Perry County Birth Records Search
Birth records for Perry County, Missouri are maintained locally by the Perry County Health Department in Perryville for births from 1920 to the present, and at the state level by the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City for all Missouri births registered from January 1910 forward. Perry County is in southeast Missouri along the Mississippi River, with Perryville as the county seat. This page explains how to request a certified birth certificate, who can access the records, and what the costs are at both the local and state level.
Perry County Quick Facts
Perry County Health Department Birth Records
The Perry County Health Department in Perryville is the local place to get birth certificates. They issue short-form certified copies for births in Perry County from 1920 to the present. If you were born in Perryville or anywhere else in Perry County after 1920, this office can issue your certificate in person or by mail.
| Office | Perry County Health Department |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 277 Perryville, MO 63775 |
| Phone | (573) 547-6564 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, regular business hours |
| Records | Birth certificates, 1920 to present (short form) |
The Perry County Missouri economic development website provides general information about living and working in Perry County. For birth records specifically, the health department at (573) 547-6564 is the right contact.
Call ahead before visiting to make sure records staff are available and to confirm current hours, especially around holidays.
Note: For Perry County births before 1920, the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City holds the records. Local records start in 1920.
How to Request a Perry County Birth Certificate
You can request a Perry County birth certificate in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek. Each method has the same $15 base fee.
In-person requests at the Perry County Health Department in Perryville are the fastest option. Bring a valid photo ID and $15. Call (573) 547-6564 before going to confirm staff are available and to ask about current office hours.
For mail requests, write a letter that includes the full name on the birth record, date of birth, birthplace, parents' full names (mother's maiden name required), your relationship to the person named on the record, and your return mailing address. Attach a photocopy of your photo ID and a check or money order for $15 made payable to Perry County Health Department. Mail to P.O. Box 277, Perryville, MO 63775. Allow two to four weeks for processing.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records accepts mail requests for any Perry County birth from 1910 forward. Mail to 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Phone: (573) 751-6387. Current forms and instructions are on the DHSS vital records page. Online, use VitalChek for faster processing with an added service fee.
Who Can Get Perry County Birth Records
Missouri law restricts certified birth certificates under RSMo 193.245. Eligible requesters include the person named on the record, parents listed on the certificate, spouses, adult children, siblings, legal guardians, and attorneys or legal representatives with documented authority to act on behalf of a qualifying person.
Employers, landlords, and other unrelated third parties cannot get certified copies without a court order. Birth records 100 or more years old are public records and open to anyone for genealogy research. Newer records stay restricted to authorized individuals.
If you are not sure whether you qualify, call (573) 547-6564 or the state office at (573) 751-6387 before sending payment or visiting in person.
Perry County Birth Certificate Fees
The fee is $15 per certified copy of a birth certificate. If you order more than one copy at the same time, additional copies cost $11 each under RSMo 193.265. These fees apply at both the local and state office. Fees are non-refundable. VitalChek adds a service fee on top of the $15 base fee. Pay by check or money order for mail requests. Do not mail cash.
Missouri Bureau of Vital Records and Perry County
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records maintains all birth records registered in Missouri since January 1910, including those from Perry County. The office is at 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Phone: (573) 751-6387. They do not accept walk-in visits. All requests go by mail or through VitalChek.
Missouri's statewide birth registration system was set up under Chapter 193 RSMo. If you need a Perry County birth record from 1910 to 1919, the state office is the only source since local health departments only hold records from 1920 forward. The Missouri DHSS vital records portal has current forms and processing estimates.
Historical Perry County Birth Records
Perry County was organized November 16, 1820. It is one of Missouri's older counties. The county clerk held birth and death records from 1883 to 1893. Those records are now with the Missouri State Archives. For genealogy research, the Missouri Digital Heritage site has scanned many historical Missouri records. FamilySearch has indexed Missouri vital records going back well before 1910, and both are free to search. The CDC's vital records reference for Missouri is a quick resource for office contacts and record dates.
Adoptee Access to Perry County Birth Records
Missouri adult adoptees can access their original birth certificates under RSMo 193.128. Contact the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records at (573) 751-6387 for current instructions. A contact preference form may be required based on the year of the adoption.
Delayed Birth Registration in Perry County
If no birth certificate exists for a Missouri birth, a delayed registration is possible under RSMo 193.105. Supporting documents such as early school records, baptismal records, and affidavits are required. Contact the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records at (573) 751-6387 to start the delayed registration process.
Cities in Perry County
Perryville is the county seat and the largest city in Perry County. Other communities include Brazeau, Uniontown, and Longtown. None of these cities meet the 100,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page. All Perry County residents use the county health department in Perryville or the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records for birth certificate requests.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Perry County. Birth records in each are available through the local public health agency for 1920-present and the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records for 1910-present.