Newton County Health Department
Vital Records
417-451-3743 ext. 3
Certified copies of Missouri birth and death certificates are provided by the Vital Records department on a walk-in basis, Monday - Friday (excluding closings), between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
For any questions related to vital records, please give us a call.
NOTE: Any request for birth or death certificates for genealogy must be ordered from the offices in Jefferson City. These are not available at the county health department.
Birth Certificates
The Vital Records department can provide certified copies of Missouri birth certificates in our office for a fee of $15 each. We accept cash, money orders, and credit cards (additional convenience fee for card). The certificates will be printed while you wait.
Certificates are available for most births from 1920 to present.
Death Certificates
The Vital Records department can also provide certified copies of Missouri death certificates. The first copy of a certificate is $14, while subsequent copies for the same person in the same visit are $11 each. These are available on a walk-in basis, or by submitting a completed, notarized death certificate application along with a money order (NO CHECKS). Please note that our address is also on the form.
Missouri death certificates are available for deaths from 1980 to present.
A request for a death certificate predating 1980 must be made to the Bureau of Vital Records at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Online Orders
This office does not accept online orders. However, for your convenience, documents can be requested by phone or online through an independent company - VitalChek Network, Inc. at some additional cost to you. Applications can be placed online at www.vitalchek.com or by phone at 1-877-817-7363.
Missouri Adoptee Rights Act
Due to the Missouri Adoptee Rights Act, Missouri adoptees no longer need a court order to request their original birth certificates.
To make a request, an adoptee or their attorney must complete the Application for Non-Certified Copy of an Original Birth Certificate and pay a non-refundable $15 fee. Applications may be submitted in person or by mail. The Application for a Non-Certified Copy of an Original Birth Certificate, Birth Parent Contact Preference, and Medical History forms can be obtained at the Bureau of Vital Records office in Jefferson City, requested by calling 573-751-6387, or found on the Department of Health and Senior Services website.