Access Putnam County Death Records

Putnam County death records are available through the Putnam County Health Department in Unionville, Missouri. The office keeps death certificates for events that took place in Putnam County from 1980 to the present. You can request copies by visiting in person, sending a mail request, or ordering through the state's authorized online vendor. For records before 1980, the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City holds files going back to 1910. Putnam County is one of the smaller counties in northern Missouri, with Unionville serving as the county seat.

Putnam County Health Department

The Putnam County Health Department acts as the local registrar for vital records in Putnam County. The office is located at 103 N. 18th, P.O. Box 354, Unionville, MO 63565. Staff can issue certified copies of death certificates for deaths that happened in the county from 1980 forward. You can reach them at (660) 947-2429 to check hours and ask about requirements.

For information about their vital records services, visit the Putnam County Health Department vital records page. That page explains the forms, fees, and process. Under RSMo 193.255, Missouri law governs who can get a certified death certificate. Staff will verify your relationship to the deceased. Family members, funeral directors, attorneys, legal guardians, and genealogists with a family tie are eligible.

Walk-in requests are usually handled the same day. The office is open weekdays and closed on state holidays and weekends. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID.

How to Get Putnam County Death Certificates

There are three ways to order a death certificate from Putnam County. The fastest is going to the health department in Unionville. Bring photo ID, fill out the form, and pay. The first certified copy costs $14. Each extra copy at the same time is $11. Staff can usually give you the certificate on the spot.

Mail is another route. Download the application from the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records website and complete it. Include a check or money order payable to the Putnam County Health Department, a copy of your photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail it to 103 N. 18th, P.O. Box 354, Unionville, MO 63565. Plan on a couple of weeks for processing.

VitalChek is the third option. As the state's authorized online vendor, they charge an extra service fee. Orders take about 5 to 7 business days. Call 1-877-817-7363 for phone orders. This is handy if you live far from Unionville and want to skip the mail.

RSMo 193.245 prohibits making copies of a certified death certificate. Any reproduction is considered void.

Putnam County Death Record Fees

Putnam County follows the fees established by RSMo 193.265. A certified death certificate costs $14 for the first copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time are $11 each. These prices apply for in-person, mail, and state office orders. VitalChek adds its own service fee. The health department accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards typically work only through VitalChek.

The fee covers the records search and a certified copy with the registrar's stamp and signature. This is what courts, banks, and government agencies accept as official proof. An informational copy without the seal may be an option for personal use. Ask the Putnam County staff about both types.

Historical Death Records for Putnam County

The Putnam County Health Department has records from 1980 onward. For deaths between 1910 and 1979, contact the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City. They hold the central state file dating back to January 1, 1910. The same $14 fee applies.

The Missouri State Archives death certificate database provides free digital images of death certificates from 1910 to 1975. Under RSMo 193.225, records more than 50 years old transfer to the State Archives and become publicly accessible. Search by name, county, and year.

Before 1910, Missouri did not have a statewide registration system. Some Putnam County records from 1883 to 1893 may exist at the Missouri State Archives. Coverage is inconsistent because reporting was not mandatory. Contact the archives at 573-751-3280 to see what they have for Putnam County.

Who Can Request Putnam County Death Records

Under RSMo 193.255 and 19 CSR 10-10.090, Missouri restricts access to certified death certificates. Eligible people include:

• Family members of the deceased, including in-laws and step-relatives
• Funeral directors acting on behalf of the family
• Attorneys representing a family member
• Legal guardians with proper documentation
• Genealogists who can show a family connection

Valid photo ID is required. Staff verify identity and eligibility before issuing certified copies. These rules protect the privacy of the deceased and their families while still providing access to those with a real need.

What Putnam County Death Certificates Include

A death certificate from Putnam County carries detailed information about the deceased person. Per RSMo 193.145, funeral directors and medical certifiers must file the certificate within five days of the death through Missouri's Electronic Vital Records system. The record lists the full legal name, date and place of death, date and place of birth, parents' names (including the mother's maiden name), cause of death, occupation, residence, and burial information.

Missouri offers short form and long form death certificates. The short form has the basic facts and works for most legal needs. The long form is a full copy of the original certificate. Genealogy and some court proceedings may require the long form version. Tell the Putnam County staff which type you want when ordering.

The Missouri Death Index is free to search and covers deaths from 1968 to 2022. Use it to confirm details before you order a certified copy.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Putnam County in northern Missouri. If the death happened near a county line, it may have been filed in one of these neighboring areas.