St. Charles County Department of Community
Health & The Environment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 26, 2007

CONTACT:
Nancy Duncan, Director, Division of Public Health                                                                      636-949- 7415
Cameron Wessel, Public Information Officer                                                                               636-949-7408

Vital Records Available

Division of Public Health provides copies of birth and death certificates

St. Charles County, MO - To improve the security of our nation’s borders, U.S. citizens will soon be required to present a valid passport when traveling abroad, even for visits to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. To assist St. Charles County residents in obtaining a passport to meet these new requirements, the Department of Community Health and the Environment offers certified copies of birth records for persons born anywhere in Missouri since 1920 for just $15 each.

"We want to remind residents of this helpful service and also urge them to come early and get their copies to ensure that they have them by the time they need them," said Gil Copley, Director of the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment. "A number of applicants have discovered that the state record of their birth certificate contains errors. These can only be corrected through the state of Missouri, and it can be a lengthy process. This may cause a delay in getting the certificate copy, which can cause stress and aggravation if a deadline is looming or out-of-country travel plans are pending. Residents who take advantage of this service early and get their copies ahead of time can save time and avoid frustration," Copley said.

The application must be completed and signed, and photo identification is required. Only family members may be issued birth certificates. Records can usually be printed while a customer waits. Cash, money orders, and checks, with proper identification, are accepted.

The Department is also authorized to issue certified copies of death certificates for any death in Missouri since 1980. Copies are $13, $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

Applications are taken 8:30am to 4:30pm each weekday, excluding holidays. The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment is conveniently located at 1650 Boone's Lick Road, St. Charles, Missouri 63301. To save time and travel, customers can download an application from www.scchealth.org, complete it, and mail it in with the appropriate fee. For more information about vital records, please call 636-949-7558.

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