St. Charles Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official St. Charles, Missouri government websites.

About St. Charles

St. Charles, Missouri is located in Charles and is served by the county government. Saint Charles County, Missouri, was established in 1812 and is located in the eastern part of the state. The county seat is the city of Saint Charles, which is known for its historical significance and vibrant community life. The county is part of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area and features a mix of urban and rural landscapes. Major communities within the county include O'Fallon, St. Peters, and Wentzville.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the St. Charles, Saint Charles County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments serve the county's cities. These include the Saint Charles City Police Department, O'Fallon Police Department, St. Peters Police Department, and Wentzville Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crime and community safety. These agencies often coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Saint Charles County Department of Corrections operates the Saint Charles County Jail, which is located in the city of Saint Charles. The facility handles the booking process for individuals arrested in the county, providing inmate lookup services through their official website. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
The bond and bail process in Missouri allows arrested individuals to secure their release pending trial, with information on bail amounts and procedures available through the jail's administrative office.

Court Records

The 11th Judicial Circuit Court serves Saint Charles County and is located in the city of Saint Charles. This court handles a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, probate, and family law matters. Residents can access court records, case filings, and criminal dockets through the Circuit Clerk's Office, which provides both in-person and online services. The court's jurisdiction extends to all legal matters within the county, ensuring justice is administered fairly and efficiently.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Saint Charles County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Saint Charles County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments maintain these records. Residents can run a background check through the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Criminal Justice Information Services Division, which provides access to statewide criminal history information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Saint Charles County are maintained by the Saint Charles County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within the county, including the date, charges, and arresting officer. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following procedures outlined under the Missouri Sunshine Law. An arrest record in Saint Charles County typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the alleged offense, and the status of the case.

Public Records Access

Public records in Saint Charles County are accessible under Missouri's Sunshine Law, which promotes transparency in government. The County Clerk's Office, Circuit Clerk's Office, and Probate Division are key offices that provide access to various public records. The County Clerk's Office handles records related to county governance, while the Circuit Clerk's Office manages court records. The Probate Division deals with matters such as wills and estate settlements.

Economy & Demographics

Saint Charles County boasts a diverse economy with strong sectors in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Major employers include General Motors, which operates a large assembly plant in Wentzville, and several healthcare providers such as BJC HealthCare. The county's proximity to St. Louis enhances its economic opportunities, attracting businesses and residents seeking suburban living with access to urban amenities. The economic character of Saint Charles County is distinct for its blend of industrial growth and community-focused development, making it a vibrant part of the regional economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in St. Charles, St. Charles County, Missouri to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of St. Charles, Missouri, you will be transported to the County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the County Court. Under Missouri law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://doc.mo.gov/divisions/offender-mgmt/find-an-offender/ where you can look up current detainees.
The St. Charles School District is located in St. Charles County, Missouri. According to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the district has an overall performance score of 81.7 out of 100. The district's graduation rate is 95.2%, and its attendance rate is 95.7%. The district's average ACT score is 24.3, and its average SAT score is 1119.
According to the St. Charles Police Department, the total number of reported crimes in St. Charles, St. Charles County, Missouri for 2019 was 4,845. Of those, there were 1,845 property crimes and 3,000 violent crimes.
The St. Charles Public Library in County, Missouri provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Missouri government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Missouri Sunshine Law, which governs access to government documents in Missouri. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the St. Charles Missouri Archives and Genealogy at https://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/genealogy. Contact the St. Charles Public Library reference desk at for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The St. Charles City-County Library is located at 77 Boone Hills Drive, St. Charles, MO 63301.
Fingerprinting services for St. Charles, Missouri residents are provided at the St. Charles Police Department, which serves County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the St. Charles Police Department at or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Missouri State Highway Patrol for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Missouri State Highway Patrol at https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/CRID/criminalRecords.html.
The St. Charles County Recorder of Deeds is the official custodian of all vital records in St. Charles County, Missouri.

The Recorder of Deeds office provides copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. To obtain a copy of a vital record, you must submit a completed application form, a valid photo ID, and the applicable fee. The application form can be found on the St. Charles County Recorder of Deeds website.

The vital records include the following information:

Birth Records: Name of the child, date and place of birth, parents' names, and parents' address.

Death Records: Name of the deceased, date and place of death, cause of death, and address of the deceased.

Marriage Records: Names of the bride and groom, date and place of marriage, and address of the bride and groom.

Divorce Records: Names of the parties, date and place of divorce, and address of the parties.