Missouri Vital Records

Missouri is one of several states who do not release any of their vital records to the general public. Missouri vital records are available only to the individual involved, their guardian or legal representative. The states that limit access to their records cite the right to privacy and protection from identity theft. Missouri does maintain a central registry for births, deaths, marriages and divorces in Jefferson City. Missouri residents can also receive copies of their documents at their local public department of health, recorder of deeds or circuit clerk depending on which document they are looking for and where they live. The city of St. Louis does not have any documents at the local department of health.

So is the threat of identity theft really bad enough to cause states to clamp down on their records? Does it work? Do those states have fewer instances of identity theft than the others? Unfortunately, no state specific data could be found. It would be interesting to see whether protecting Missouri vital records reduces the instances of identity theft. It does make it easier for staff at the public offices. They don’t have to worry about whether a record is old enough to be released. They only need to check whether the person requesting the document is the person on the record or their guardian.

Interestingly enough, Missouri vital records are not any faster at arriving in your mail box than those of other states. It still takes between two and four weeks. Perhaps the distance from Joplin to Jefferson City looks shorter than it actually is. Perhaps Missouri still has to handle just as many requests for vital records as other states because people just don’t realize how restrictive access is. One thing is clear, the policy is not conducive to genealogical research.

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For FULL access to Missouri vital records visit http://vitalrecordsdirectory.com/

Missouri Public Records For FREE – Is It Possible?

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