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Buchanan County: F.A.Q.

  • How do I pay my traffic ticket?
    • Look at your ticket to see where you are scheduled to appear.
      • Municipal court in basement, Room B22.
      • Fine Collection Center
      • State Court, Room 324

  • Where do I file small claims cases?
    • Go to Room 331, Circuit Clerk's Office, 271-1462
      • For cases under $100 with 1 defendant - there is a $25 filing fee plus the Sheriff's service fee (this fee can depend on the County where the service is obtained)
      • for each additional defendant add $1.00 to the filing fee amount
      • For cases OVER $100 with 1 defendant - there is a $30 filing fee plus the Sheriff's service fee (this fee can depend on the County where the service is obtained)
      • for each additional defendant add $1.00 to the filing fee amount

  • How do I find the Child Support Office?
    • If you want to check on or request a payment report- go to 4th floor, Child Support Office, Room 435, 271-1466. These reports will be mailed out the following day.
    • If you are wanting to find out about collecting Child Support - go to Child Support Division of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, 310 N. 4h Street, (across the street under the blue awning), 271-1492.
    • If you have received a Redirect Notice, contact the Payment Information Line at 1-800-225-0530 or visit www.dss.state.mo.us

  • How do I apply for a building permit?
    • Is it within the City Limits of St. Joseph?

  • How do I change my billing address for tax purposes?
    • For Real Estate tax changes - contact the Assessor's Office, Real Estate Assessor Section - 271-1471, Room 202
    • For Personal Property tax changes - contact the Assessor's Office - 271-1469, Room 102

  • How do I obtain an Absentee Ballot for the upcoming election?

  • How do I get a copy of my paid personal property tax receipt?

  • Where is City Hall?
    • 1100 Frederick Ave. (go east on Jules Street until you reach 10th Street)

  • I don't know which Court Room I am supposed to be in?

  • Where is Bankruptcy Court?
    • In the Federal Building, 201 S. 8th Street

  • Where do I go to report for Jury Duty?
    • The Jury Reception area is in the basement, just outside of the Juvenile Office, 271-1552
  • Where do I go to pick up my Notary Public information?
    • The County Clerk's Office handles the Notary Public information, 271-1412, Room 121
    • A handbook and application must be obtained. The completed application must be sent to the Secretary of State with an application fee of $25.00. Once the approval is received, the notification with a surety bond from an insurance company must be submitted to the County Clerk's Office along with a $6.00 filing fee. It is the Notary Public's responsibility to obtain whatever stamp is necessary.
  • Where do I get a copy of my birth certificate?
    • Certified copies of birth certificates from 1927 to present can be obtained at Patee Market Health Center, 2d floor, 904 S. 10th Street, St. Joseph, MO 64503 (816)271-4636. They are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. The cost for each certified copy is $15.00. Records can be obtained for birth anywhere in Missouri.
    • Records prior to 1927 can be obtained at the Bureau of Vital Records, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 751-6387.
  • Where do I get a copy of a death certificate?
    • Certified copies of death certificate from 1980 to present can be obtained at Patee Market Health Center, 2nd floor, 904 S. 10th Street, St. Joseph, MO 64503 (816)271-4636.
    • Records prior to 1980 can be obtained at the Bureau of Vital Records, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 751-6387.
  • Where do I go to apply for a job?
    • Applications can be picked up at the Personnel Department (in the Administrative Services Office) Room 222, 271-1528.
    • Each department typically hires on their own without going through the Personnel Department, so it is advised to contact each specific department.
  • Where is the computer-based Law Library?
    • Currently, the Law Library is on the 4th floor across from the Jury office, but plans are under way to move the library online.