Missouri Criminal Records at a Glance
Missouri criminal records are maintained by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division. Background checks are available in two forms: name-based searches and fingerprint-based searches through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS). Any person may request a criminal background check on any individual for a fee.
1Missouri Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Missouri is one of the more open states for criminal record access. The Missouri State Highway Patrol allows any person to request a criminal background check on any individual through the MACHS system. Both name-based and fingerprint-based searches are available.
- MSHP, Criminal Record Checkwww.mshp.dps.missouri.govBackground check requests available in two forms: name-based search and fingerprint-based search. Must provide applicant name, date of birth, and sex.
- MSHP, CJIS FAQwww.mshp.dps.missouri.govFrequently asked questions about criminal background checks in Missouri. Any person may request a check on any individual for a fee.
- MACHS, Missouri Automated Criminal History Sitewww.mshp.dps.missouri.govMissouri one-stop website for all criminal background check needs. Online access to criminal history information.
- MSHP Criminal Justice Information Serviceswww.mshp.dps.missouri.govMSHP CJIS division portal. Criminal record checks, sex offender registry, MoVECHS, and public records requests. Call 1-888-SOR-MSHP for sex offender questions.
- MSHP, Public Records Requestwww.mshp.dps.missouri.govRequest public records from MSHP including criminal records, inspection reports, and other law enforcement documents.
- Case.net, Missouri Court Recordswww.courts.mo.govSearch Missouri court case records online through Case.net, the Missouri Courts public case information system.
- Missouri Sex Offender Registry, Searchwww.mshp.dps.missouri.govSearch registered sex offenders in Missouri by name, date of birth, or address. At least one criteria required.
- Missouri Sex Offender Registry Homemshp.dps.missouri.govMSHP sex offender registry information. Supplement to registries maintained by registering officials in Missouri.
- Missouri Sex Offender Registry Statisticswww.mshp.dps.missouri.govStatistical reports on Missouri registered sex offenders including offender count by registration status and county.
- Missouri DOC, Offender Searchdoc.mo.govAutomated offender search tool from the Missouri Department of Corrections. Search offenders currently incarcerated or under supervision.
- Missouri DOC, Contact / Offender Inquirydoc.mo.govDepartment offender inquiry and constituent services. Automated offender search tool available for public use.
- Missouri VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch for offenders in Missouri custody and register for automated victim notification of custody status changes.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Missouri's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Missouri state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The Department of Justice's single national search across every state, territory, and tribal registry. Authoritative for offender status but does not include every historical conviction.
https://www.nsopw.gov/ (nsopw.gov)
How to request your own FBI rap sheet (CJIS Identity History Summary) under Title 28 CFR § 16.30, 16.34. $18 fee, fingerprint submission required.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/need-an-fbi-service-or-more-information/identity-history-summary-checks (fbi.gov)
The FBI's aggregate crime statistics program. Useful for context on offense frequency but not a record of individual persons.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/ (ucr.fbi.gov)
Missouri Criminal Records, FAQ
Is there a single nationwide criminal record search?
No public one. The FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) is nationwide but is only accessible to law enforcement agencies and approved employers under Public Law 92-544. Individuals can order their own rap sheet through the CJIS Identity History Summary service.
What is the difference between state and FBI record checks?
A state check searches one state's conviction database. The FBI III check searches every state that participates in III. Both are fingerprint-based.
Can arrests without conviction appear on a background check?
Yes, on some. State BCI responses vary, a few states return arrests without disposition for up to seven years, others redact non-conviction arrests. The FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c) caps non-conviction arrests on consumer reports at 7 years.
How long does an expungement take?
It is a court process governed by state statute, typically 60 - 180 days from petition to order, plus another 60 - 90 days for agency updates.