OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Missouri Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Missouri. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 115 counties across 46 judicial circuits
  • Federal courts: 2 U.S. District Courts (Eastern, Western)
  • Background checks: Missouri State Highway Patrol — Criminal Record Check
  • Records law: Missouri Sunshine Law
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through MSHP
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Missouri has 115 counties (including the City of St. Louis) across 46 judicial circuits. You can search court cases using Case.net, the official statewide case search run by the Missouri Courts.

County-level court records include circuit courts handling all trial-level cases. Case.net provides comprehensive online access.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Missouri are handled by two U.S. District Courts:

  • Eastern District — St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Hannibal
  • Western District — Kansas City, Springfield, Jefferson City, St. Joseph, Joplin

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Case.net — Missouri Statewide Court Records 🏛️ Missouri Courts Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Missouri are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Records and Identification Division provides criminal record checks.

🔍 Missouri State Highway Patrol — Criminal Record Check 📋 Missouri State Highway Patrol Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Missouri operates under the Missouri Sunshine Law (RSMo Ch. 610). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 3 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Missouri

Court records are maintained by the Missouri Courts across 46 judicial circuits. Criminal history is centralized through the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Missouri

Missouri has 115 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Missouri state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Missouri for free?
Use Case.net, the official statewide court records search system.
Are arrest records public in Missouri?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Missouri Sunshine Law. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Missouri?
The Missouri State Highway Patrol provides criminal record checks. Visit mshp.dps.missouri.gov for online searches.
What is the Missouri Sunshine Law?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 3 business days. The Missouri Attorney General oversees compliance.
How many court systems does Missouri have?
Missouri has a unified court system with 46 judicial circuits: municipal courts, circuit courts, the Court of Appeals (3 districts), and the Missouri Supreme Court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026