Find Missouri Public Records
Is Missouri a Public Records State?
The mission of Missouri State Records is to facilitate the use of every citizen’s right to detect, obtain, preview, and examine public records. This ensures that residents of Missouri have access to public information in accordance with the Missouri Sunshine Act, which mandates the openness and accessibility of public records to the general public.
The purpose of the requester is generally immaterial and does not affect the right to access public records. This means that the requester does not need to demonstrate a “need to know,” unless the record is confidential.
Missouri State Records provides information on various subjects, including criminal records, court records, vital records, and over 50 million other public records.
What is Public Information in Missouri?
Missouri public records encompass all publicly available documents and records maintained by government agencies and departments. The Missouri Sunshine Law outlines the process for obtaining public records in the state and defines the responsibilities of record custodians, including how they maintain, store, and issue copies of public documents.
Public records in Missouri include, but are not limited to:
- Death records
- Inmate records
- Arrest records or rap sheets
- Property records
- Bankruptcy records
- Marriage records
- Sex offender information
- Criminal records and criminal history records
- Divorce records
Under the Missouri Sunshine Law, public records include data stored by any government agency, department, commission, bureau, city, or municipality. These records can exist in various forms such as surveys, reports, memoranda, books, maps, charters, symbols, architectural plans, notes, drafts, video files, audiotapes, SMS, or electronic mail. Additionally, public records include information provided by consultants or professional services under a paid partnership with a government agency.
How Do I Look Up Public Records in Missouri?
Under the Missouri Sunshine Law, individuals must request and obtain non-confidential copies of public documents from the respective record custodian. Although there are different methods of accessing these records, all public records searches in Missouri begin with the following steps:
Know the Requirements for Obtaining the Preferred Public Document
Individuals interested in accessing public records must understand the requirements for obtaining their desired document. Record seekers should contact the record custodian responsible for providing access to the records. Sometimes, custodians may charge a fee before granting access. Additionally, requesters may need to present a government-issued ID to access certain confidential information.
For instance, Missouri vital records contain sensitive information that may violate privacy. Therefore, the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records issues copies of vital records to the record bearer, family members, and legal representatives.
Contact the Designated Record Custodian Holding the Preferred Document
Government agencies and departments must maintain, store, and issue copies of non-exempt data to interested and eligible individuals. Record seekers can access records by contacting the custodian body via mail, online, or in person. To access records in person, individuals must visit the agency's physical address. Some custodians may also maintain an online database for public records access.
Create and Send Request for Missouri Public Records
Most record custodians provide a downloadable request form for obtaining public documents. If a form is unavailable, record seekers must write a request letter to the custodian agency. Request letters should include:
- The requester's full name and aliases (if any)
- Case number (for court records)
- Preferred mode of delivery (email or mail)
- Contact details
- Date range when the record was documented
- Record subject's date of birth
- Purpose of the request
- Additional information to assist with the search
Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Missouri Public Records Obtaining
City Records
Public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These platforms come with intuitive tools for expansive searches. Record seekers can search for specific or multiple records by providing sufficient information, such as:
- Name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- Address of the requestor
- Case number or file number (if known)
- Location of the document or person involved
- Last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies, so record availability and results may vary.
Public Records
Public records can also be accessed from third-party websites. These sites offer non-geographically limited search services, making the search process straightforward. Users must provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- Name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- Last known location of the record subject
Third-party public records search websites are not government-sponsored services, so the availability and accuracy of results can vary.
How To Look Up Public Records in Missouri for Free?
Public records can be accessed for free through various public agencies' websites, which often have public data search tools. However, access to some records might come at a cost. The term "public records" does not include a public official's notes or drafts used in the decision-making process of a government body. Additionally, custodian agencies may restrict or redact portions of documents if they violate the state’s open records law.
Search Public Records in Missouri
States