Find Platte County Birth Records
Birth records in Platte County, Missouri are maintained by the Platte County Health Department in Parkville for births from 1920 to the present, and by the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City for all Missouri births from January 1910 forward. Platte County is in northwest Missouri along the Missouri River, directly north and west of Kansas City. Kansas City extends into Platte County. The county seat is Platte City. This page explains how to request a certified birth certificate from either the local or state office, who qualifies, and what the process looks like from start to finish.
Platte County Quick Facts
Platte County Health Department Birth Records
The Platte County Health Department in Parkville is the local office for birth certificate requests. They issue short-form certified copies for births in Platte County from 1920 to the present. Parkville is in the southern part of Platte County, not far from Kansas City. The health department is the right first stop for residents of Platte City, Parkville, Riverside, and other Platte County communities who need local birth certificates.
| Office | Platte County Health Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 1201 E. 7th St. Parkville, MO 64152 |
| Phone | (816) 587-5998 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, regular business hours |
| Records | Birth certificates, 1920 to present (short form) |
The Platte County Clerk's office is a separate elected position held by Jera Pruitt, who took office in November 2022. The clerk maintains official records of county commission minutes, contracts, and legal documents but not birth certificates. For birth records, go to the health department.
Call the health department at (816) 587-5998 before visiting to confirm hours and staff availability, especially if you are coming from Kansas City or another part of the metro area.
Note: The Platte County Clerk and the Platte County Health Department are separate offices. The clerk handles election and commission records. The health department handles birth certificates.
Platte County Recorder of Deeds
The Platte County Recorder of Deeds office is held by Christopher L. Wright and is located at the Platte County Administration Building, 415 Third St., Room 035, Platte City, MO 64079. Phone: (816) 858-3326. The recorder's office maintains public property records and official documents. It does not issue birth certificates. For birth records, contact the Platte County Health Department in Parkville or the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City.
If you need property records or other recorded documents in addition to a birth certificate, the recorder's office at 415 Third St. in Platte City is the right contact.
How to Request Platte County Birth Records
You can get a Platte County birth certificate three ways: visit the health department in person, mail a request, or use VitalChek online. Each option costs $15 for the first certified copy.
In-person requests at the Platte County Health Department at 1201 E. 7th St. in Parkville are the fastest. Bring a valid photo ID and $15. Call (816) 587-5998 before going to confirm staff availability and current hours.
For mail requests, write a letter with the full name on the birth record, date of birth, place of birth, both parents' full names (mother's maiden name required), your relationship to the person, and your return mailing address. Include a photocopy of your photo ID and a check or money order for $15 payable to Platte County Health Department. Mail to 1201 E. 7th St., Parkville, MO 64152. Allow two to four weeks for processing.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records at 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65102 accepts mail requests for any Platte County birth from 1910 forward. Phone: (573) 751-6387. Current forms are at the DHSS vital records page. Online, use VitalChek for faster processing with an added service fee.
Who Can Get Platte County Birth Records
Missouri law restricts certified birth certificates to authorized persons 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. Third parties without a qualifying relationship need a court order. Birth records 100 or more years old are public records open to genealogy research without proof of relationship.
Fees for Platte County Birth Records
The fee is $15 per certified copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $11 each under RSMo 193.265. These fees apply at both the local and state level. Fees are non-refundable. VitalChek adds a service charge. Pay by check or money order for mail requests. Do not send cash.
Missouri Bureau of Vital Records and Platte County
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records holds all birth records registered in Missouri since January 1910, including those from Platte County. Their office is at 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Phone: (573) 751-6387. No walk-in visits. Requests go by mail or through VitalChek.
Missouri's statewide birth registration system was established under Chapter 193 RSMo. For Platte 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 times. Platte County is a growing suburban county with many residents. Processing volumes at both the local and state office can vary by season.
Historical Platte County Birth Records
For genealogy research, the Missouri State Archives holds older Platte County records, including those from before state registration started in 1910. The Missouri Digital Heritage site and FamilySearch have digitized and indexed many historical Missouri records. Both are free to search. The CDC vital records reference for Missouri gives a quick summary of available records and office contacts.
Adoptee Access to Platte 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 procedures. A contact preference form may be required depending on the year of adoption.
Delayed Birth Registration in Platte County
If no birth record exists for a Missouri birth, a delayed registration is possible under RSMo 193.105. Supporting documents such as school records, baptismal records, and affidavits are required. Contact the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records at (573) 751-6387 to start the process.
Cities in Platte County
Platte City is the county seat of Platte County. Kansas City extends into Platte County from Jackson County and is the largest city in the region. See the Kansas City birth records page for more information. Other Platte County communities include Parkville, Riverside, Weston, and Weatherby Lake. Residents outside of Kansas City use the Platte County Health Department in Parkville for local birth certificate requests.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Platte 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.