Missouri’s wealth of public records spans various government agencies, encompassing criminal records, vital records, court records, and inmate records. It is the duty of the state to grant its residents access to and scrutiny of millions of free public records held within the state’s record systems.

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Defining Missouri Public Records

According to Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.010.6, a Missouri public record is any document produced by a government agency, be it electronic or written.

Efficient Retrieval of Missouri State Records

Our objective is to streamline the retrieval of accurate free Missouri state records, simplifying the process for you.

Missouri Free Public Records & Freedom of Information Laws

Missouri’s Sunshine Law, akin to the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), ensures that government-maintained public records in Missouri are freely accessible to its citizens.

In Missouri, anyone from the public has the right to access and check Missouri public records without the need to provide a reason, unless the record has been designated as confidential.

Understanding Missouri Criminal Records

Missouri criminal records, including arrest records, detail the criminal activities of arrested or convicted individuals. These records comprise information about arrests, pleas, dispositions, sentences, and more. They are also referred to as RAP (Record of Arrests and Prosecutions) sheets.

Typically, Missouri criminal records include:

  • Mugshots
  • Arrest records
  • Warrant information
  • Conviction data
  • Inmate release dates, and more.

Requesting Public Criminal Records in Missouri

Missouri public criminal records fall under the public domain. The Sunshine Law mandates that state and local law enforcement agencies provide public access to these records.

However, certain criminal records, such as juvenile records, are sealed by the court and are exempt from public view.

Locating Criminal Records in Missouri

The Missouri State Highway Patrol offers a criminal record search feature on its website, enabling the public to determine if someone has a criminal record. For individuals charged with a crime, the Missouri Courts Casenet portal is a valuable resource, and it’s free of charge.

Missouri arrest records are public records under the Sunshine Act. To find out about arrests or jail status in Missouri, you can use public access computers at the clerk’s office in the local county court. Clerks of courts also provide copies of criminal case documents upon request. Additionally, you can contact the local sheriff’s office or police station to request police reports for recent arrests.

Viewing Local Mugshots in Missouri

Mugshots of arrested individuals are part of their arrest records and are also found in inmate records and sex offender registries. These mugshots are public information in Missouri.

To locate local mugshots, visit the local sheriff’s office or police department and perform an inmate search. The search results will include the subject’s photograph within the arrest record. For instance, the Stone County Sheriff’s Office maintains an inmate roster containing arrest records with mugshots. The Missouri Highway Patrol also offers a criminal record search feature that includes access to mugshots.

Checking for Warrants in Missouri

Warrants in Missouri grant law enforcement the legal authority to make arrests or conduct searches. Various warrant types exist in the state, including arrest, bench, child support, and search warrants.

Warrants are public records and can be accessed without restrictions. To check for warrants in Missouri, conduct online searches in public records or directly contact the sheriff’s office and local law enforcement agencies.

Accessing Court Records in Missouri

Using the Public Database

The court system in Missouri maintains a public database containing information on warrants, court sentences, and charges. To access this database, individuals can simply enter the last name of the subject.

Contacting Local Sheriff’s Offices

Alternatively, requesters can reach out to the warrant departments of their local sheriff’s offices for inquiries. For example, the Springfield Police regularly publishes a list of individuals with Municipal Warrants. It’s also advisable to directly contact local law enforcement agencies to inquire about warrants.

Can You Access Juvenile Records?

Juvenile criminal records pertain to the criminal activities of individuals below the age of 18. In Missouri, juveniles are not tried as adults, and their proceedings take place in juvenile court.

Access to Juvenile Criminal Records in Missouri

Missouri’s Privacy on Juvenile Criminal Records

In Missouri, the public cannot access juvenile court records, as per Mo.Rev.Stat. § 211.321, unless authorized by a court order. However, exceptions exist for cases involving juvenile felony convictions or extreme court proceedings, such as murder. Typically, juvenile criminal records in Missouri are automatically expunged or sealed.

Finding a Sex Offender in Missouri

Securing Community Safety: Identifying Sex Offenders

Individuals tried and convicted of sex offenses are known as sex offenders. It is crucial for the safety of the community, workplaces, and educational institutions to be aware of their presence.

Alarming Statistics

Statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual assault, with 67% of victims being minors under the age of 18.

Missouri’s Action

To protect its citizens, Missouri enacted MO Rev Stat § 589.400 – 589.425, requiring the Missouri State Highway Patrol to maintain a public database of sex offenders in the state.

Accessing the Database

The MSHP’s Missouri sex offender registry offers a platform for the public to locate sex offenders in their communities. Users can also receive email notifications about offenders moving into their area, based on either the offender’s name or address. Alternatively, individuals can contact local law enforcement agencies for this information.

A Toll-Free Resource

The MSHP has introduced a toll-free number: (888)-767-6747, dedicated to disseminating sex offender data.

Missouri Background Checks

Exploring Missouri Background Checks

A Missouri background check involves an extensive investigation into an individual’s past in the state, yielding various types of information.

Name-Based or Personal Identifier Search

This search provides information on the subject’s records, including convictions, arrest data, pending charges awaiting disposition, and details regarding a subject’s suspended imposition of a sentence (SIS) during probation. The cost for this request is $15, and it can be submitted by mail, requiring completion of a “Request for Criminal Record Check Form.” This search is considered a ‘possible match’ and encompasses open records.

Online Requests via Missouri Automated Criminal History Site

You can complete your requests online through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site. The charges for this service are $15, excluding a service fee, which can be paid using a credit card.

Fingerprint Search

The fingerprint search is considered a ‘positive match’ and provides comprehensive records, including information about dismissed charges, not-guilty verdicts, criminal history, and any Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS) after probation. To capture your fingerprints, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with IDEMIA, the fingerprint services vendor, at a cost of $8.50. The total cost for the check will be $28.50 ($20 for a state-only check). For federal checks, there is an additional fee of $13.25, making the total cost $41.75 per applicant.

Processing Times and Payment Options

  • Mail-in requests typically take 4-6 weeks to process, with payments accepted in the form of a check or money order payable to ‘The State of Missouri Criminal Record System Fund.’ Notarized responses incur an additional $2 charge.
  • Finger-based charges completed online have a processing time of 7-10 business days, with the results mailed to the requester.

FBI Record Checks and Missouri Family Care Registry Checks

For FBI Record Checks, visit the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), and for Missouri Family Care Registry Checks, visit the Family Care Safety Registry.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) of 1970

In 1970, Congress enacted the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to ensure the accuracy and privacy of background checks conducted by consumer reporting agencies.

Entities Requiring Background Checks

Various entities, including renters, EMS personnel, and caregivers working with children, seniors, and the disabled, may require background checks.

Missouri Court Records Look-Up Guide

Missouri court records are considered public records, accessible to anyone seeking information about court proceedings. This accessibility is granted under the state’s Sunshine Act.

Exemptions and Sealed Records

Not all court records are accessible to the public. Some records may be sealed or expunged by a court, as stipulated by Mo.Rev.Stat. § 211.321.5. Juvenile records, in particular, are exempted from public access and can only be obtained through court orders.

Missouri Court System Overview

The Mississippi court system consists of 3 appellate courts and 46 judicial circuits, with each county having its own court. The Missouri Supreme Court is the highest court in the state, overseeing lower court decisions. It handles major cases and serves as the final arbiter for lower court decisions. The Missouri Court of Appeals handles appeals from lower courts and ranks just below the Supreme Court in the judicial hierarchy.

How to Find & Obtain Missouri Court Records

Online Access

Missouri offers an online repository for court records called Casenet. This database allows users to retrieve court records and track ongoing cases using the ‘Track This Case’ feature. Public users who are not registered can access the system using their email address and may choose to receive text notifications by providing their cell phone number. Note that ‘Track This Case’ may not provide data if Casenet is down or if a court record becomes private. The use of Casenet is free of charge.

Offline Access

Individuals can obtain copies of court records in person or by mail by providing details such as the case number (if known), document description, style of the case, and paying a fee of $0.3 per copy for record production.

Mailing Addresses for Requests

  1. Department of Civil Records – Kansas City
    • Copy Desk
    • 415 East 12th Street, Room 305
    • Kansas City, Missouri 64106
  2. Department of Civil Records – Independence
    • Copy Desk
    • 308 West Kansas, Suite 107
    • Independence, Missouri 64050

Accessing Bankruptcy Cases in Missouri

  1. Filing for Bankruptcy in Missouri
    • Bankruptcy cases in Missouri follow the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
  2. Using PACER for Bankruptcy Records
    • In Missouri, you can access bankruptcy records through PACER, which offers a case locator tool.
    • Registration is required, and access costs $0.10 per page.
  3. Obtaining Bankruptcy Records from the Clerk’s Office
    • Bankruptcy records can also be obtained from the relevant bankruptcy court’s clerk’s office.
  4. Using McVCIS for Bankruptcy Records
    • Requesters can obtain bankruptcy records via McVCIS by dialing toll-free (866)-222-8029.
  5. Retrieving Older Bankruptcy Cases
    • Older bankruptcy cases dated before 2001 can be retrieved from the National Archives.

Locating Missouri Inmates and Detainees

  1. Missouri Inmate Records Overview
    • Missouri inmate records provide information on offenders in the state’s correctional facilities.
  2. Accessing Missouri Inmate Records
    • These records are public and can be accessed through local police departments or sheriff’s offices.
    • Some departments offer online search tools, such as St. Louis City’s “Locate a St. Louis City Inmate” tool.
  3. In-Person Visits and Contact
    • For agencies without online search features, requesters may visit or call the respective agencies for information or obtain jail paperwork in person.

Finding Missouri Prison Records and Inmates (State and Federal)

  1. State Search – Missouri Department of Corrections (MDOC)
    • The MDOC website offers a free “Search Offender” tool for locating state prison inmates.
    • Use the Department of Corrections (DOC ID) or full names of offenders.
    • The “Parole Search” tool can be used to locate individuals on parole.
  2. Federal Search – Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
    • The BOP maintains a database of federal prison inmates.
    • Use the “Federal Prison Inmate Locator” on their website, searching by name or inmate number.

Accessing Vital Records in Missouri

  1. Types of Vital Records
    • Vital records in Missouri include birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
    • Certified and uncertified copies are available, with certified copies suitable for identification.
  2. Marriage Records in Missouri
    • The US Census Bureau provides data on marriage and divorce rates in Missouri counties.

Vital Records Management in Missouri

Are Birth, Death, Marriage, and free Divorce Records in Missouri Part of Public Record?

Missouri’s Vital Records: Privacy and Access

Access to vital records in Missouri is restricted under the Missouri Uniform Vital Statistics Law. Only designated individuals are permitted to access these records in order to safeguard citizens’ privacy and maintain data integrity.

How to Obtain Certificates from Missouri Bureau of Vital Records

Acquiring Vital Records from MDHSS

Vital records are maintained by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) and can be obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jefferson City or at the county level. To request these records, individuals must provide the following information to MDHSS:

  1. Full name on the record
  2. Date of the record (e.g., Date of Birth)
  3. Location of the record (e.g., Birthplace)
  4. Father and mother’s names, including maiden name
  5. Purpose of the request
  6. Relationship to the record holder, if applicable
  7. Contact information

Birth Certificates and Death Certificates

Access for Record Owners

Birth certificates and death certificates are accessible to the record owners and can be requested at the county level where the event occurred. An online directory of counties is available for reference.

Missouri Death Records

Death records in Missouri are derived from death certificates and are submitted to MDHSS as required by law.

Requesting Records

Requesters must download the application form, determine applicable fees, and then choose one of the following methods:

  1. Mail the request
  2. Schedule an appointment at the Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City
  3. Visit the local public health agency

Fees

  • Birth Record: $15 for the first copy, $15 for each additional copy
  • Death Record: $14 per record, $11 for each additional copy

In-Person Visit to Jefferson City Vital Records Office

Appointments can be scheduled between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM by calling (573)-751-6387.

Mailed Applications

Include a self-addressed envelope and send to:

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services – Bureau of Vital Records 930 Wildwood Drive Jefferson City, Missouri 65109

Accessing Death Records

Death records can also be queried from the archives.

Marriage Certificates and Death Certificates in Missouri

Marriage Documents in Missouri

In Missouri, there are two essential marriage documents: the Marriage Statement and the Marriage Certificate.

  • Marriage Statement: Issued by the MDHSS, it displays the names of the spouses, the date of marriage, and the county of recording.
  • Marriage Certificate: Copies of this certificate can only be obtained from the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the marriage was recorded. The process for obtaining copies of these documents is similar to that of birth and death certificates.

Death Documents in Missouri

Similarly, in Missouri, there are two vital death documents: the Death Statement and the Death Certificate.

  • Death Statement: Obtainable from the MDHSS, it provides essential information related to the deceased.
  • Death Certificate: To obtain a copy of the death certificate, you need to contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the death was recorded. The fees and process mirror those outlined above for other certificates.

Sifting through Missouri public records can be a challenging task, but our site offers an excellent platform to conduct seamless searches for the records you require.

FAQs

How can I access free Missouri public records online?

  • You can access free Missouri public records by using official government websites and databases, such as the Missouri Secretary of State’s website or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ vital records portal.

What types of records can I find through a free Missouri public record check?

  • You can find various types of records, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, divorce records, property records, criminal records, and more.

Are there any fees associated with conducting a free public record search in Missouri?

  • Generally, accessing public records in Missouri is free or comes with a minimal fee for obtaining physical copies. However, certain specialized searches or requests for certified copies may incur additional charges.

Is it necessary to create an account or provide personal information to search for public records online in Missouri?

  • In many cases, you can perform basic searches for public records without creating an account or providing personal information. However, for certain types of records or more detailed information, you may need to provide relevant details or create an account.

How can I ensure the accuracy of the information I find in Missouri public records?

  • To ensure the accuracy of the information you obtain from Missouri public records, it’s essential to double-check the details, cross-reference data from multiple sources if possible, and, when necessary, request certified copies of records for official purposes to guarantee their authenticity.