Are Missouri Marriage Records Public?
Yes, Missouri marriage records are public records and, therefore, available to the general public. However, certified copies of these documents (bearing a raised seal) can only be accessed by specific individuals. However, requestors must provide evidence of eligibility to access certified marriage records.
Family Court records can include marriage records and divorce records (dissolution of marriage records). These records contain personal records and information of those involved, and their maintenance is critical should anyone involved wish to make changes. Because of this, both marriage and divorce records can be considered more difficult to locate and obtain than other public records and may not be available through government sources or third-party public record websites.
How to Find Missouri Marriage Records
Missouri marriage records are state-issued documents certifying marriages solemnized in the state as valid. Per state law, these are categorized as Missouri public records. Marriage records from July 1948 to date are maintained by the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records of the Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS), and records before this date are maintained by the Offices of Recorders of Deeds in the counties where the marriage approvals were first provided. In 2015, same-sex marriage became legal in Missouri. Therefore, the state also provides records for this type of union. There are different types of Missouri public marriage records, they include; Missouri marriage licenses, Missouri marriage certificates, and marriage statements. Generally, marriage records contain the following information:
- The couples' full names
- License issuance and marriage dates
- The location of the marriage
- Information relevant to the couple and their union
Marriage records may also include divorce-related information; however, divorce certificates in Missouri are only included in marriage records if any of the couples have experienced the dissolution of marriage records at any point in time before the marriage. Information regarding all the marriages that have occurred in Missouri from 1999 to 2022 can be found on the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Bureau of Vital Statistics website.
How to Find Out if Someone is Married in Missouri
Interested persons may find out if someone is married in Missouri by searching for their marriage records. For instance, the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Bureau of Vital Statistics reported that about 34,425 marriages occurred in Missouri in 2020. Recorders can conduct marriage record searches to find information about these marriages at:
- The Missouri State Archives
- The Missouri County Recorder of Deeds Offices
- The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) Bureau of Vital Records
How to Check Marriage Status Online
To check marriage status online, interested members of the public may utilize the websites of the marriage record custodians in Missouri. Interested persons may search using the Missouri State Archives or the website of the County Recorder of Deeds in the judicial district where the marriage was held. To search a marriage record using either of these databases, inquirers must enter the full name and birth date of the record subject. Additional information may help to expedite the process and save time.
Interested persons may also check marriage status online by looking up the marital information of the subject on their social media accounts or public records in their jurisdiction of residence.
What is Considered a Marriage Record in Missouri?
A marriage record in Missouri is an official document recognizing a marriage contracted in the state. Missouri provides two types of marriage records; marriage licenses and marriage certificates. Both documents identify individuals getting married and the time and place of the marriage event.
Both government websites and organizations may offer divorce and marriage records. Similarly, third-party public record websites can also provide these types of records. But because third-party organizations are not operated or sponsored by the government, record availability may vary. Further, marriage and divorce records are considered highly private and are often sealed, meaning the availability of these types of records cannot be guaranteed.
Where to Find Free Missouri Marriage Records
Individuals can view Missouri public marriage records for free in most Recorder of Deeds Offices. For instance, record seekers can find free marriage records at the City of St. Louis Recorder of Deeds Marriage Department. The department has a free search tool where individuals can find marriage records from 1932-present. Additionally, the Lafayette County Recorder of Deeds office has three public view stations providing free access to marriage records. Alternatively, an individual can conduct a marriage record search for free at the Missouri State Archives, but a small fee may be charged if copies of such records are requested. Searches may be conducted using the full name, birth date, marriage dates, and related queries.
How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Missouri
Anyone who seeks to change their name after marriage in Missouri should obtain their marriage license. After marriage, a name change will become official when it reflects on the party's social security record. This can be initiated by filling out an application form and submitting it to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Attached to the form should be a copy of the party's marriage certificate and proof of identity.
For parties in Missouri, changing their name after marriage includes a driver's license name change. Parties should complete their name change after marriage by applying for an updated driver's license or ID. They can do this by visiting any local license office with a duplicate or renewal license application form and a copy of their marriage certificate.
What is Considered a Marriage Certificate in Missouri?
A marriage certificate is a type of Missouri vital record signifying that a couple has been legally married in the state. A marriage certificate is different from a marriage license because it is issued after the completion of a marriage ceremony. This is a legal document required by the couple when applying for certain benefits only available to married individuals. For example, a couple would need copies of their marriage certificate when seeking joint ownership of assets and financial accounts. Tax benefits and health insurance are two other reasons for couples to obtain their marriage certificates.
How Do I Obtain a Copy of My Marriage Certificate in Missouri?
To request a copy of a marriage certificate in Missouri, the requester must apply to the county where the marriage license was granted. Individuals cannot order online marriage certificates at the county level.
The Bureau of Vital Records of the Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) of Missouri only issues a certified statement relating to marriage for valid marriages after July 1948. A Certified Statement Relating to Marriage provides information such as the names of the married couple, the date of marriage, and the county of record. This statement costs $15 per copy, and payments can be made in check or money order. An Individual cannot order online marriage statements from the Bureau of Vital Record. The only acceptable method of obtaining such a record is in-person or via mail.
To request a marriage statement, a requester should complete the marriage section of the Application for Missouri Vital Records. To request this statement in person, visit:
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Requests are processed from Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
This application form can also be mailed to:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Bureau of Vital Records
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
When submitting a mail request, enclose a legal size self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the search/copy fee. Mail requests take a processing time of 2-4 weeks.
What is Considered a Marriage License in Missouri?
Missouri marriage licenses are official documents that allow marriages to be performed in the state. Intending couples can obtain marriage licenses from the Offices of Recorders of Deed in any state county. A marriage license is different from a marriage certificate in Missouri because it is obtained before a marriage ceremony.
Missouri Common Law Marriage Licenses
Missouri is not a common-law marriage state. This means that it does not approve of this kind of marital union and does not provide licenses or certificates to individuals claiming to be in common-law marriages. However, the state recognizes common law marriages contracted in other states that recognize this type of civil union.
Missouri Formal Marriage Licenses
The regular marriage licenses provided by county officials in Missouri are formal marriage licenses. Prospective couples must submit applications for these licenses. Only after fulfilling the state’s requirements for marriage eligibility can they be awarded licenses to proceed with the solemnization of their unions.
How Do I Get a Marriage License in Missouri?
Marriage licenses are issued by the Offices of Missouri Recorders of Deeds. Therefore, intending couples must apply for these licenses at the county level. A Missouri marriage license is only valid in the state. Both applicants must be physically present before the Recorder of Deeds when applying for a license. They must also present all information and documents required during the application process. These include valid IDs providing their dates of birth as well as their Social Security cards. Applicants do not need to be residents of Missouri and do not require blood tests to be approved for a license.
Missouri marriage eligibility requirements demand that both applicants be 18 years or older. The rules make certain concessions for underaged applicants. If any applicants are between the ages of 16 and 17, they must provide custodial parental/guardian consent. The parent or guardian must also be present, with valid identification, to give consent at the point of the application process. In August 2018, Missouri ruled that applicants aged 16 - 17 cannot marry persons aged 21 or older.
After fulfilling the state’s marriage requirements, intending couples must pay for the marriage license issued to them. This fee varies from county to county. Marriage licenses issued in the state are valid for 30 days, and they must be returned 15 days after the marriage wedding to the County Recorder of Deeds office where it was issued.
Are Prenups Public Records in Missouri?
No, prenups are not public records in Missouri. Hence, individuals might be unable to view, inspect or obtain copies of them.
Prenuptial agreements, or "prenups," are legal contracts that couples can enter before getting married. Prenups typically detail how the couple will handle finances and property in the event of a divorce.
Missouri is a "common law" state, meaning that prenuptial agreements are generally enforceable so long as they meet certain requirements. Missouri courts will also consider prenuptial agreements when making decisions about alimony and property division in the event of a divorce.
Prenuptial agreements are not automatically public records in Missouri. However, if a couple files for divorce and one party challenges the validity of the prenup, the agreement may become public record as part of the divorce proceedings.
