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How to Get a Birth Certificate Authenticated by a Notary in Missouri

A notary is legally prohibited from authenticating a birth certificate in Missouri, as in all other states in the United States. The Missouri Notary Public Handbook clearly states, "Missouri notaries cannot certify any birth certificates, death certificates, divorce decrees or marriage licenses. These documents must be obtained from and certified by the issuing agencies or recorder of deeds." However, certified copies of an individual's birth certificate can be ordered from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, by the individual or individual's direct family members for a small fee.

Things You'll Need

  • Application
  • Fee
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Instructions

  1. Online

    • 1

      Visit vitalcheck.com

    • 2

      Select "Birth Certificate" from the left menu. Fill out the application using the instructions that follow.

    • 3

      Pay the fee ($15 as of 2011) with a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit/debit card.

    By Mail

    • 4

      Print the "Application for copy of Birth or Death Certification" from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website (see Resources for link). This document must be notarized before it is mailed.

    • 5

      Include a $15 check or money order for each requested copy.

    • 6

      Mail the envelope to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, Missouri, 65102.

    • 7

      Wait two to four weeks for delivery.

    In Person

    • 8

      Gather one form of primary identification that includes your name and photograph (driver's license, etc) or two forms of alternate identification (must contain your name and the name of the organization issuing the document).

    • 9

      Print the "Application for copy of Birth or Death Certification" from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

    • 10

      Bring $15 for each copy. Cash, check or money order is accepted.

    • 11

      Travel to the nearest public health department to complete the process.

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