About Montgomery County

Population 11,322 residents
County Seat Montgomery County City
Established 1818
Named After Revolutionary War hero

Montgomery County, Missouri, is located in the east-central portion of the state along the Missouri River. Established in 1818 and named after Revolutionary War hero General Richard Montgomery, Montgomery County includes approximately 540 square miles of rolling farmland, river bluffs, and historic river towns. Montgomery County Seat is Montgomery County City, situated along Interstate 70, which is the primary east-west transportation corridor through Montgomery County. As of the 2020 Census, Montgomery County had a population of approximately 11,322 residents.

Montgomery County is bordered by Audrain County to the west, Callaway County to the south, Warren County to the east, and Pike County to the north. Major landmarks include the historic Graham Cave State Park, which contains one of the most significant archaeological sites in Missouri with evidence of human occupation dating back 10,000 years, and the Loutre River, a tributary of the Missouri River that provides recreational opportunities. Montgomery County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and cattle production dominating the scene.

Montgomery County government operations are centralized in Montgomery City area City, where the County Recorder maintains land records at Montgomery County Courthouse, 211 East Third Street. Montgomery County Clerk's office, also located at the courthouse, handles vital records, marriage licenses, and election administration. Montgomery County Assessor's office at the same address is responsible for property tax assessments and maintains parcel data for all real estate within county boundaries.

Montgomery County's strategic location along I-70 between St. Louis and Columbia has positioned it as a pass-through corridor while maintaining its rural agricultural character.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Montgomery County. The office patrols rural areas, manages Montgomery County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and works closely with local schools and organizations to enhance public safety. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, investigations, and a dedicated team for handling emergency management and disaster response.

Police Departments

In addition to Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Montgomery County is provided by municipal police departments, including the Montgomery City Police Department and the Wellsville Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective city limits. They coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives to ensure full coverage and response throughout Montgomery County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, located at 211 East Third Street in Montgomery City, Missouri 63361, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Montgomery County. The Sheriff's Office phone number is. The agency is responsible for patrol operations, criminal investigations, court security, warrant service, and operation of Montgomery County Jail. Inmates housed at Montgomery County Detention Facility can be located through the Sheriff's Office during business hours by calling the main number.

  • To request arrest records, citizens may submit written requests to Montgomery County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
  • Requests should include the individual's name, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information.
  • Agencies have three business days to respond to requests under RSMo 610.023.
  • Booking photographs and mugshots are generally considered public records in Missouri and may be obtained through the same public records request process.
  • Some third-party websites aggregate booking information, though official records should be requested directly from law enforcement agencies.

The jail roster is periodically updated and available by contacting the facility directly. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the local community City Police Department, which has jurisdiction within the city limits of Montgomery City area City, Montgomery County's largest county. Smaller incorporated communities may contract with the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services or rely on Missouri State Highway Patrol coverage.

Arrest records in Montgomery County are public records under Missouri's Sunshine Law, codified at Chapter 610 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo), which guarantees public access to most government records unless specifically exempted. The Sheriff's Office maintains booking photos as part of arrest and detention records. There are no tribal law enforcement agencies operating in Montgomery County, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within county boundaries.

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Montgomery County includes a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Missouri State Highway Patrol provides additional state-level background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS). The Missouri Bureau of Investigation offers resources for more full checks, which include fingerprint-based searches for more detailed criminal history information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Montgomery County are maintained by Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of an individual's arrest, including charges, arresting officer, and the date and location of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following the procedures outlined under the Missouri Sunshine Law. Arrest records typically include personal information, mugshots, and details of the alleged offense.

Jail & Inmate Records

Montgomery County Jail, located in Montgomery City, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Montgomery County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and guidelines that must be adhered to.

  • The bond and bail process follows Missouri state laws, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial, provided they meet the set conditions.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Montgomery County are taken and retained by Montgomery County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photographs are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or through specific online portals that provide public access to such records. Missouri does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so the availability of these images is subject to the policies of the Sheriff's Office and applicable state laws.

Courts & Case Records

Montgomery County is served by the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri, which handles civil, criminal, probate, and domestic relations cases. Montgomery County Circuit Court is located at Montgomery County Courthouse, 211 East Third Street, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361. The court phone number is. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, probate and estate administration, and appeals from municipal courts.

  • Associate Circuit Court judges handle misdemeanor cases, small claims up to $5,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases.
  • Court case information can be searched through the Missouri CaseNet system at www.courts.mo.gov/casenet, which provides free online access to case records from courts statewide, including Montgomery County.
  • Certified copies of court documents cost $2.00 per page plus a certification fee.
  • The Circuit Clerk's office can provide information about fees and procedures for obtaining court records.

The court also handles juvenile matters under Missouri's Juvenile Code. Municipal courts in Montgomery County City and other incorporated communities handle local ordinance violations, traffic tickets, and minor offenses within city limits. CaseNet allows searches by party name, case number, or attorney, and displays docket entries, case summaries, and judgment information for most cases.

Physical court file inspection is available at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours. Public access to Missouri court records is governed by Missouri Supreme Court Rule 2 and Chapter 610 RSMo. While most court records are public, certain categories including sealed records, expunged cases, juvenile records, and records containing confidential personal information may be restricted.

Property & Public Records

Property and land records in Montgomery County are maintained by Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds, located at Montgomery County Courthouse, 211 East Third Street, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361. The Recorder's office phone number is. The Recorder maintains all documents affecting real property title within Montgomery County, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, releases and satisfactions, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps and subdivision records, and mineral rights documents.

  • Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder's office for a statutory fee of $1.50 per page plus $2.00 for certification.
  • Recording fees for new documents are established by state statute at RSMo 59.310.

These records are public under Missouri law and available for inspection during regular business hours. The Recorder's office has indexed land records dating back to Montgomery County's formation in 1818, with early records preserved on microfilm and increasingly digitized. While some Missouri counties offer full online document imaging, Montgomery County property record access may require in-person or phone inquiry to the Recorder's office for verification of current online capabilities.

Property tax records are maintained separately by Montgomery County Assessor's office at 211 East Third Street, phone. The Assessor maintains parcel ownership information, property descriptions, assessed valuations, and classification data for all real estate. Property tax payment records and amounts due are handled by the County Collector.

Many Missouri counties participate in geographic information system (GIS) mapping programs that allow online parcel searches. Citizens should contact the Assessor's office to inquire about current online GIS availability for Montgomery County.

Vital Records

Vital records for Montgomery County, Missouri, are maintained at both Montgomery County and state levels. Montgomery County Clerk's office, located at Montgomery County Courthouse, 211 East Third Street, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361, phone, issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for ceremonies performed in Montgomery County. Missouri marriage license applications require both parties to appear in person with valid government-issued identification, proof of age, and Social Security numbers. The marriage license fee is set by state statute.

  • Certified copies of Missouri birth certificates can be requested from the Bureau of Vital Records, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0570, or online at www.health.mo.gov/vitalrecords.
  • The fee for a certified birth certificate is $15.00, with processing times of 4-6 weeks for mail requests and faster service available for online orders with expedited shipping.
  • Death certificates cost $13.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously.

There is no waiting period, and licenses are valid for 30 days. Birth and death certificates are filed with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, as Missouri maintains vital records centrally rather than at Montgomery County level. Birth certificates for births occurring in Montgomery County hospitals or residences are filed with the state registrar.

Applicants must demonstrate eligibility under Missouri law (RSMo 193.245), which limits access to family members, legal representatives, and individuals with documented legal interest. Acceptable identification includes driver's license, state ID, or passport. Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk of Montgomery County where the divorce decree was granted.

For Montgomery County divorces, contact Montgomery County Circuit Clerk at the courthouse. The Missouri Vital Records statute is found at Chapter 193 RSMo.

Business & Licensing

Business and licensing records in Montgomery County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of registration. Montgomery County Clerk, located at 211 East Third Street, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361, phone, handles fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under assumed names within Montgomery County. These registrations are public records available for inspection at the Clerk's office. The filing fee is set by state statute.

  • This system provides access to articles of incorporation, annual reports, and officer information for Missouri businesses.
  • Montgomery County Economic Development organization provides business assistance and information; contact information can be obtained through the County Commission.

Formal business entity registrations, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities, are filed with the Missouri Secretary of State rather than at Montgomery County level. The Secretary of State Business Services Division maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.mo.gov/BusinessEntity where the public can search for registered business entities, view filing history, registered agents, and status information free of charge. Professional licenses including those for contractors, medical professionals, cosmetologists, and other regulated occupations are issued by the appropriate Missouri state licensing board rather than county offices.

Sales tax permits are issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue. Building permits and zoning approvals in unincorporated Montgomery County are handled by the County Commission or designated building official; contact the County Clerk's office for current procedures. Municipalities including Montgomery City area City maintain separate building and zoning departments for properties within city limits.

Local business networking is handled by area chambers of commerce serving Montgomery County.

Elections & Voter Records

Elections in Montgomery County, Missouri, are administered by Montgomery County Clerk, who is the election authority under Missouri law. Montgomery County Clerk's office is located at Montgomery County Courthouse, 211 East Third Street, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361, phone.

  • Missouri law requires voters to register at least 28 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election (RSMo 115.135).
  • Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place by visiting the Missouri Voter Information Portal at www.sos.mo.gov/elections or by contacting the County Clerk.
  • These records are available under Missouri's Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo) through requests to the County Clerk.

Voter registration in Montgomery County is available through multiple methods: online at www.sos.mo.gov/voterregistration using the Missouri Online Voter Registration system, in person at the County Clerk's office during regular business hours, by mail using a voter registration application available from the Clerk or downloadable from the Secretary of State's website, or at designated voter registration agencies including driver's license offices and public assistance offices. Montgomery County operates multiple polling locations on election day, assigned by precinct based on voter residence. Polling places are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on election day.

Public election records in Montgomery County include voter registration lists (excluding confidential information), candidate filings, campaign finance reports for local candidates, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. The 2024 general election saw voter turnout in Montgomery County consistent with rural Missouri counties, typically ranging from 60-75% in presidential election years. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring United States Senate and House races, Missouri statewide offices including Governor and other constitutional officers, state legislature seats, and county-level positions.

Absentee voting in Missouri is available for voters who meet statutory qualifications under RSMo 115.277, including absence from Montgomery County on election day, incapacity or confinement due to illness or disability, religious beliefs or practices, employment as an election authority worker, or incarceration with voting rights retained. Absentee ballot applications are available from the County Clerk and must be submitted according to statutory deadlines. Missouri also offers no-excuse absentee voting during the two weeks before an election.

Election transparency in Montgomery County is governed by Missouri statute, which requires public testing of voting equipment, allows credentialed poll watchers, and mandates public canvassing of results.

Economy & Demographics

Montgomery County's economy is anchored in agriculture, with farming operations covering the majority of Montgomery County's land area. Principal agricultural products include corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and livestock, particularly cattle and hog production. Montgomery County's fertile river valley soils and rolling uplands support both row crop farming and pasture operations. Agricultural service businesses, grain elevators, equipment dealers, and feed suppliers comprise a significant portion of the local business community.

  • As of recent estimates, Montgomery County's median household income is approximately $53,000, below the Missouri state median, reflecting the rural agricultural economy.
  • Manufacturing employment includes food processing and agricultural equipment operations.
  • Louis metro area (approximately 65 miles east) provides commuting options for residents.

Montgomery County's location along Interstate 70 has attracted distribution and logistics operations, with warehouse facilities and truck stops serving cross-country traffic between St. Louis and Kansas City. Retail and service businesses are concentrated in Montgomery City, Montgomery County Seat and largest community, which is the commercial hub for surrounding rural areas.

Tourism contributes to the economy through Graham Cave State Park, which attracts visitors interested in archaeology, hiking, and river access. Montgomery County's proximity to the Missouri River historically supported river commerce and continues to provide recreational opportunities. Recent economic development efforts have focused on attracting small manufacturers and encouraging entrepreneurship in value-added agriculture.

The unemployment rate in Montgomery County typically tracks slightly higher than the statewide Missouri average, reflecting the rural economy's sensitivity to agricultural commodity prices and seasonal employment patterns. Major infrastructure including I-70 and proximity to larger employment centers in Columbia (40 miles west) and the St. Population trends have been relatively stable with modest declines in recent decades, common among rural Missouri counties.

Transparency Score

Court Records: Yes: Online (CaseNet) | Property: Limited: Contact Office | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: State System | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Accessible | Overall Score: 6/10, Montgomery County provides standard rural Missouri access to public records with some online tools through state systems, though county-level digitization is limited compared to larger jurisdictions.

Official Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Montgomery County, Missouri?
To search for someone recently arrested in Montgomery County, Missouri, you can contact the Montgomery County Jail located at 211 E 3rd St, Montgomery City, MO 63361. The jail provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about recent arrests. You may also call the jail directly at (573) 564-3378 for more information on an inmate's status and charges.
Mugshots or booking photos in Montgomery County, Missouri, can be obtained from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. The office is located at 211 E 3rd St, Montgomery City, MO 63361. For online access, you can visit the Sheriff's Office website where they may provide a portal for viewing booking photos or contact them directly at (573) 564-8084 for assistance.
To obtain a criminal background check in Montgomery County, Missouri, you should contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Criminal Justice Information Services Division. Locally, you can visit the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. The background check will include any criminal history recorded in the region and is conducted under the Missouri Sunshine Law.
You can look up sex offenders in Montgomery County, Missouri, by accessing the Missouri Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and provides detailed information on registered sex offenders in the area. You can search the registry online by name, address, or geographic location to find offenders in Montgomery County.
Voter registration in Montgomery County is handled by the Montgomery County Clerk's office at the courthouse in Montgomery City, phone (573) 564-3356. You can register online at www.sos.mo.gov/voterregistration, in person at the Clerk's office, or by mail using a voter registration application. Missouri requires registration at least 28 days before an election to be eligible to vote. The County Clerk can also provide information about absentee voting for those who qualify under Missouri law.
Property records in Montgomery County are maintained by the Recorder of Deeds and the County Assessor, both located at the Montgomery County Courthouse, 211 East Third Street, Montgomery City, phone (573) 564-3356 for the Recorder and (573) 564-2577 for the Assessor. The Recorder maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents affecting property title, while the Assessor maintains property tax assessment records and parcel information. Contact these offices directly to inquire about current online search capabilities or to request specific records in person. Certified copies are available for statutory fees.
Birth and death certificates for Montgomery County are maintained by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records rather than at the county level. Certified copies can be ordered online at www.health.mo.gov/vitalrecords, by mail to PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570, or in person at the state office. The fee is $15 for birth certificates and $13 for death certificates, with processing times of 4-6 weeks by mail or faster for expedited online orders. You must provide identification and demonstrate eligibility under Missouri law (RSMo 193.245).
Business records in Montgomery County are divided between county and state agencies. For fictitious name (DBA) registrations, contact the Montgomery County Clerk at (573) 564-3356 at the courthouse in Montgomery City. For formal business entity registrations including corporations and LLCs, use the Missouri Secretary of State's free online business search at www.sos.mo.gov/BusinessEntity, which provides information on registered businesses. Local business licenses and permits may be issued by Montgomery City or other municipalities for businesses operating within city limits; contact the appropriate city clerk's office for municipal licensing requirements.

Cities & Towns in Montgomery County

Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Montgomery County, Missouri.

Nearby Counties

Lincoln County MO Callaway County MO Warren County MO Audrain County MO Pike County MO Gasconade County MO Osage County MO