Perry County

Perry County is located in southeastern Missouri along the Mississippi River, approximately 60 miles south of St. Louis. Perry County seat is Perryville, which is the primary hub for government services and public records administration. Established in 1821 and named after naval war hero Oliver Hazard Perry, Perry County includes approximately 484 square miles of rolling terrain that transitions from river bottoms to the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. According to recent census estimates, Perry County maintains a population of approximately 19,000 residents. Major landmarks include the Tower Rock natural formation in the Mississippi River, the historic Sainte Genevieve Fault escarpment, and the Silver Mines Recreation Area. Perry County's history is deeply rooted in German Catholic settlement during the 19th century, which continues to influence local culture and architecture. Public records in Perry County are maintained by several constitutional offices located primarily at Perry County Courthouse at 15 West Ste. Marie Street in Perryville, Missouri 63775. Perry County Recorder of Deeds manages land records and property documents, Perry County Clerk handles vital records and marriage licenses, Perry County Assessor maintains property valuations and tax assessment records, and Perry County Collector processes tax payments. Perry County's economy traditionally centered on agriculture, limestone quarrying, and manufacturing, with recent growth in distribution and logistics sectors due to proximity to major transportation corridors. The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville draws thousands of visitors annually, contributing to local tourism.

The Access to public records in Perry County is facilitated through the Perry County Circuit Court serves this county and is located at 300 Main Street. 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.

Perry County Circuit Court is located in the county seat of Perryville, Missouri and has jurisdiction over felony criminal matters, civil cases over $25,000, probate matters, domestic relations, and juvenile matters in the county.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Processing fees for copies of arrest records and reports are governed by Missouri statute, which allows reasonable copying and research fees.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows Missouri state law, allowing for the release of inmates upon payment of bail or bond, which can be arranged through the court or a bail bondsman.

Court records for this county include civil cases, criminal cases, traffic violations, and family law matters handled by the local Circuit, District, or Superior Court.

• Certified copies of court documents are available from the Circuit Clerk for a statutory fee of $3.00 per page for certified copies plus a $2.50 certification fee.

• Recording fees are established by state statute at approximately $17.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page, subject to legislative updates.
• The Assessor provides property valuations, ownership information, parcel identification numbers, legal descriptions, and assessment history.
• The Recorder's office typically processes requests within 3-5 business days depending on volume and whether documents require research in archived records.

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

• The current fee for a certified birth certificate copy in Missouri is $15.00 for the first copy and $13.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
• Death certificates follow similar procedures and fee structures, with access generally permitted to immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons demonstrating tangible interest.
• Processing time for vital records requests typically ranges from 2-4 weeks when ordered by mail, or same-day/next-day when requested in person if the record is immediately available.
• Marriage license applications require both parties to appear in person with valid identification and payment of the statutory fee (approximately $58.00 as of recent schedules).
• Online ordering of vital records may be available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services VitalChek service at health.mo.gov/data/vitalrecords, with additional service fees applied.