State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Missouri
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Missouri under the Missouri Sunshine Law (est. 1973).
Overview of Public Records in Missouri
Missouri's Sunshine Law establishes a comprehensive right of public access to government records and meetings. The law declares that it is the public policy of Missouri that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law. Missouri has invested in making records accessible through both county-level systems and statewide databases. The law applies to all governmental bodies from the state level down to local special districts.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Missouri
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 3 business days by either providing the records, explaining when they will be available, or denying the request with a specific legal basis for the denial.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge fees based on the actual cost of document search, duplication, and mail. Research fees may not exceed the average hourly rate of the employee performing the search. The first 15 minutes of search time is generally free.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing. While no specific form is required, written requests create a better paper trail. Requesters do not need to identify themselves or state a purpose for the request.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file a civil action in circuit court. The court can award attorney fees, court costs, and civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation against knowing violators. Purposeful violations may result in criminal misdemeanor charges.
Types of Public Records Available in Missouri
Property Records
Property records in Missouri include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Missouri contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Missouri election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Missouri court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Missouri include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Missouri vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Missouri document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Missouri Public Records
To request records under the Sunshine Law, submit a request to the custodian of records at the relevant governmental body. While written requests are recommended, verbal requests are also accepted. Agencies must respond within three business days by either providing the records, providing access for inspection, or explaining the cause for the delay. Missouri counties maintain property records through recorder of deeds offices, and the Missouri Courts provide case.net, a comprehensive online case search system.
Online Access
Missouri Case.net provides statewide online court record access and is one of the most comprehensive free systems in the nation. The Secretary of State offers online business entity and UCC filing searches.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Missouri
While the Missouri Sunshine Law establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Missouri.
- Individually identifiable personnel records and evaluations
- Records relating to pending or anticipated litigation
- Software codes and security system information
- Trade secrets and proprietary information
- Records that would compromise public safety if disclosed
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Missouri provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Missouri Sunshine Law
Enacted: 1973
Missouri's Sunshine Law is codified in Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 610. The law covers both open records and open meetings in a single statute. The act was strengthened in 2004 with increased penalties for violations and in 2017 with provisions addressing electronic communications. Missouri allows courts to award civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation against government bodies that purposely violate the law.
Key Features of Missouri's Records Law:
- Missouri's case.net system provides one of the most comprehensive free online court records databases in the nation
- The Sunshine Law covers both records and meetings in a single statute
- Courts can award civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation for purposeful violations
Missouri Public Records Facts
Missouri has 114 counties plus the city of St. Louis maintaining local records
Case.net contains records for millions of cases across Missouri courts
The state has approximately 4.2 million registered voters
The Missouri Secretary of State maintains records for over 500,000 business entities
Search Missouri Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Missouri. Enter a name below to search public records in MO.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Public Records
How quickly must Missouri respond to Sunshine Law requests?
How do I access Missouri court records?
Are Missouri property records online?
How do I obtain Missouri vital records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Missouri Sunshine Law. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Missouri or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.