Search Phelps County Birth Records
Birth records in Phelps County, Missouri are maintained locally by the Phelps County Health Department in Rolla 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. Phelps County is in south-central Missouri with Rolla as the county seat, home to Missouri University of Science and Technology. This page explains how to request a birth certificate, who qualifies, and what the process looks like whether you go in person, by mail, or online.
Phelps County Quick Facts
Phelps County Health Department Birth Records
The Phelps County Health Department at 200 N. Main Street in Rolla is the local office for birth certificate requests. They issue short-form certified copies for births in Phelps County from 1920 to the present. The health department is one of several county offices in Rolla that handle public records and services for Phelps County residents.
| Office | Phelps County Health Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 N. Main St. Rolla, MO 65401 |
| Phone | (573) 458-6010 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, regular business hours |
| Records | Birth certificates, 1920 to present (short form) |
The Phelps County Missouri official website lists all county offices including the assessor, circuit clerk, collector, health department, recorder of deeds, and sheriff's department. The Phelps County Courthouse is in Rolla.
The recorder of deeds office in Phelps County handles marriage certificates and real property records, not birth certificates. For birth records, contact the health department at 200 N. Main St.
Note: The Phelps County Recorder of Deeds handles marriage licenses and property documents. For birth certificates, always go to the health department.
Phelps County Recorder of Deeds
The Phelps County Recorder of Deeds is a separate elected office that maintains a comprehensive set of public records. The recorder's position is held by Robin Kordes, who was elected in 2002 as the first Recorder of Deeds in the county. The Phelps County Recorder of Deeds office handles marriage certificates, marriage licenses, and real property documents but not birth certificates. Birth records go through the health department and the state Bureau of Vital Records.
If you need a marriage record in addition to a birth record, the recorder's office is the right contact for the marriage side of your request.
How to Request Phelps County Birth Records
You can get a Phelps County birth certificate in person at the local health department, by mail, or online through VitalChek. All three options start at $15 for the first certified copy.
In person is the fastest method. Go to the Phelps County Health Department at 200 N. Main Street, Rolla with a valid photo ID and $15. Call (573) 458-6010 before visiting to confirm staff availability and current office hours.
For mail requests to the local office, your letter needs to include the full name on the birth record, date of birth, city and county of birth, parents' full names (mother's maiden name required), your relationship to the person, and your return address. Attach a photocopy of your photo ID. Include a check or money order for $15 payable to Phelps County Health Department. Mail to 200 N. Main St., Rolla, MO 65401. Plan for two to four weeks processing time.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records at 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65102 accepts mail requests for any Phelps County birth from 1910 to the present. Phone: (573) 751-6387. Current forms are on the DHSS vital records page. Online orders go through VitalChek, which adds a service fee.
Who Can Request Phelps County Birth Certificates
Missouri restricts certified birth certificates under RSMo 193.245. 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 can all request records. Third parties without a qualifying relationship need a court order. Birth records 100 years old or older are public and open to genealogy research without proof of relationship.
Fees for Phelps County Birth Records
The fee is $15 for the first certified copy. Additional copies from the same order cost $11 each under RSMo 193.265. Fees are non-refundable. VitalChek adds a service charge. Pay by check or money order for mail requests. Do not send cash through the mail.
Missouri Bureau of Vital Records and Phelps County
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records maintains all birth records from January 1910 forward for every Missouri county, including Phelps. Their office is at 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Phone: (573) 751-6387. They do not take walk-in visits. All requests go by mail or VitalChek.
Statewide birth registration in Missouri was established under Chapter 193 RSMo. For Phelps County births from 1910 to 1919, the state office is the only source for certified copies. The Missouri DHSS vital records portal has current forms and processing estimates.
Historical Birth Records for Phelps County
For genealogy research on Phelps County before 1910, the Missouri State Archives holds older county records. The Missouri Digital Heritage site and FamilySearch have digitized and indexed many historical records from across Missouri. Both are free to search and useful when researching births before state registration began. The CDC vital records reference for Missouri summarizes available records and contact information.
Adoptee Access to Phelps County Birth Records
Missouri adult adoptees can access original birth certificates under RSMo 193.128. Contact the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records at (573) 751-6387 for current procedures. A contact preference form may be required depending on the year of adoption.
Delayed Birth Registration in Phelps County
If no birth record exists for a Missouri birth, a delayed registration is possible under RSMo 193.105. You need supporting documents such as school records, baptismal records, and affidavits. Contact the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records at (573) 751-6387 to start the process and find out what documentation is required.
Cities in Phelps County
Rolla is the county seat and largest city in Phelps County. Other communities include St. James, Newburg, and Doolittle. Rolla does not reach the 100,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page. All Phelps County residents use the county health department in Rolla or the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records for birth certificate requests.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Phelps 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.