Howell County

Howell County is located in south-central Missouri, covering approximately 928 square miles of Ozark highlands terrain. Howell County seat is West Plains, which is the economic and governmental hub for Howell County. Established in 1857 and named after Josiah Howell, a prominent pioneer, Howell County has a population of approximately 40,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Howell County is bordered by Oregon County to the south, Texas County to the north, and sits along the Arkansas state line. West Plains, the largest city, is home to most county offices including Howell County Courthouse located at 1 Courthouse Square in West Plains, Missouri 65775. Howell County Recorder maintains land records at the same courthouse location, while the County Clerk oversees elections and vital records. Howell County Assessor, responsible for property valuations, operates from the courthouse complex as well. Howell County is characterized by rolling hills, timber forests, and agricultural land, with the Mark Twain National Forest covering portions of Howell County. Howell County's economy historically centered on agriculture, timber, and mining, though healthcare and education have become increasingly important sectors. Howell County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and small-town character that defines much of the Missouri Ozarks region.

The Howell County Courthouse serves Howell County and is located at 800 Webster Street in West Plains. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for this county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Missouri online court portal.

The Howell County Courthouse, located at 800 Webster Street in West Plains, is the hub for civil, criminal, family, and probate cases within the jurisdiction.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• To request arrest records, citizens should submit a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency, specifying the information sought.
• Some agencies may charge reasonable copying fees as permitted by statute.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally part of arrest records and may be accessible through the same request process, though policies vary by agency.
• Processing times for records requests vary but agencies must respond within three business days under Missouri law, either providing the records or explaining any lawful basis for denial.

• Howell County Associate Circuit Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $25,000, small claims, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings.
• Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office for statutory fees, typically $3.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification fees.

• Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Recorder's office for the standard recording fee plus certification charges.
• Howell County GIS mapping system may be available online or through the Assessor's office, providing aerial imagery, parcel boundaries, ownership data, and property characteristics.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• The fee for a certified birth certificate is typically $15.00 for the first copy and $13.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
• Death certificates are available to similar qualified applicants for the same fees.
• Processing time at Howell County level is usually 3-5 business days, while state-level requests may take 4-6 weeks.
• Online ordering is available through the Missouri VitalChek system (www.vitalchek.com) with additional convenience fees.
• Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification and Social Security numbers, and pay the license fee of approximately $58.00 (reduced to $8.00 for couples who complete a premarital counseling program).

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Howell County Chamber of Commerce, located in West Plains, provides business support services and economic development resources; contact information is available at www.westplainschamber.com.