About Jackson County
Population
717,021 residents
County Seat
Independence
Named After
Andrew Jackson
Area
616 square miles
Established
1826
Jackson County, Missouri, is a major urban county located in the western portion of the state, anchoring the Kansas City metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 717,000 residents as of the latest census estimates, Jackson County is the second-most populous county in Missouri after St. Louis County. Jackson County seat is Independence, famously known as the hometown of President Harry S. Truman, though Kansas City comprises the largest portion of Jackson County's population and economic activity. Jackson County was established on December 15, 1826, and named after Andrew Jackson, who would become the seventh President of the United States. Jackson County includes approximately 616 square miles of land and water. Major landmarks include the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Union Station, and the Country Club Plaza. Jackson County is governed by a three-member County Legislature and includes key offices such as Jackson County Recorder of Deeds located at 415 E. 12th Street in Kansas City, the County Clerk at Jackson County Courthouse in Independence at 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, and the County Assessment Department at 201 S. Main Street, Independence. What makes Jackson County unique is its blend of presidential history, vibrant urban culture, and significant role in westward expansion as the departure point for the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails. Jackson County also houses both the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals professional sports franchises.
Court Records & Case Information
The Jackson County Courthouse serves Jackson County and is located at 415 E 12th St. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for the region. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Missouri online court portal.
The Jackson County Courthouse, located at 415 E 12th St, Kansas City, MO, is the main hub for civil, criminal, family, and probate court cases.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- The public can search for current inmates through the Sheriff's Office website inmate lookup portal, which provides booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates.
- Citizens can request arrest records by contacting the arresting agency directly or submitting a formal records request to the Sheriff's Office.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the online inmate search system or by requesting them from the detention center records division.
- Processing fees may apply for printed or certified copies.
1300 Washington Street, Kansas City, MO 64106
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process in Missouri allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with options for cash bonds or surety bonds through bail bond agents.
Courts & Case Records
- Copies of court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office for a fee of $0.50 per page for uncertified copies and additional fees for certified copies.
- Online access through case.net is free for viewing, though certified documents must be requested in person or by mail.
415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106 • Phone: (816) 881-3000
308 W. Kansas Avenue, Independence, MO 64050
Property & Public Records
- Viewing documents online is free, though certified copies require a fee of $15.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.
201 S. Main Street, Independence, MO 64050 • Phone: (816) 881-1260
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Processing time is typically 2-3 business days for walk-in requests.
- Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification, and the fee is $51.00.
- Certified copies of marriage records cost $15.00.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the VitalChek service for an additional convenience fee, though processing times may be longer.
313 South Liberty Street, Independence, MO 64050 • Phone: (816) 881-6000
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- All Missouri business entity formations (LLCs, corporations, partnerships) are registered with the Missouri Secretary of State, Business Services Division, and can be searched online at sos.mo.gov/businessentity.
- This free online database allows searching by business name, registered agent, or corporate ID number.
- The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) at marc.org provides regional business development resources.
415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106 • Phone: (816) 881-1260
201 S. Main Street, Independence, MO 64050 • Phone: (816) 881-3040
Official Government Resources
Jackson County Criminal RecordsFind case information at Jackson County criminal justice building
Jackson County DirectoryIndex of Jackson's services and resources
Jackson County Birth RecordsOfficial birth certificates from the county of Jackson
Jackson County Death RecordsRequest a death certificate, autopsy report or forms for reporting death
Jackson County Marriage LicensesInformation to obtain marriage license in Jackson
Jackson Recorder of Deeds of DeedsFind real estate records, UCC, document copies
Jackson County Public RecordsSearch for publicly recorded county documents online
Jackson County Tax CollectorCollects all current and delinquent property taxes, pay taxes online
Jackson County Property InformationSearch real estate tax records by parcel number, owner or address
Jackson County Real Estate SalesSearch for property sales records Jackson County Parcel Viewer See basic property lines, addresses and owner's information
Jackson County Assessor's OfficeFind assessment valuation for all real and personal property
Jackson County Clerk's OfficeLegislative research and support, notary public applications, elections
Jackson County Information Technology DepartmentComputer and telecommunications operations
Jackson County AuditorEvaluates the effectiveness of county activities, operations, services
Jackson County Department of Finance and PurchasingInformation on finances and county purchases, bill paying, bid contracts
Jackson County Environmental ProgramsLearn how to think green and recycle
Jackson County Medical ExaminerInvestigations of homicides, suicides, accidental and natural deaths
Jackson County ArchivesFind history from newspapers, wills, obituaries, deed records and more
Jackson County Human ResourcesSearch for government jobs in Jackson County
University of Missouri Extension Jackson CountyFind and use University of Missouri resources
Jackson County Geographic Information SystemsGIS map and parcel search for Jackson County
Jackson County Historical SocietyInformation on history of Jackson County
Doing Business With Jackson CountySteps to getting bids with Jackson County
Jackson County Emergency Preparedness and Homeland Security
Jackson County Health DepartmentImmunizations, public health education, vital records
Jackson County Social ServicesFind help and support for Jackson County families, adults and children
Jackson County Department of Parks and RecreationFind information on Jackson County parks and recreational venues
Kansas City International AirportFind airline and airport information
Jackson County Election InformationElection results, calendars, election workers, voter information
Jackson County Notary Public InformationObtain applications to become a notary public
Jackson County Voter InformationDetermine if you are registered to vote in Jackson County
Jackson County Polling PlacesLookup your voter districts for Jackson County
Jackson County Sheriff's OfficeCourt house security, investigations, patrol, staff services and warrants
Jackson County Department of CorrectionsFind jail facts and inmate rules and visitation schedules
Jackson County Sex Offender SearchLocate offenders in the Jackson County area
Jackson County Most WantedJackson County sheriff's wanted fugitives list
Jackson County HistoryBackground information on Jackson County
Jackson County CommunitiesLinks to the cities and towns of Jackson County
Jackson County TourismHistoric sites, lakes, professional sports and more
Jackson County CensusFind facts and demographics about Jackson County
Jackson County Court AdministrationInformation about the court from the court administrator
Jackson County Case SearchSearch for criminal, civil, probate, family court case information
Jackson County Judicial Circuit 16Find court divisions and services for judicial circuit 16
Jackson County Family CourtChild abuse and delinquency prevention, programs, services and more
Jackson County Civil RecordsFiles and records on civil, domestic relations and small claims cases
Jackson County Small Claims CourtForms, questions and answers, general information on small claims court
Judges of the Western Appellate DistrictFind appellate court judges for Jackson County
Jackson County Probate CourtEstates, wills, trusts and mental competency hearings
Jackson County Prosecuting AttorneyReview, filing and prosecuting cases and supervising assistant prosecutors
Court StaffCourt security, circuit clerk, court reporter, juvenile officer and more
Western District Clerk's OfficeClerk of Court of Western Appellate Division including Jackson County
Jackson County Jury ServiceInformation and resources for Jackson County jurors
Jackson County Domestic Violence InformationHelp stop domestic and sexual abuse, stalking and harassment
Jackson County Victims ServicesChild victim advocate, restitution services, victim compensation
Jackson County Local Resources and ServicesFind assistance when representing your self in court
Court FormsFind all department forms used in Jackson County courts
Jackson County Court of Appeals Western DistrictAppellate court rules, news, opinions, judges and jurisdiction
Jackson County Law LibraryResearch catalog, statutes, courts, court rules, federal and state laws
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Jackson County, Missouri?
To search for someone recently arrested in Jackson County, Missouri, you can use the Jackson County Detention Center's inmate lookup tool available on their official website. The Detention Center is located at 1300 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MO. You can search by the inmate's name or booking number to find current custody status and other details.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Jackson County, Missouri?
Mugshots and booking photos in Jackson County, Missouri, can be obtained from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. They may be available through their online portal or by visiting the office at 4001 NE Lakewood Court, Lee's Summit, MO. You should check their website for any specific procedures or requirements for accessing these records.
How do I get a criminal background check in Jackson County, Missouri?
To obtain a criminal background check in Jackson County, Missouri, you can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Criminal Justice Information Services Division. Locally, you may also visit the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. The background check will include a search of state and federal criminal records.
How can I look up sex offenders in Jackson County, Missouri?
You can look up sex offenders in Jackson County, Missouri, by accessing the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Sex Offender Registry. This online database provides information on registered sex offenders, including their current addresses and offense details. The registry is publicly accessible and regularly updated to ensure accuracy.
How do I register to vote in Jackson County, Missouri?
To register to vote in Jackson County, you must submit your application to the Jackson County Board of Election Commissioners (kceb.org or 816-325-4600) by the fourth Wednesday before any election. The fastest method is online registration at sos.mo.gov/elections/govotemissouri if you have a Missouri driver's license or state ID. You can also register in person at the Election Board office at 215 North Liberty Street in Independence, at any Missouri license office, or by mailing a printed application. Absentee ballot applications are available through the Election Board for those unable to vote in person on election day.
How do I look up property records in Jackson County, Missouri?
Property records in Jackson County can be searched for free online through the Jackson Recorder of Deeds of Deeds website at jacksongov.org/recorder, which provides access to deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents dating back to the 1800s. For property tax information, assessed values, and parcel maps, visit the Assessment Department's GIS portal at jacksongov.org/assessment. Both systems allow searching by address, owner name, or parcel number at no charge, though certified copies require fees and must be requested from the Recorder's office at 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Jackson County, Missouri?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Jackson County are available from the Jackson County Health Department, Bureau of Vital Records, at 313 South Liberty Street, Independence, MO 64050 (816) 881-6000). Birth certificates cost $15.00 for a certified copy and death certificates cost $13.00, with processing typically taking 2-3 business days for walk-in requests. You must provide valid photo ID and proof of eligibility (immediate family member or legal representative). Certificates can also be ordered through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services or via VitalChek online ordering service for an additional convenience fee.
How do I find business license records in Jackson County, Missouri?
Business entity records for Missouri corporations and LLCs can be searched free online through the Missouri Secretary of State's Business Entity Search at sos.mo.gov/businessentity. Fictitious name (DBA) registrations in Jackson County are filed with the Jackson Recorder of Deeds of Deeds (816) 881-1260) and can be searched through their online document system at jacksongov.org/recorder. Local business licenses are issued by individual municipalities, so contact the city where the business operates, for example, the Kansas City Business License Division or Independence Business Licensing Department, for city-specific licensing records.