Missouri PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

Missouri State Public Records Search Online

Public records in Missouri are official documents that anyone can access. The Missouri Sunshine Law (MSL) controls how individuals access these records. This law says that government meetings, vital records, votes, property information, and other records should be open to everyone unless there's a reason to keep them private.

There are many reasons why individuals should look at public records in Missouri. These records can help with things like:

• Checking someone's background and family history
• Buying or selling property
• Dealing with legal matters

For example, a business owner might use public records to confirm that a new partner is trustworthy. Someone interested in their family tree could find important information in these records. Reporters often use public records to dig up facts for their news stories.

When individuals know how to use public records, they can make better choices, be more involved in their communities, protect themselves, and understand what's happening around them. Knowing how to find and get these records in Missouri is important. It gives individuals the tools they need to get helpful information.

What Records are Public in Missouri?

Missouri public records include all records and documents held by government agencies and are accessible to residents through the state's public records system.

What is Considered Public Information in Missouri?

Missouri's public records include many documents maintained by government entities. These records include, but are not limited to:

• Death records
• Inmate records
• Arrest records (rap sheets)
• Property records
• Bankruptcy records
• Marriage records
• Information on sex offenders
• Criminal records and histories
• Divorce records

Public records can take various forms, such as surveys, books, maps, reports, meeting notes, project drafts, videos, recordings, and emails. Additionally, records generated through consulting or professional services contracted by government agencies are also considered public.

Missouri Public Records Laws

The Missouri Sunshine Law (MSL) serves as the primary legislation governing public records in the state. This law promotes transparency in government operations by allowing public access to government meetings and records. The MSL comprises two main elements: open meetings and open records regulations.

What is the MSL for Open Meetings in Missouri?

The Missouri Sunshine Law for Open Meetings mandates that meetings of governmental bodies be accessible to the public, with certain exceptions permitted by law. This requirement extends to various public entities, including state agencies, boards, commissions, and committees.

The law stipulates that minutes of these meetings, including voting records, must be documented and made available for public scrutiny. However, portions of legally closed meetings may be exempt from this requirement.

What is the MSL for Open Records in Missouri?

The Missouri Sunshine Law for Open Records requires governmental bodies to make public records accessible to citizens. This provision enables individuals to obtain information about governmental activities.

However, the law recognizes certain exemptions, such as records about legal proceedings, personal privacy matters, law enforcement activities, and specific confidential or privileged communications.

Who Can Access Public Records in Missouri?

The MSL (Missouri's Sunshine Law) grants universal access rights, allowing anyone to request public records from governmental bodies without needing to provide justification or explain their intentions. However, certain limitations apply.

Some records may be restricted from public access due to privacy considerations, ongoing investigations, or other legal protections. In specific cases, individuals directly involved in legal matters or those with statutory rights may be granted access to otherwise confidential records.

Missouri Public Records Search

The MSL (Missouri's Sunshine Law) facilitates a system for accessing public records that promotes governmental transparency. Individuals can request and obtain various public records online and offline.

How To Find Missouri Public Records Online

Missouri offers various digital resources for individuals seeking public records. The following methods can be utilized to locate and access these records online:

State-Run Online Databases

The Missouri state government has established dedicated online portals for accessing public records. These platforms host various documents, including court proceedings, vital statistics such as birth and death certificates, and property ownership information.

Government Websites

Various government bodies in Missouri maintain websites, from state-level entities to local municipalities. For instance, the Secretary of State's (SOS) office typically provides online access to public records within its jurisdictions on its official website.

Email Requests

Many state agencies in Missouri have implemented systems allowing individuals to request public records via email. To use this service, requestors generally need to contact the official email address of the specific agency holding the desired records.

Third-Party Websites

While some third-party websites offer public record retrieval services, they may only sometimes provide the most up-to-date or precise information. For optimal reliability, individuals are often advised to prioritize official government websites when seeking public records.

Non-governmental platforms frequently charge higher fees than the actual costs of obtaining records directly from official sources.

How To Find Missouri Public Records Offline

For individuals who prefer non-digital means of obtaining public records in Missouri, several options are available:

In-Person Visits to Government Offices

To acquire public records by visiting a government office:

• Identify the specific agency that maintains the desired records.
• Verify the office's operating hours and any required documents before the visit.
• Complete a records request form or present a pre-prepared request letter upon arrival.
• Be prepared to pay any associated fees using accepted payment methods such as cash, check, or credit card.

While many in-person requests result in immediate access to records, some may require additional processing time.

Mail-In Requests

To request records via mail:

• Compose a formal letter detailing the request or fill out the appropriate form.
• Send the request to the relevant government office.
• Include payment for required fees, typically through a check or money order.

Processing times for mailed requests can vary significantly, potentially taking several weeks.

Phone Requests

To inquire about records via telephone:

• Contact the appropriate office to confirm if they accept phone requests.
• Be ready to provide details about the records needed.
• Have a credit or debit card available for any necessary payments.

Fax Requests

Some Missouri government agencies may allow faxed requests for public records. If using this method:

• Send a detailed request via fax to the appropriate office.
• Follow up with a phone call to confirm receipt of fax.
• Discuss payment options with the office staff.

Types of Public Records in Missouri

Residents of Missouri can access different types of public records. These include the following:

State of Missouri Public Court Records

Missouri's court system maintains a collection of court records that provide insight into various judicial proceedings within the state. These records typically cover many materials, including:

• Dockets
• Evidence
• Filings
• Petitions
• Information about involved parties and their legal representatives
• Court orders
• Case dispositions

These records span many legal domains, including civil disputes, criminal cases, family law matters, and probate proceedings.

For individuals seeking access to court records in Missouri, the initial step involves identifying the court where the case was heard or tried. Court Clerks generally serve as the custodians of these records.

Once the appropriate court is determined, interested parties can obtain necessary contact information through the Missouri Courts Online Directory, including physical and mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.

The Missouri judicial system offers in-person and remote access to court case information.

For in-person requests, the requestor must visit the relevant courthouse. There, the requestor can obtain the appropriate request form from the clerk of the court. The clerk may charge fees for preparing copies of the requested records.

Some Missouri courts also accommodate mail-in requests. To confirm this option and obtain the necessary details, individuals can contact the clerk of the court using the information provided in the Missouri Courts Online Directory.

For those preferring online access, the Missouri CaseNet portal offers public access to non-confidential court records. This portal allows users to search for records using various criteria, including filing date, litigant or party name, scheduled hearings and trials, case number, and judgment index.

Missouri Public Bankruptcy Records

Missouri's bankruptcy records provide information about local insolvency cases, from the initial filing to the court's final closure. Bankruptcy cases fall under federal jurisdiction, not state courts.

In Missouri, two federal bankruptcy courts operate:

• U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
• U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri

The court clerks at these bankruptcy courts are responsible for maintaining bankruptcy records. These federal courts have implemented electronic filing systems and provide digital access to court records.

Individuals seeking bankruptcy information have several options. The primary methods include using the online Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system and visiting the courthouse in person. However, the Voice Case Information System (VCIS) is a third, often overlooked option.

VCIS is an automated telephone service that offers basic bankruptcy case details through voice prompts. Users can access this system by calling the toll-free number 866-222-8029.

Once connected, callers follow voice instructions to input either the debtor's name or the case number. The system provides a case summary, including the filing date, current status, and discharge information, if applicable.

County Court Records in Missouri

The availability and process of accessing county-level court records in Missouri can vary significantly from one county to another. These county court records are usually accessible through Missouri's district and municipal courts.

Some counties may provide online access through local databases. For instance, Missouri CaseNet is used widely across the state to access public court records, including county-level ones.

Visiting the Clerk of Courts office in the county where the records were filed is also often necessary, especially for more detailed records or certified copies. The clerk's office can provide both digital and paper copies of court records and often provides services for obtaining certified copies of documents.

Many counties also accept requests for records via mail or phone, but the specifics can vary.

Here are the links to the directories of the counties covered by the district courts in Missouri:

• Eastern District Court Counties
• Western District Court Jurisdiction

Missouri Criminal Records

When someone gets in trouble with the law in Missouri, the state keeps a criminal record. These records start when a person is caught by the police or accused of a crime, and information is added as the person goes through the legal system.

Missouri's criminal records typically include the following information:

• The individual's name, along with any aliases
• Their picture from when they were arrested and their fingerprints
• Basic personal details, such as date of birth and physical description
• A list of both current and past criminal charges
• A history of arrests, including any active warrants
• Records of any convictions
• Details regarding legal proceedings and actions taken after a conviction

The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) keeps track of most of these records, but local police and courts also have some. Individuals can look up these records online using the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) system.

MACHS has two ways to search:

• Name Search: Anyone may conduct a search using an individual's name for a fee of $15, along with a small additional charge. Payment can be made by credit card.
• Fingerprint Search: Individuals can make an appointment to have their fingerprints taken for $11.50, and the results will arrive in about a week or two.

Individuals can use the Missouri Courts CaseNet portal for information about court cases. They can also go to the courthouse where the case happened and ask to see the records.

Missouri Public Arrest Records

In Missouri, when law enforcement suspects an individual of breaking the law, an arrest record is created. These records serve as a snapshot of the situation, containing details about the individual and the alleged offense. They typically include:

• The individual's legal name and any aliases
• Age and physical description
• Information about the time and circumstances of the arrest
• The crimes for which they are accused
• A history of court appearances
• Any prior convictions
• Information regarding their current detention location

These records help the police, courts, and other officials track what happens when someone is arrested. They are also used to identify the person correctly and understand their history with the law.

Individuals who want to find out about arrests in Missouri have several options. The MSHP (Missouri State Highway Patrol) has an Online Arrest Reports portal for individuals to access. Individuals will need the following information to search for reports:

• Full name of the person arrested
• The county where the arrest happened
• Troop who made the arrest
• Person city/state
• Arrest date

Arrests are posted automatically in the portal's database and only stay for five days. If the person's arrest report is no longer in the database, individuals can contact the specific Highway Patrol Troop.

Individuals can also request arrest records by mail. Individuals must send their written request with the $15 fee to the MSHP's Record Division at:

The Record Division

1510 E. Elm Street

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Missouri Sex Offender Records

The MSHP (Missouri State Highway Patrol) keeps a database of individuals who have been found guilty of certain sex crimes. This database called the Sex Offender Registry, is designed to help individuals know about sex offenders in their area.

The database is comprised of two search types:

• Offender Search: To find offenders by name and location
• Interactive Map Search: To find registered sex offenders within a specific location

The results of each search don't tell everything about an individual's criminal past. It only shows information about individuals who have been convicted of or admitted to sexual crimes or attempts to commit such crimes.

The MSHP's registry operates alongside similar lists maintained by local officials throughout Missouri. However, the registry maps may not display every sex offender in an area. In some cases, details about an offender's residence, workplace, school, or temporary location are too unclear to be included on the map.

Individuals can also check potential sex offenders on the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW).

Missouri Vital Records

In Missouri, official records of significant life events like births, deaths, marriages, and divorces are called vital records. When someone needs one of these records, they have to provide some critical information, such as:

• The full name of the person on the record
• When and where the event happened
• The names of their parents (if asked)

The individual asking for the record must also explain why they want it and how they relate to the person on the record.

There are a few ways to get these records in Missouri. One option is VitalChek, a service that lets people order records over the phone or online using a credit card.

Another way is to go directly to a local health department office or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) in Jefferson City. Individuals can either visit in person or send their request by mail.

There are some steps to follow to request a record by mail or in person:

Fill out the right form:

• Application for a Vital Record - Birth/Death/Fetal/Stillbirth (VS-151BD)
• Application for a Vital Record - Statement Relating to Marriage/Divorce/Single Status (VS-151MD)

Pay a fee:

• Birth and death records: $15
• Marriage and divorce records: $14

For mail requests, only send a check or money order - not cash. All mail requests can be mailed to the local health department office or to:

Bureau of Vital Records

Jefferson City Vital Record Lobby

930 Wildwood Drive

Jefferson City, MO 65109

Most of the time, individuals need to prove they have the right to access a record, especially if they are asking for someone else's information. In these cases, they might need to provide extra documents or get their request notarized.

For those who want to visit an office in person, it is best to make an appointment, especially at the main office in Jefferson City. They have specific hours for appointments and can't always provide records on the same day.

Missouri Public Birth Records

In Missouri, birth records are essential documents that prove someone's identity. However, they aren't available to anyone, only certain people, like those named on the record, their family members, or their lawyers, can get them.

Missouri has two types of birth certificates: a short form and a long form. To get one, an individual allowed to have it must fill out the Form VS-151BD form. They can do this at the main office in Jefferson City or at a local office that handles these records.

For birth records before 1910, the process differs. Anyone can look at these older records. They are available online through the Missouri Digital Heritage (MDH) website or the Missouri State Archives' Birth and Death Records Database. Individuals can also email their requests to archives@sos.mo.gov.

Only certain people can get birth records from 1910 to the present and must go through the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records (BVR).

Missouri Public Death Records

In Missouri, when someone dies, an official paper called a death record is created. This paper has important information about the person who passed away, such as:

• Their name
• Age at the time of death
• Date of death
• Place of death
• Cause of death
• Marital status

If someone needs to get a copy of a death record, they should follow the same steps and pay the same fees as they would for getting a birth record.

However, individuals can access the MDH (Missouri Digital Heritage) Death Certificate Database for information about deaths between 1910 and 1973.

Missouri Public Marriage Records

In Missouri, when two people get married, the state creates an official document called a marriage record. These records are available to the public. The state government has kept track of all marriages since July 1948. For marriages before that time, individuals must check with the county where the marriage occurred.

If someone wants to find out about a marriage in Missouri, they have a few options. They can do the same process as the birth and death records through the Missouri BVR (Bureau of Vital Records). They just need to use the Form VS-151MD.

For marriages that happened in St. Louis, there's a unique free search tool that allows individuals to search for records going back to 1932. Many county offices across Missouri let individuals look at marriage records for free if they visit in person.

Missouri Public Divorce Records

Missouri's official divorce records serve as formal documentation of marriage terminations. These publicly accessible documents generally contain the divorcing parties' names, the divorce date, and the location where the marriage was legally dissolved. The procedure for acquiring divorce records in Missouri is the same as obtaining marriage records.

Missouri Property Records

Property records in Missouri are official papers that tell people about land and buildings in the state. They help when someone buys or sells property, show who owns it, and help figure out taxes. These records describe the property, show its size and borders, and mention special use rules. They also list any mortgage or lien on the property.

The Missouri SOS (Secretary of State) operates a Records Management department that handles state property records.

At the county level, individuals can usually visit the county recorder of deeds, where the property is located. For example, if someone wants to know about a property in St. Charles County, they can contact the county's Recorder of Deeds office by phone at 639-949-7509. They can also mail their requests to:

St Charles County Recorder of Deeds

201 N. Second St.

Suite 338

St. Charles, MO 63301

Missouri Inmate Records

In Missouri, inmate records serve as the bank of information about individuals held in correctional facilities throughout the state.

The MSHP has a website where anyone can search for information about individuals currently in Missouri Department of Corrections (MDOC) custody and those released within the past 60 days. The information available includes:

• The individual's current location
• Their anticipated release date
• Details of their offenses

Enquirers may search records on the MSH website by inmate name or number.

Individuals can also use the MDOC's inmate locator to retrieve information on who's in custody in the state prisons.

Some states also have their list of inmates. For example, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has an online list for those interested in St. Louis. It shows the individuals currently in jail and is updated daily.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) also offers a separate search tool for federal inmates for inmates incarcerated beginning in 1982.

Missouri Traffic Records

Missouri traffic records provide an overview of an individual's driving history, including accident reports and vehicle information. The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) offers several ways for people to get their driving records. Drivers can choose the most convenient method for their needs.

They can use the MyDMV Record Request portal to get a copy without personal information online, but they need to provide contact details and pay fees. Individuals can use mail, email, or fax for records with personal information by filling out the Request from Driver License Record Holder (Form 4681) and paying a $2.82 fee.

Email requests can be sent to DL_Records@dor.mo.gov, while mail requests should be sent to:

Driver License Record Center

301 West High Street – Room 470

P.O. Box 2167

Jefferson City, MO 65101

In-person requests can be made at any Missouri license office.

License Plate Lookup in Missouri

Many online platforms offer access to extensive vehicle data using license plate numbers. These services compile reports on state-registered vehicles with information such as:

• Title status
• Accident history
• Registration issues
• Inspection records
• Basic owner details
• Odometer readings

Individuals can contact the DOR (Department of Revenue) at 573-526-3669 for information about a vehicle's license plate. When prompted, they must select Option 3. Various websites also provide license plate lookup services, from free basic searches to more paid options.

What Information is Exempt from the Missouri Sunshine Law?

Some types of information are exempt from public access under the MSL (Missouri Sunshine Law), such as:

• Social Security numbers
• Trade secrets
• Personal medical records
• Law enforcement proceedings
• Sealed court records
• Building security plans
• Attorney-client privileged communications
• Internal government memos critical to decision-making
• Individual income tax returns

Other Public Records in Missouri

Missouri makes several other types of records available to the public:

• Warrant Records: Active warrants in Missouri for public awareness.
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Minutes, agendas, and any resolutions passed.
• Environmental Records: Permits, inspection reports, and other relevant data.
• Legislative Records: list of legislative bills, resolutions, and records of how legislators voted on various issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals can explore the following resources for additional insights into Missouri public records:

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