Parrie L. May, City Register

City Hall, Room 118
1200 Market Street
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 622-4145

Home | City Charter | City Ordinances | Revised Code | City Journal


City of St. Louis
Domestic Partnership Registry
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Domestic Partnership Registry?

The Domestic Partnership Registry is a record of registered domestic partners in the City of St. Louis established and protected under City Ordinance. The registry allows person in a committed relationship who met the criteria set forth in Ordinance #64401 of the City of St. Louis to register at the Office of the City Register and obtain a certificate attesting to their status.

What is the Definition of a Domestic Partnership?

To qualify as domestic partners, the couple must fulfill the following requirements. Both partners must:

  • Be eighteen years of age or older;
  • Not be married or related by blood to the other in a manner that would bar marriage in the State of Missouri ;
  • Have a close and committed personal relationship;
  • Live together and have been continuously living together;
  • Live in the City of St. Louis ;
  • Be each other's sole domestic partner and have not terminated another domestic partnership in the last six months.

What Rights Does Registration Guarantee?

Registration guarantees partners the right of visitation at jails owned and operated by the City of St. Louis and hospitals located within the City of St. Louis .

How Do We Register?

The City Register located in Room 118 of City Hall at 1200 Market Street is responsible for registering domestic partnerships and maintaining the registry. In order to register, both partners need to appear in the Register's Office to fill out an application. Both partners will be asked to show ID to prove identity and age and proof of residency in the City of St. Louis . Proof of residency needs to be something current other than a driver's license, i.e.: a bill, a house document, etc. You can bring different forms of proof of residency for each partner. Both names don't need to be on the same bill, one partner can bring the utility bill and the other partner can bring something else with their name on it but the address must match. Both partners must sign the application attesting to its truthfulness.

How Long Will Registration Take and Does It Cost Anything?

The application takes seven business days to process. This allows us time to check that your application is complete and correct. At that time you will be able to return to the Register's office to pick up your Certificate of Domestic Partnership. Registration costs $10. Providing your phone numbers is option but helpful in that it allows us to get in touch with you if there is any question or problem.

Can a Domestic Partnership be Terminated?

Yes, in one of several ways.

  • A domestic partnership terminates upon the death of one of the partners. In the unfortunate occurrence of a partner's death, the surviving partner should notify the Register's office so that the registry may be updated.
  • A domestic partnership terminated upon filing a termination statement with the Register. In cases where separation is mutually agreed upon, both partners should sign the termination statement. In cases where separation is not mutual, the signing partner must show that the other partner has been notified of the intent to terminate by registered mail, return receipt requested.

Can I Register Again?

Upon termination, partners will not be eligible to register a new partnership for six months.

If We Have Questions, Who Can We Call?

Call the City Register's Office at 622-4145.

Click here for more information on Domestic Partnership Registration.

Return to City Departments Page

This Page Last Modified: 11/19/07