Missouri § 193.085 - Birth certificate — contents, filing, locale, duties of certain persons, time allowed, attestation.

Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 193.085 — Birth certificate — contents, filing, locale, duties of certain persons, time allowed, attestation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 193.085. Birth certificate — contents, filing, locale, duties of certain persons, time allowed, attestation.

1.  A certificate of birth for each live birth which occurs in this state shall be filed with the local registrar, or as otherwise directed by the state registrar, within five days after such birth and shall be registered if such certificate has been completed and filed pursuant to the provisions of this section.

2.  When a birth occurs in an institution or en route to an institution, the person in charge of the institution or such person's designated representative shall obtain the personal data, prepare the certificate, certify that the child was born alive at the place and time and on the date stated either by signature or an electronic process approved by the department, and file the certificate pursuant to this section or as otherwise directed by the state registrar within the required five days.  The physician or other person in attendance shall provide the medical information required by the certificate and certify to the facts of birth within five days after the birth.  If the physician or other person in attendance does not certify to the facts of birth within the five-day period, the person in charge of the institution shall complete the certificate.

3.  When a birth occurs outside an institution, the certificate shall be prepared and filed by one of the following in the indicated order of priority:

(1)  The physician in attendance at or immediately after the birth;

(2)  Any other person in attendance at or immediately after the birth;

(3)  The father, the mother, or, in the absence of the father and the inability of the mother, the person in charge of the premises where the birth occurred.

4.  When a birth occurs on a moving conveyance within the United States and the child is first removed from the conveyance in this state, the birth shall be registered in this state and such place shall be considered the place of birth.  When a birth occurs on a moving conveyance while in international waters or air space or in a foreign country or its air space and the child is first removed from the conveyance in this state, the birth shall be registered in this state but the certificate shall show the actual place of birth insofar as can be determined.

5.  If the mother was married at the time of either conception or birth, or between conception and birth, the name of the husband shall be entered on the certificate as the father of the child, unless:

(1)  Paternity has been determined otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction; or

(2)  The mother executes an affidavit attesting that the husband is not the father and the putative father is the father, and the putative father executes an affidavit attesting that he is the father, and the husband executes an affidavit attesting that he is not the father.  If such affidavits are executed, the putative father shall be shown as the father on the birth certificate and the signed acknowledgment of paternity shall be considered a legal finding of paternity.  The affidavits shall be as provided for in section 193.215.

6.  In any case in which paternity of a child is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, the name of the father and surname of the child shall be entered on the certificate of birth pursuant to the finding and order of the court.

7.  Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if a child is born to unmarried parents, the name of the father and other required information shall be entered on the certificate of birth only if an acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to section 193.215 is completed, or if paternity is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or by an administrative order of the family support division.

8.  If the father is not named on the certificate of birth, no other information about the father shall be entered on the certificate.

9.  The birth certificate of a child born to a married woman as a result of artificial insemination, with consent of her husband, shall be completed pursuant to the provisions of subsection 5 of this section.

10.  Either of the parents of the child, or other informant, shall attest to the accuracy of the personal data entered on the certificate in time to permit the filing of the certificate within the required five days.

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(L. 1984 S.B. 574, A.L. 1997 S.B. 361, A.L. 2005 S.B. 74 & 49)

---- end of effective  28 Aug 2005 ----

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Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 193.085

What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 193.085 cover?

Section 193.085 ("Birth certificate — contents, filing, locale, duties of certain persons, time allowed, attestation.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Missouri § 193.085?

A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 193.085" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Missouri law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.

How does Missouri § 193.085 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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