can be more difficult to use	Offers a search of the state index	May be more expensive than ordering from the county

See list of restrictions for ordering birth records

If you do not want to order the birth record, you can search other records with birth information.

PART B: You don't know the exact date of birth

If you do not know the exact date or place of birth:
The Missouri Department of Health office will do a 5 year search.

The Missouri, Birth Index, 1920-2015 has an index that can be searched by name.

See list of restrictions for ordering birth records

If you do not want to order the birth record, you can search other records with birth information.

Return to top: Choose another birth year

Restrictions for Obtaining Birth Records

Restrictions for persons born 1910 to the present:
To obtain a copy of the birth certificate for those born in Missouri the following restrictions may apply. State law restricts who may obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate. A certified copy may be issued to:

The person named on the record
The current spouse of the person named on the record
The current domestic partner of the person named on the record
A parent of the person named on the record
A sibling of the person named on the record
A child of the person named on the record
A grandparent of the person named on the record
A person authorized in writing by one of the above. The written authorization must accompany the request and the relationship of the authorizing party to the subject of the record must be clearly explained.
A person who can demonstrate that the record is required to protect a personal or property right.
If you do not meet one of the above criteria, you cannot receive a certified copy of a birth certificate.

If you do not want to order the birth record, you can search other records with birth information.

Return to top: Choose another birth year

How to Find Missouri Birth Records

Next Step: When did the birth occur?

Births before 1821

Births from 1821 thru 1909

STEP ONE: Find Birth Information

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate

Births 1910 to Present

Restrictions for Obtaining Birth Records

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