A short form copy of a birth certificate, also referred to as an "abstract", is an abbreviated version of the long form or original certificate. The short form is the traditional looking copy with colored borders and will satisfy most purposes or needs for a birth certificate such as obtaining a driver's license, school registration, personal identification, and other legal purposes. While vital record keeping began in 1910, some delayed certificates may be available before 1910. However, there is no guarantee of a record's existence either before or after 1910.

A long form copy of a birth certificate, also referred to as an "original", is a copy of the original birth certificate and is only available through the state vital record office in Jefferson City. The long form contains additional general information about the birth such as a time of birth if available. This document is typically not required for most purposes or needs for a vital record. A long form may be preferred if previous changes to a vital record have been made or for genealogical purposes. While vital record keeping began in 1910, some delayed certificates may be available before 1910. However, there is no guarantee of a record's existence either before or after 1910.