Putnam County

Putnam County, Missouri is located in the north-central portion of the state along the Iowa border. Established in 1845 and named after Israel Putnam, a Revolutionary War hero, Putnam County includes approximately 518 square miles of rolling farmland and prairie. Putnam County Seat is Unionville, situated near the center of Putnam County at the intersection of U.S. Route 136 and Missouri Route 5. According to recent census estimates, Putnam County has a population of approximately 4,700 residents, making it one of Missouri's smaller rural counties. Putnam County Courthouse, located at 1601 E.

• Thousand Hills State Park, located in the southern portion of Putnam County near Kirksville in adjacent Adair County, provides recreational opportunities including fishing and camping at Forest Lake.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Putnam County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Putnam County. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Putnam County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is dedicated to community safety and often engages in outreach programs to educate residents on crime prevention. The Sheriff's Office also collaborates with other law enforcement agencies to ensure full coverage and response to incidents across Putnam County.

Police Departments

Law enforcement in Putnam County is primarily handled by Putnam County Sheriff's Office, with additional support from municipal police departments in cities like Unionville. The Unionville Police Department operates within the city limits, focusing on local ordinances and community policing. These agencies work together on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of a coordinated response across jurisdictions.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Putnam County Sheriff's Office, located at 1601 E. Main Street in Unionville, Missouri 63565, is the primary law enforcement agency for Putnam County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and is responsible for patrol operations, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operation of Putnam County jail. Putnam County Jail houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving short-term sentences.

• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
• Requests should include the full name and approximate date of arrest of the individual whose records are being sought.
• Processing times for public records requests vary, and fees may apply for copying and research time as permitted under Missouri law.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Putnam County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Missouri State Highway Patrol provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS), which offers full criminal history information for people within the state.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Putnam County are maintained by Putnam County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and legal professionals can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Missouri Sunshine Law, these records are generally accessible to the public, although some restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information.

Jail & Inmate Records

Putnam County Jail, located in Unionville, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Putnam County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to check the status of an inmate. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance. The bond and bail process follows Missouri state guidelines, allowing detainees to post bail through cash or bond services.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Putnam County are taken and retained by Putnam County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While Missouri does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may request removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement. Public access to mugshots may be available through the Sheriff's Office website or by request.

The Circuit Court of Putnam County, Missouri, is part of the 3rd Judicial Circuit and is located at 1601 E. Main Street in Unionville, Missouri 63565. The court can be reached for The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, probate matters, and appeals from municipal courts. The Associate Circuit Division handles misdemeanor cases, small claims up to $5,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony matters.

• Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office for a statutory fee of $1.50 per page plus a certification fee.
• Online access through case.net is free for case information, though detailed documents may require in-person requests.

Putnam County Recorder of Deeds office, located at 1601 E. Main Street, Unionville, Missouri 63565, maintains all land and property records for Putnam County. The office can be reached for The Recorder's office preserves documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgage instruments, deeds of trust, releases, liens (both mechanics' and judgment liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property title.

• Recording fees are established by Missouri statute, with standard documents typically costing $13.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.
• Putnam County does not currently offer a full online document search system, so researchers must visit the Recorder's office in person or submit written requests by mail.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder's office for the standard recording fees plus certification charges.

Vital records for Putnam County, Missouri, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both local and state agencies. For birth and death records occurring in Putnam County, Putnam County Recorder of Deeds office at 1601 E. Main Street, Unionville, Missouri 63565, is the local custodian. However, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City is the official state repository for all vital records. Birth certificates cost $15 for a certified copy from the state office, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $13 each.

• Death certificates are $13 for the first certified copy and $10 for additional copies ordered simultaneously.
• Eligible requestors include the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, spouse, adult children, grandparents, and legal representatives.
• Processing time for mail requests is typically 4-6 weeks, while in-person requests at the state office in Jefferson City can often be processed the same day.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Putnam County Recorder of Deeds office, with couples required to apply in person and pay the applicable fee.
• Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor, at health.mo.gov/vitalrecords, though expedited service fees apply.

Business licensing and registration in Putnam County, Missouri, involves multiple levels of government oversight. Putnam County Clerk's office at the courthouse, 1601 E. Main Street, Unionville, maintains certain local business records including some license applications and registrations. For assumed name registrations (DBA or "doing business as" filings), businesses operating in Putnam County must file with Putnam County Recorder of Deeds office.

Elections in Putnam County, Missouri, are administered by Putnam County Clerk's office, located at 1601 E. Main Street, Unionville, Missouri 63565. Putnam County Clerk is the election authority and can be reached for voter registration information, polling place locations, and election related questions.

• Citizens, Missouri residents, at least 17.5 years old to register (18 to vote), and not serving a sentence or on probation/parole for a felony conviction.
• Missouri law (Chapter 115 RSMo) governs election procedures and public access to election records, for public access in the electoral process.

Putnam County's economy remains predominantly agricultural, with farming and livestock production serving as the primary economic drivers. Putnam County's 4,700 residents support an economy centered on corn, soybean, and cattle operations, with family farms comprising the majority of agricultural enterprises. According to recent economic data, the median household income in Putnam County is approximately $46,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural agricultural character of Putnam County.

• Highway 136 and Route 5 provides reasonable access to regional markets.

Court Records: Yes: Online (case.net) | Property: Limited: In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Accessible | Overall Score: 6/10, Putnam County provides access to public records primarily through in-person and telephone requests, with limited online systems; state-level databases supplement local access.

Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Putnam County, Missouri.