Are Missouri Records Public?

According to the Sunshine Law of Missouri, all records received or maintained by a public government agency, whether electronically or in writing, are considered public. It includes memorandum, surveys, reports, and any other document a professional or consultant makes that is paid for partly or wholly with public funds. It also includes information maintained in the following forms:

• Printed or written documents
• Maps
• Financial records
• Plans and surveys
• Photographs

Public records generally fall under the care of a custodian whose primary duties include handling records requests, making guidelines for requests, and facilitating responses. The Sunshine Law also recognizes individuals, corporations, or partnerships made or sanctioned to conduct business by entering a contract with public governmental bodies or performing a public function as quasi-public governmental bodies that can maintain public records.

Note: Records maintained by private entities in agreement with or on behalf of public governmental agencies are also public records. Missouri residents can request, inspect, and retrieve any information or document under this category.

Who Can Access Missouri Public Records?

Missouri's Sunshine Laws allow anyone to access public records held by governmental bodies. Residents and non-residents can request public records by contacting the appropriate custodian. Bodies like partnerships, organizations, and LLCs can also access Missouri public records.

Records can be requested orally, in writing, or person. However, most departments require submission of written request applications by requesters as it helps with saving and documentation, particularly for large requests. Written requests also aid requesters who file an appeal as they can examine it.

Some departments provide general guidelines on making requests from most departments, while others may offer forms for applicants to fill out. Record custodians in Missouri must settle records requests and furnish a copy to the requester within three business days of receiving the request.

Do I Need to State My Purpose and Use When Requesting Public Records in Missouri?

Submitting a statement of purpose is not a precondition to requesting public records in Missouri. There is also no requirement to identify yourself when obtaining public records, as both residents and non-residents are qualified. According to the Missouri Public Records Management guidelines, everyone requesting records must be treated equally. Requests for identification or questions on using the records from the custodian are generally made to confirm the requesters’ eligibility for a fee waiver.

Note: Custodians are allowed to grant waivers where certain conditions are fulfilled.

What Records are Public in Missouri?

Missouri public record laws provide access to most records maintained by governmental agencies. Records maintained by quasi-governmental bodies, either by agreement or contract with a government agency, may also be classified as public records. Some examples of such documents include bankruptcy records, inmate records, death records, marriage records, certain property records, and sex offender listings. 

Missouri Public Court Records

Missouri court records refer to documents, information, and files created and compiled during court proceedings. Such records are typically maintained and managed by designated court clerks. Some examples of public court records include: 

• Court orders
• Court indexes
• Transcripts
• Calendars
• Judgments
• Court filings
• Pleadings

Public court records are accessible to anyone in Missouri through the court's casenet system. It features case information excluding confidential court records, which will also not be accessible through the court. The portal also grants access to Missouri's public court records beyond the court's operating hours. Requesters can base their search on the litigant name, filing date, scheduled hearings and trials, judgment index, and case number.

Missouri Public Criminal Records

Criminal records contain documentation of an individual’s criminal history and convictions. Such information falls under the umbrella of public records except where restricted by law. Requesters can get criminal records in various ways. One option is the Missouri Criminal Record Check, a records system that uses fingerprint and name-based searches to obtain criminal records. Requesters can also check court files for criminal records. The court clerk handles requests from the public and manages the court records.

To obtain Missouri criminal records, you must provide information on the individual whose record is requested, such as the registrant's name, case file number, arresting officer, or date of birth.

Department of Criminal Justice Information Services

Annex Building, 1510 East Elm Street

Jefferson City, MO 65101

(573) 526-6153

Missouri Public Arrest Records

Missouri arrest records document arrests made by law enforcement officials in detail. However, they do not serve as proof of criminal convictions and cannot be used in place of criminal records. Arrest records are public records except for laws that exempt public access. Agencies such as the Missouri state police and local sheriff's offices maintain arrest records for their respective jurisdictions. Residents requesting information must provide enough details to custodians for a more precise search. Requesters can provide the booking date, the individual’s full name, location, or arresting agency. 

Missouri Public Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy records contain details of companies, individuals, partnerships, or other entities that have filed for bankruptcy over a period. Some of the information may include:

• Case status
• The bankruptcy filing chapter
• Debt amount
• Existing assets details
• Debtor’s income
• Creditors’ list with the amount owed.

Bankruptcy records are classified as public information and can, therefore, be accessed by almost anyone. The United States Bankruptcy Court maintains these records for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Individuals seeking bankruptcy records can access any bankruptcy case file in any Missouri district via various ways. Records can be obtained via the online Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) platform. The court also opens to the public for document requests on weekdays.

United States Bankruptcy Court

Eastern District of Missouri

Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse

111 S. 10th St., 4th Floor

St. Louis, MO 63102

Telephone - (314) 244-4500

Help Desk - (866) 803-9517

Missouri Public Birth Records

Public birth records are documentation of details on births within the region. These records are generally maintained by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records. The department has maintained birth records from 1910 till today.

Obtaining a public birth record will require providing some related details for searching. Such details include the date of birth, registrant’s full name, and place of birth.

Individuals seeking public birth records will require a valid government-issued identification such as a military ID, a driver’s license, or a US passport. The registry takes requests via submission on weekdays between 9 am and 4 pm. Requesters can get the records by mail only after completing an application at the registry office.

Bureau of Vital Records

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

930 Wildwood Drive

Jefferson City, MO 65109

VitalRecordsInfo@health.mo.gov

573-751-6387

Missouri Public Death Records

Death records contain information and details on deaths and death certificates issued within a region. Such records are maintained by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records. Obtaining a copy of a death certificate can be done through an application to the city clerk of the place of death. Requesters will require some information about the deceased to aid the record search, such as:

• Deceased’s full name
• Place of death
• Requester’s relationship to the deceased
• Deceased’s parent’s full name
• Deceased’s spouse’s full name
• Date of death

After paying the required/prescribed fee through any of the acceptable payment methods, applicants must verify their identity with a valid government-issued ID. Requesters can use a driver’s license, military ID, or a US passport to verify their identity. Requesters can also reach the Bureau through these details:

Bureau of Vital Records

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

930 Wildwood Drive

Jefferson City, MO 65109

VitalRecordsInfo@health.mo.gov

573-751-6387

Missouri Public Marriage Records 

Marriage records contain information on legally joined couples within a region. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records maintains public marriage records, which residents and non-residents can access. Such information contained in public marriage records includes the name of the wedding official, parties wedded, names of witnesses and parents, and the date and place of the marriage.

The Bureau of Vital Records maintains marriage records from the 1st of July, 1948 till date. Requesters can get public marriage records by providing certain information to aid in the search. The full name of the couple, date of marriage, or place of marriage is generally enough information for a precise records search.

Supreme Court of Missouri

207 W High St

Jefferson City, MO 65101

(573) 751-4144

Missouri Public Divorce Records

Divorce records in Missouri are public records containing details and documentation on marriage dissolutions. These records can reveal the grounds for the divorce, the court where it was filed, divorce terms details, and names of divorcing parties. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, handles divorce records maintenance and has been doing so since July 1, 1948. In addition, the Registrar of Probate Court in the relevant county maintains the divorce records and will make copies for requesters.

Missouri Public Inmate Records

Missouri inmate records are public records that are accessible to all residents and non-residents within the state. Record seekers can access and request inmate records through the Missouri Department of Corrections. These records provide information such as the full name, ID, location, date of birth, and age of an incarcerated convict.

The department maintains state-controlled correctional facilities and oversees the welfare of inmates. It handles inmate record requests but only allows public access to non-confidential records. In comparison, city police or county sheriff offices maintain a registry of booked or incarcerated individuals in respective city or county jails. Searching for inmate records will require information like the inmate’s full name and commitment number.

Missouri Department of Corrections

P.O Box 236

Jefferson City, Missouri 65102

573-751-2389 - All inquiries

573-522-1118 - Public Information Office

573-526-6516 - Victim Inquiry

573-751-8488 - Probation and Parole

Missouri Public Sex Offender Information

The Missouri sex offender information is a public record that is accessible to residents and non-residents of the state. This record contains information about known sex offenders living, working, or schooling in Missouri in an online sex offender’s listing. Requesters can access the registry for free and can search based on various parameters, including the offender details(name, level, registration status), city, county, or neighborhood. Local law enforcement agencies can also help provide further information on sex offenders in Missouri. Contact the Missouri Sex Offender Registry at;

Missouri State Highway Patrol

Sex Offender Registration Unit

1510 E Elm Street

Jefferson City, Mo 65101

P.O Box 9500

mosor@mshp.dps.mo.gov

(573) 522-7668

Note: County sheriff departments may also opt to publish sex offender details.

Missouri Public Property Records

Public property records detail information about property ownership and transfer of interest within a region. Such records are considered public records and remain accessible to residents and non-residents. Record seekers can get land information from the Missouri Recorder of Deeds for the county where the property is situated. Alternatively, each county in the state has a designated Recorder of Deeds to whom property record requests can be directed.

Missouri Secretary of State

600 West Main Street

Jefferson City, Missouri 65101

(573) 751-4936

info@sos.mo.gov

What is Exempted Under the Missouri Public Records Act?

Public records are accessible to residents and non-residents in Missouri according to the state’s Sunshine Laws. However, there are certain situations when record custodians can rightfully deny a public records request.

Where a particular requested record contains exempt and non-exempt details, record custodians must separate them and release the non-exempt information. Exempted information can also be redacted or deleted before issuing a copy to requesters. Some examples of exemptions may include records containing the following:

• Medical documentation
• Welfare information
• Employee/employer negotiation information
• Competitive bidding information yet to be approved, and sealed bids
• Donor names
• Personal ID numbers, Credit card numbers, physical/virtual keys, access/authorization codes, and digital certificates
• Examination materials
• National Guard and militia detail
• Students’ academic details

How Do I Find Public Records in Missouri?

Finding public records in Missouri is easy and can be done physically or online. The first step is to identify the public agency charged with maintaining the records of interest. You can then approach the agency’s records custodian with a formal request for specific records or check the agency’s website for details on requesting records. Most Missouri public agencies have online records directories backed up with record archives for information not available online.

A written request for records is the best option in Missouri despite the available option of an oral application for records. Requesting via a written application allows you to review your request when you file an appeal. You must also provide some details to aid record custodians in searching through the records. Such details can include:

• A concise description of the requested information
• A file name
• Case number
• Registrant’s full name 
• Your full name and contact information
• Officials on record

You must be ready to pay the prescribed fees for receiving your requested records and state in your application that you are requesting the record under Missouri Sunshine Law.

Can I Find Free Public Records in Missouri Using Third-Party Sites?

Public records can be accessed on third-party sites as there are a number of them offering accurate and updated databases. These third-party platforms compile records from various public agencies and jurisdictions into an organized archive. You can get free records like court records, inmate information, criminal information, and birth and death records.

Using third-party sites will also require you to give some information to facilitate a precise search through the platform’s database. You can provide information like the names of the registrant, date of filing, or location of an event to conduct a precise search. You will not be required to provide an ID to process your records request with third-party platforms. Ensure that you verify information in documents obtained from third-party sites. Cross-check them with government sources to determine their accuracy.

How Much Do Public Records Cost in Missouri?

Missouri public records costs are based on the record duplication cost, which will not exceed $0.10 per page. The actual cost will vary based on factors like the volume, type of record inquiry, time to locate the records, and identity of the requester. Generally, record custodians can waive payment for records at their discretion and in the public interest. However, records obtained for commercial purposes will be paid for.

Extra hands required to search through records will be charged per hour for the staff labor involved. This fee will be charged based on the regular pay for such staff of the public agency and not more than that. If the records sought are easy to find, they can be released for free. Where an extensive effort is needed on the part of the agency to locate and release the records sought, you can expect an estimated invoice from the public agency before the application is processed.

What Happens if I Am Refused a Public Records Request?

When denied a records request, the first step is to understand the reason for the agency’s denial. Some valid reasons for rejection may include the confidential nature of the record or the requester’s ineligibility to access such records. Missouri law requires records custodians to provide requesters a copy of records sought within three business days from their application submission. Failure to do this allows the requester to file an appeal.

The record custodian can reply within three days with a refusal to release the records and must state the statute supporting the refusal. The options available to you in such a situation include:

• Make a new application with corrections based on the shortcomings of the prior application.
• File a civil suit to force a release of the records sought.
• File an appeal petition to the Supervisor of Records, which must be done within 90 days of receiving the refusal.