Missouri became the 24th state to join the Union in August 1821, and holds historical significance as the first state west of the Mississippi River to gain statehood. With a population of approximately 6 million residents, Missouri ranks 18th in the nation by population and 21st by land area, covering nearly 70,000 square miles.
The state is organized into 114 counties, one independent city (St. Louis), and numerous municipalities, all of which function as local government entities. These local jurisdictions operate independently, electing officials and managing government responsibilities such as law enforcement, public health, zoning, and recordkeeping.
Missouri enacted its Open Records and Meeting Law, commonly known as the Sunshine Law, in 1973—seven years after the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was signed into law. These provisions are embedded in the Missouri State Constitution and ensure that residents have access to:
Government records
Public meetings
Electoral and legislative processes
Any member of the public can submit a records request to state or local agencies, with exceptions made for protected personal and confidential information. The Sunshine Law applies to all government departments and agencies, regardless of level, reinforcing Missouri’s commitment to transparency.
Many public record requests begin with background investigations, especially those concerning employment or personal safety. A common first step is using a people finder tool to uncover:
Full legal names and aliases
Current and previous addresses
Cross-references with other states for broader investigations
For official criminal background checks, the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division provides access to:
Conviction records
Arrest records within 30 days
Charges filed but pending court disposition
Suspended imposition of sentence (SIS) cases during probation
These records are frequently used for pre-employment screening, personal background checks, and legal due diligence.
Public record investigations often go beyond criminal history and include civil and financial documentation:
Civil court searches can reveal:
Divorce filings
Lawsuits and judgments
Probate and small claims cases
Criminal court records detail charges, trial information, and outcomes
The Missouri Secretary of State provides instant online access to:
UCC filings
Business entity records (by company name, agent, or registration number)
Bankruptcy filings are accessible through Missouri’s Eastern and Western District courts
Professional license verification for individuals such as contractors, doctors, and accountants is available via state licensing boards
These resources are valuable for employers, legal researchers, and anyone needing to verify credentials or business standing.
Locating assets in Missouri requires coordination with various agencies depending on the type of record:
Real estate ownership and property records can be accessed via the county recorder of deeds
Business ownerships, corporate filings, and registration statuses are available through the Secretary of State
Other public assets, such as UCC liens and financial judgments, can further enhance a comprehensive background profile
In Missouri, public records are not held in a single centralized database. State, county, and city agencies maintain their own records independently, making it essential to know which department holds the data you’re seeking.
A reliable starting point is PublicRecordCenter, which offers:
A centralized, up-to-date directory of Missouri agencies
Direct links to official government websites
Free downloadable forms
Instructions and record descriptions to guide your search
Whether you're requesting a single document or conducting a full investigation, using a comprehensive public record directory can save time, reduce confusion, and ensure accurate results.
