Missouri Arrest Records Search | Public Arrest Lookup

ByArrest Guider
Missouri · Booking, court, MACHS, custody and record-relief guide

Track a Missouri Arrest From Jail Intake to the Final Case Result

A Missouri arrest can create separate jail, police, court, corrections and statewide criminal-history records. Each system answers a different question. Use this guide to find a recent booking, verify identity, check Case.net, request police documents, understand bail, arrange visits, obtain legal help, correct errors and review expungement eligibility.
Search live custody and alerts Search Missouri Case.net Check statewide history
MISSOURI RECORD ROUTE LIVE
COUNTY JAIL
CASE.NET COURT
MACHS HISTORY
IDENTITY + OUTCOME CHECKED
Arrest is not conviction. A booking charge records an allegation received during arrest or intake. Prosecutors may file a different charge, reduce it, dismiss it or decline prosecution. Never identify someone from a matching name or mugshot alone.
Recent arrestSearch the local jail and MOVANS.
Case outcomeVerify filed charges through Case.net.
Name checkMACHS: $15 plus convenience fee.
Fingerprint check$20 state fee plus $12 vendor fee.
Official reviewProcedures checked July 16, 2026.
Choose the correct record

Five systems may be connected to one Missouri arrest

COUNTY OR CITY JAIL Is the person held now?Current custody, inmate number, booking date, jail charges, bond entries and holds. Start here for a recent arrest.
ARRESTING AGENCY What was reported?Incident report, arrest report, probable-cause narrative, photographs and supplements. Request from the agency that created it.
MISSOURI COURTS What was formally filed?Charges, hearings, warrants, pleas, judgments, sentences and final disposition. Search through Case.net.
MISSOURI DOC Was the person sentenced?Current state imprisonment, probation or parole supervision. County pretrial detainees are separate.
MSHP MACHS What appears statewide?Name-based open records or fingerprint-supported identity matching. Use the correct search for your purpose.
Best sequence: Locate the booking → save all identifiers → identify the arresting agency → search Case.net → read the final disposition → request only the missing official document.

Go directly to the answer you need

Outside portals are used only where a live search, registration, filing or payment must be completed.
Booking search workflow

How to find someone recently arrested in Missouri

Identify the place of arrest Determine the city and county where custody began. Do not search only where the person lives.
Identify the arresting agency Look for a city police department, county sheriff, Missouri State Highway Patrol or another agency.
Find the correct jail A city arrest may lead to a municipal facility, county jail or regional detention center. Find the official police or sheriff contact
Search the surname first Add the first name, birth date or inmate number only when the broad search returns too many results.
Open every plausible result Compare the birth date or age, middle name, booking date, agency and physical descriptors.
Save every identifier Record the inmate number, booking number, arrest number, report number and court case number.
Read each charge and hold separately One booking can contain several charges, warrants and agency holds with different release conditions.
Continue to Case.net Use the court case to determine what prosecutors filed and how the case ended. Run the Case.net search
Local custody routing

Missouri county and city booking records are not held in one place

Missouri has 114 counties plus the independent City of St. Louis. Jail searches, historical-booking policies, mugshot access and visitation providers vary by jurisdiction.
Kansas City area Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass and nearby municipal facilities
St. Louis area St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin
Central Missouri Boone, Cole, Callaway, Camden, Miller and surrounding counties
Southwest Missouri Greene, Christian, Jasper, Newton, Taney and nearby counties
Southeast and north Cape Girardeau, Butler, Scott, Buchanan, Nodaway and rural jurisdictions

How to route common arrest situations

City police made the arrest Search the jail holding the person. Request the incident report from the city police department.
County sheriff made the arrest The sheriff may maintain both jail and report records, but separate divisions may process requests.
Highway Patrol made the arrest Search the receiving jail for custody and use the Patrol report number for the report request.
Municipal charge A municipal detention record and municipal court case may not appear through the same county system.
Outside warrant The jail, arresting agency and issuing court may be located in different counties.
Sentenced transfer A person may leave a county jail and later appear in the Missouri DOC offender search.

Official examples showing why county rules must be checked

Jackson County Jackson County explains that its inmate locator contains detention information, not the arrest report or court record. Arrest reports and photographs should be requested from the arresting law-enforcement agency. Open Jackson County inmate search
Greene County Greene County uses video visitation and publishes separate procedures for personal, attorney, ministerial and bonding-agent visits. Open Greene County visitation rules
Find any Missouri police or sheriff office Open the state sheriff-office directory
Important 2026 change

Use MOVANS for custody and court-event notifications

Re-registration required: After Missouri’s May 2026 MOVANS update, users who want local jail or detention-center notifications must create a new registration. Notifications now use SMS text or email rather than telephone calls or the former VINELink app.
Open the updated MOVANS portal Search for a local jail detainee, Missouri DOC offender or court defendant. Open MOVANS
Choose the correct category Select local jail or detention, Missouri DOC custody, or court-event tracking.
Verify the person Compare the legal name, custody location and case details before registering.
Select text or email Use contact information that you check regularly.
Create a new local-jail registration Old local-jail registrations do not automatically continue after the 2026 system change.
Report a missing local-jail result A failed search can mean that the local jail is temporarily offline from MOVANS.
Local jail and court notificationsPhone: 573-526-1929 Email: movans@dps.mo.gov Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Missouri DOC notificationsPhone: 573-526-6516 Email: victims@doc.mo.gov Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
MOVANS is a notification tool, not a substitute for an immediate safety plan. Call 911 for an immediate threat.
Booking result decoder

What Missouri jail fields mean—and what they do not prove

Booking fields, limitations and next actions
Field What it identifies What it does not prove Best next step
Inmate or sequence number The person inside that detention system. Guilt or final court outcome. Use it for calls, visits, mail and deposits.
Booking number A specific intake or custody event. That every allegation was formally charged. Save it for jail and records-unit questions.
Arrest date The date associated with law-enforcement custody. The offense date, booking date or filing date. Use it to separate multiple events.
Arresting agency The department responsible for the arrest. That the agency maintains the court file. Request the arrest report from this agency.
Charge description An allegation entered during arrest or intake. What the prosecutor later filed. Compare it with Case.net.
Charge code The Missouri or local code connected to the entered allegation. That the same code remained through disposition. Verify the formal charge and judgment.
Bond or release amount A current release entry associated with a charge or case. That payment clears every hold. Confirm all charges and holds first.
Hold Another agency, court or legal restriction affecting release. That the displayed bond controls the booking. Ask which agency controls the hold.
Release date When the detention episode ended. Dismissal, acquittal or innocence. Search the court disposition.
Mugshot An image created during intake. Identity by itself or criminal responsibility. Use stronger identifiers.
Fast-changing fields: Bond, housing, holds, transfer and release status can change after court review or jail processing.
Identity protection

Verify the person before relying on an arrest result

First and last names match
Middle name, suffix or alias is consistent
Birth date or age matches
Arrest date fits the known event
Agency matches the location
Booking number matches another record
Court case follows the same incident
Physical descriptors are consistent
Minimum verification: Match at least two independent identifiers before sending money, publishing an allegation or treating the result as belonging to a particular person.
Same name, different birth date Treat the records as different people unless the maintaining agency confirms an error.
Similar photo, different identifier Trust the official identifiers rather than visual resemblance.
Alias or former surname Search the alternate name without combining unrelated people.
Old address Addresses can be outdated or protected and should never be the only identity match.
Troubleshooting

No Missouri booking found? Check these causes in order

Intake is incomplete Fingerprinting, medical screening and data entry may still be underway.
You searched the wrong jurisdiction Check the city facility, county jail and any jurisdiction connected to an outside warrant.
The name is entered differently Try the surname alone, former surname, suffix and alternate spelling.
The person was released quickly Some active lists remove released detainees. Ask how historical information is requested.
The person was transferred Check another jail, Missouri DOC, federal detention or another state.
MOVANS is missing the jail The facility may be temporarily offline from the notification system.
No court case appears yet The prosecutor may still be reviewing the arrest or filing may not yet be visible.
The record is restricted Juvenile, expunged, confidential or protected information may not appear publicly.
Missing-booking call script
I am trying to confirm the custody status of [full legal name], date of birth [date]. The arrest may have occurred on [date] through [agency] in [city or county]. Can you confirm whether the person is being booked, held, released, transferred or listed under another identifier?
Complete record lifecycle

What happens from arrest to final Missouri court outcome?

Law-enforcement incident The agency may create an incident report, arrest report, probable-cause narrative, photographs, video references and supplements.
Booking and identification The facility records identity, fingerprints, property, allegations, warrants and holds.
Screening and classification Health, safety and custody factors determine housing and service access.
Initial court review A judge may address probable cause, counsel, release conditions and the next hearing.
Prosecutor filing decision The prosecutor may file the original allegation, a different charge or no charge.
Case.net court history The docket records publicly available filings, hearings, warrants, pleas, judgments and sentencing.
Release or transfer The person may be released, remain on another hold or move to state or federal custody.
Disposition and record relief The case may end through dismissal, plea, trial, acquittal or conviction. Eligible records may later be expunged.
Missouri Sunshine Law

How to request an arrest, incident or probable-cause report

Find the agency that created the record Request a city police report from that department, a sheriff report from the sheriff and a Patrol report from the Highway Patrol.
Identify the records custodian Each public governmental body designates a custodian to receive records requests.
Name the exact documents Request the incident report, arrest report, probable-cause statement, booking sheet or releasable supplements.
Provide identifying details Include the name, date, location, agency report number, booking number and case number.
Ask for electronic copies Electronic delivery may reduce paper and mailing charges.
Set a cost ceiling Require advance approval before search or copying fees exceed your stated amount.
Request segregated public portions If part of a record is closed, ask the agency to provide the remaining open portions.
Track the response deadline The custodian should respond as soon as possible and no later than the end of the third business day. A delayed production should include the reason and earliest availability date.

Published Sunshine Law cost rules

Standard paper copiesUp to $0.10 per page.
Duplication timeThe average hourly clerical rate may be charged.
Research timeThe agency should use the lowest-paid employee capable of completing the work.
Copy-ready Missouri Sunshine request
This is a request under the Missouri Sunshine Law, Chapter 610, RSMo. I request an electronic copy of the releasable incident report, arrest report, probable-cause statement and releasable supplemental reports concerning [full name] for the incident occurring on or about [date and time] at [location]. Known identifiers are report number [number], booking number [number] and case number [number]. If any portion is closed, please segregate it and provide the remaining open record. Please obtain my approval before costs exceed $[amount].
Open the official request template Find the correct records agency
Missouri court records

How to use Case.net after finding an arrest

Search by case number first A case number is more reliable than a name-only search. Open Missouri Case.net
Confirm the court and county Check that the court location and filing date match the arrest.
Verify the party Compare the name and available identifying details with the booking.
Find the formal charge The prosecutor’s filed count may differ from the jail allegation.
Read amended filings Later entries may replace, add, reduce or dismiss charges.
Review warrant entries chronologically Determine whether a warrant was later served, recalled or quashed.
Find the disposition for each count Look for dismissal, plea, not-guilty finding, conviction, judgment and sentence.
Use linked docket documents A hyperlinked docket entry indicates an attached document that may be available under public-access rules.
Track future activity Use “Track This Case” where available to receive email notices of case activity.

Common docket terms

Terms that change the meaning of an arrest record
Term Meaning What to check
Pending The case has not reached final disposition. Read the newest entry and next hearing.
Dismissed A charge or case was terminated by court action. Confirm which counts were dismissed.
Nolle prosequi The prosecutor chose not to continue the charge at that time. Review whether refiling remains possible.
Suspended imposition of sentence Sentencing is suspended while conditions are completed. Review probation and later disposition entries.
Not guilty The defendant was not convicted of that count. Determine whether other counts remained.
Guilty A finding or plea of guilt was entered. Read the judgment and sentence.
Closed The case is no longer active. Closed alone does not explain the result.
Confidential Public access is restricted by law or court rule. Contact the circuit clerk if you are a party with lawful access.
Expunged, juvenile, mental-health, grand-jury and other protected records may not be publicly available through Case.net.
Safety-first warrant check

How to investigate a possible Missouri warrant

Identify the likely issuing court Use the case number, citation or booking result.
Review Case.net Look for warrant issuance followed by service, recall or quashing.
Check every relevant case A person can have separate warrants in several courts.
Contact the responsible agency MSHP directs warrant questions to the local police department where the person resides or the responsible issuing jurisdiction.
Use legal help for your own warrant A lawyer can explain court appearance, surrender and release options.
Do not confront or detain anyone. Similar names, recalled warrants and delayed updates can create dangerous mistakes.
Scam warning: Do not pay an unexpected warrant demand using gift cards, cryptocurrency, QR codes or a text-message payment link. Contact the court independently.
Release conditions

How bail and bond work after a Missouri arrest

A judge may release a person on personal recognizance unless the court determines that additional conditions are needed to reasonably assure appearance.

Conditions a Missouri judge may use

Release to a supervising person or organization
Travel, association or residence restrictions
Surety bond or cash deposit
Regular reporting to an officer
Ten-percent or lower court deposit
House arrest or electronic monitoring
Return to custody during specified hours
Other conditions reasonably connected to appearance

Before paying or signing anything

Verify the correct booking Match the name, date of birth and booking number.
List every charge Record the release condition attached to each count.
Identify all holds Ask whether another county, state, federal agency or court controls release.
Confirm the latest court order A judge may change the amount or conditions after the initial listing.
Ask where payment must be made The jail, court clerk or approved bond professional may handle different payment types.
Get written terms Obtain the premium, collateral, refund and missed-court-date terms before signing a private bond agreement.
Keep the receipt Save the transaction number and every signed document.
Allow release processing Payment does not bypass verification, property return, paperwork or another hold.
A person still detained 24 hours after a release hearing because they cannot meet the imposed conditions may apply for prompt judicial review of those conditions.
Bond-verification call script
I am calling about booking number [number] for [full name]. Please confirm every active charge, the current release condition for each charge, every outside hold, accepted payment methods and whether another court or agency must act before release.
Read Missouri release-condition law
Criminal-defense help

How to get a Missouri public defender or private lawyer

Missouri public defender

  1. Confirm that the case is an eligible state criminal matter.
  2. Complete the online application or written application yourself.
  3. Apply to the office serving the county where the case is pending.
  4. Provide complete financial and contact information.
  5. Respond quickly if additional information is requested.
  6. Appeal an indigency denial to the judge when appropriate.
Eligible matters include felonies, misdemeanors likely to result in confinement and certain probation cases. Apply for a Missouri public defender

Private criminal lawyer

  1. Search by “Criminal Law” and county.
  2. Confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
  3. Ask who will personally handle the case.
  4. Request the full fee agreement in writing.
  5. Ask whether bail, trial and appeal work are included.
  6. Do not hire someone based only on a jail solicitation.
Search Missouri Bar LawyerSearch
Public-defender exclusions: Municipal violations, ordinary traffic violations, civil cases, family matters and expungement petitions are not handled by the Missouri State Public Defender.
Public-defender services are not denied solely because a client cannot pay the assessed fee upfront. Repayment may be requested later under the applicable fee schedule.
Read public-defender eligibility steps Find the correct district office
Crime-victim help

How to find a Missouri victim advocate and financial assistance

Identify the prosecutor handling the case Use Case.net to locate the county, city and case number.
Ask for the prosecutor’s victim-services unit Provide the defendant name, case number and next court date.
Request court and custody notifications Register through MOVANS for available SMS or email alerts.
Discuss safety and protective needs Ask about safety planning, court participation, restitution and referrals.
Review Crime Victims’ Compensation The program may assist with qualifying crime-related expenses not covered by insurance, restitution or another source.
Submit the application through the correct person The victim, immediate family member, survivor or legal counsel must complete the application.
Missouri Crime Victims’ CompensationPhone: 573-526-6006 Email: cvc@dps.mo.gov
Missouri DOC Victim ServicesPhone: 573-526-6516 Email: victims@doc.mo.gov
Apply for victim compensation Register for case or custody alerts
County jail visitation

How to schedule a visit at a Missouri county jail

County rules are not statewide. Each jail controls visitor approval, schedules, providers, fees, dress rules and cancellation procedures.
Confirm current custody Recheck the official roster or MOVANS immediately before scheduling.
Identify the exact facility A jurisdiction may operate multiple buildings or use a regional jail.
Open the official visitation page Determine whether visits are in-person, onsite video, remote video or attorney-only.
Create the approved provider account Use only the provider linked by the official jail.
Complete visitor registration Provide the requested legal name, email, photograph and government ID.
Request connection to the correct inmate Use the exact inmate or sequence number.
Choose onsite or remote Check the cost, permitted device, internet requirements and scheduling window.
Wait for confirmation A submitted request is not a confirmed visit.
Recheck for restrictions Court trips, lockdowns, programs and disciplinary status can cancel a visit.
Arrive early with approved ID Follow the jail’s screening, dress and property restrictions.

Common Missouri jail visit rules

Adults need valid government-issued photo ID
Minors usually require a parent or legal guardian
Visitors and property may be searched
No drugs, alcohol, weapons or contraband
No nudity, threats or abusive conduct
No recording, photography or livestreaming
Conservative clothing and shoes are required
Visits may be monitored and recorded

Two official county examples

Jackson County

  • General public visits use video visitation.
  • Adult visitors need approved identification.
  • Visits can last up to 30 minutes.
  • Onsite visits are free.
  • Remote visits currently cost $0.10 per minute.
  • Visits generally must be scheduled at least 24 hours ahead.
Open current Jackson County instructions

Greene County

  • Personal visits use video.
  • Each inmate currently receives three free 25-minute visit periods weekly.
  • Two free visits must be completed in the jail lobby.
  • One free visit may be remote.
  • Extra time depends on provider costs and available funds.
  • Attorney and bonding-agent procedures are separate.
Open current Greene County instructions
County jail services

Mail, calls, money, commissary and property rules

Personal mail
  • Use the exact displayed inmate name and ID.
  • Confirm whether mail goes to the jail or a scanning center.
  • Do not send cash, checks or original documents.
  • Use the separate legal-mail process for attorney correspondence.
Telephone calls
  • Most inmates can call out but cannot receive ordinary incoming calls.
  • Use only the provider selected by the jail.
  • Calls can be monitored and recorded.
  • Do not use three-way calling unless expressly permitted.
Money and commissary
  • Verify the inmate number before paying.
  • Compare online, phone, kiosk and mail fees.
  • Keep the transaction confirmation.
  • A deposit does not cause release from custody.
Property release
  • The inmate may need to complete a property-release authorization.
  • Only the named person may collect property.
  • Government ID is normally required.
  • Confirm pickup days and hours before traveling.
Trial clothing
  • Some jails accept one approved court outfit.
  • Delivery may be limited to the trial date.
  • Belts, shoes and underwire items may be restricted.
  • Ask the attorney or jail before bringing clothing.
Medical information
  • Public staff generally cannot disclose confidential medical details.
  • Report urgent medication concerns to the facility.
  • Do not mail prescription medicine.
  • Use emergency services for an immediate danger.
Payment scam: Never send gift cards, cryptocurrency or money to a personal payment account because someone claims that it will produce immediate jail release.
Missouri state-prison visits

How to apply, prepare and visit a DOC facility

These procedures apply to Missouri DOC state institutions—not county or municipal jails.
Find the offender and institution Use the DOC search and record the DOC number.
Complete the visitor application honestly DOC conducts a criminal-history check. False or incomplete answers can cause denial. Open the visitor application and rules
Return the application as instructed Do not send the completed form to the offender.
Wait for approval The offender receives the decision and is responsible for notifying the visitor.
Check the facility schedule Times and visit lengths vary. Diagnostic and treatment centers use restricted schedules.
Arrive at the correct time Do not enter the parking lot more than 30 minutes before visiting begins.
Bring valid identification Adults need a valid photo ID. Visitors age 13–18 need an accepted school or government photo ID.
Pass screening Visitors, children, vehicles and property are subject to search, metal detection and other screening.

Visitor-list and visit limits

Maximum approved list generally contains 20 visitors
A visitor generally visits only one offender
Immediate family exception may apply to multiple offenders
Up to three visitors per offender per visit
Up to three additional visitors age five and under
Reception-status offenders may receive one visit monthly
Facility conditions can delay or suspend visits
A denied visitor may appeal within 30 days

Items normally allowed

Vending moneyCoins in a clear sandwich bag or transparent pouch.
Medical necessitiesLife-maintaining medication in its original container, with advance notice when required.
Infant suppliesLimited clear-container diapers, bottles, baby food, blanket, pacifier and wipes.

Clothing and contact rules

No transparent, revealing or excessively tight clothing
No camouflage or inflammatory symbols
Shorts, skirts and dresses must reach the kneecap
Tops must cover shoulders, chest, back and stomach
Appropriate undergarments and shoes are required
One greeting and departing embrace may be allowed
Brief closed-mouth kiss may be allowed
Children must remain supervised
A visitor denied approval may appeal within 30 days to the Deputy Division Director of Adult Institutions, P.O. Box 236, Jefferson City, MO 65102. A denied visitor may generally reapply after one year.
State-prison correspondence

How to send personal mail to a Missouri DOC offender

Personal-mail address Offender Name and DOC ID# C/O Digital Mail Center-Missouri DOC P.O. Box 25678 Tampa, FL 33622-5678
Verify the name and DOC number Search the current offender record before addressing mail.
Use the Digital Mail Center Ordinary personal mail sent directly to a DOC institution is not accepted.
Include a return address Mail without enough sender information may be rejected.
Use blue or black ink Send easily scannable letters, postcards, pictures or drawings.
Limit each envelope The published process allows up to 10 accepted items in one envelope.
Number the pages Page numbers help preserve the correct order after scanning.

Items accepted directly by the correctional institution

Privileged or legal mail
Preapproved certified documents
Publications sent by approved vendors
Visitor applications

Do not include in ordinary personal mail

Food or clothing
Cash, money orders or checks
Stamps or stamped envelopes
Stickers, labels, glitter or felt
Altered photographs or collages
Photos showing the offender
Text-message or social-media screenshots
Catalogs or calendars
Personal mail is scanned and delivered electronically or printed for an offender without tablet access. Physical items are held for a limited period and then discarded.
Check current DOC mail rules
State calls and accounts

Missouri DOC telephone, deposit and commissary workflow

Telephone rules
  • Offenders cannot receive ordinary incoming calls.
  • Eligible offenders may place collect, debit or prepaid calls.
  • Segregation can limit telephone access.
  • Three-way and toll-free calls can cause discipline.
  • Calls are monitored for security.
Receiving calls
  • Create a Securus account for prepaid calls.
  • Fund the correct receiving telephone number.
  • Follow the prompts to block unwanted calls.
  • Report continued unwanted contact to the institution.
  • Securus support: 800-844-6591.

How to deposit money

JPay onlineUse the exclusive DOC electronic money-transfer provider.
JPay telephoneCall 800-574-5729.
MoneyGramUse Missouri DOC receive code 2439.
MailSend a money order or cashier’s check with the DOC deposit slip.
Mailed deposits Offender Finance Office Missouri Department of Corrections P.O. Box 1609 Jefferson City, MO 65102 Phone: 573-526-6445
Make payment payable to Missouri Department of Corrections
Attach the official deposit slip
Write information in blue or black ink
Verify the offender name and DOC number
Do not include personal mail or photographs
Allow approximately one to three business days after receipt
Make an approved DOC deposit Set up offender calls
Statewide criminal history

How to choose and order a Missouri MACHS record check

Name-based search

  • Cost: $15 plus a small convenience fee.
  • Any member of the public may order it.
  • Searches name, birth date and available identifiers.
  • Produces a possible match.
  • Contains only Missouri records classified as open.
  • Accepts major credit cards online.

Fingerprint-based search

  • State-only MSHP fee: $20.
  • IDEMIA fingerprint service fee: $12.
  • Typical in-state total: $32.
  • Provides positive identity matching.
  • May provide complete or closed records to the subject or qualified entity.
  • Typical processing is seven to 10 business days.

What the open name-based result can include

Convictions and guilty pleas
Arrest information less than 30 days old
Prosecutor-filed charges awaiting disposition
Suspended imposition of sentence during probation

What a qualifying fingerprint result may include

All reported Missouri arrest history
Arrests where charges were not filed
Dismissed or nolle-prossed charges
Not-guilty court results
Completed suspended-imposition records
Closed or expunged records when disclosure is legally authorized

Name-search micro-steps

Open the MACHS Name Search Portal Start the name-based search
Create or access the account Use an email address you can access and protect the login.
Enter identifiers carefully Verify the spelling, birth date and any other submitted identifier before payment.
Pay the search fee The fee is charged for the search, not for a guaranteed matching record.
Download the secure result Save the PDF and record the search date.
Treat it as a possible match Verify the result with fingerprints or source records when identity matters.

Fingerprint-search micro-steps

Confirm what the requesting organization requires Ask whether it needs state-only or authorized state-and-FBI results.
Obtain the MACHS registration number The employer or licensing entity may need to supply its agency information.
Register through the fingerprint portal Ensure the agency name, ORI, OCA and personal details match the provided form.
Schedule the IDEMIA appointment Use the official Missouri fingerprint-location system or call 844-543-9712.
Bring acceptable identification Match the identification details to the registration.
Keep the transaction control number The TCN is used for payment and fingerprint processing.
A notarized MSHP response currently costs an additional $5. Out-of-state applicants may submit an FD-258 fingerprint card by mail; MSHP publishes an approximate four-to-six-week mail-processing time.
MSHP CJIS Division Mail: P.O. Box 9500, Jefferson City, MO 65102-9500 Phone: 573-526-6153
Review current MACHS fees and requirements
Record correction

Correct an inaccurate Missouri arrest or criminal-history record

Correct the error at the office that controls it
Error Office to contact Evidence to prepare
Wrong jail identity or custody field The county, city or regional detention facility Photo ID, booking number, inmate number and explanation.
Incorrect incident or arrest narrative The arresting police, sheriff or Patrol records unit Report number, exact disputed passage and supporting documents.
Incorrect Case.net entry The circuit clerk for the court maintaining the case Case number, filed order and exact docket entry.
Wrong statewide criminal-history data MSHP Criminal Justice Information Services Division Fingerprint result, certified disposition and identity records.
Incorrect FBI entry The agency that contributed the information or the FBI challenge process Fingerprint identity summary and certified source correction.
Third-party mugshot page The private publisher after official records are verified Corrected source record, disposition or expungement order.
Obtain the record you dispute Save the complete result and search date.
Identify the exact error Do not request a general deletion when one field is wrong.
Collect the source documents Obtain the arrest report, booking data and certified court disposition.
Contact the contributing agency first The agency that submitted incorrect information may need to correct it before the central record changes.
Use fingerprints for identity disputes Fingerprints provide stronger proof than a name or birth date.
Recheck every connected system A court correction may not automatically update the jail, MACHS or a private website.
Applicants subjected to an authorized fingerprint background check must be given a reasonable opportunity to challenge inaccurate information before a job, license or benefit is denied based on the record.
Current Missouri law

Missouri arrest-record and conviction expungement workflow

Eligibility is offense-specific. Class A felonies, dangerous felonies, registrable sex offenses, intoxication-related traffic or boating offenses and other listed categories are excluded from the standard process.

Current waiting periods

General waiting rules under Section 610.140
Record type General waiting period Starting point
Eligible felony conviction At least 3 years Completion of the authorized disposition.
Eligible misdemeanor At least 1 year Completion of the authorized disposition.
Eligible municipal violation At least 1 year Completion of the authorized disposition.
Eligible infraction At least 1 year Completion of the authorized disposition.
Eligible arrest with no charge No earlier than 18 months Date of arrest, subject to statutory conditions.

Basic eligibility checklist

The offense is not excluded by statute
The required waiting period has passed
The complete sentence or disposition is finished
All fines and restitution are satisfied
No disqualifying misdemeanor or felony occurred during the waiting period
No criminal charges are currently pending
The person is not a public-safety threat
Expungement is consistent with the public welfare

Lifetime limits under the standard statute

MisdemeanorsUp to three misdemeanor offenses or imprisonable ordinance violations.
FeloniesUp to two felony offenses.
InfractionsThe statute does not impose the same numerical limit on eligible infractions.

Petition micro-steps

Search Case.net and collect every case number Identify the court, county, municipality, charge and approximate date.
Review the excluded-offense list Compare every charge with the current version of Section 610.140. Read the current Missouri statute
Download the current court forms Use the Missouri Courts expungement packet rather than an old third-party form. Open Missouri expungement forms
Obtain the original paper fingerprint card All Missouri expungement petitions require the original fingerprint card. A scanned copy is not accepted.
Name every record-holding defendant Include law-enforcement agencies, courts, prosecutors, the central repository and other entities believed to hold the listed records.
Include all required identifying information Provide full name, sex, race, driver-license number when applicable, current address, offenses, dates, counties, municipalities, courts and case numbers.
File in the correct court File in a Missouri court where the person was charged or found guilty. Arrest-only petitions use the court of competent jurisdiction in the county of arrest.
Confirm the local filing fee Filing fees vary by court. Contact the circuit clerk before filing.
Monitor prosecutor response The prosecutor may object within 30 days after receiving service.
Prepare for a hearing When an objection is filed, the court generally schedules a hearing within 60 days unless the parties agree otherwise.
Track the six-month decision period The statute directs the court to enter an expungement or dismissal order within six months after filing.
Send and preserve the final order Confirm that every named agency receives the order and keep certified copies permanently.
Effect of expungement: Qualifying government records become closed, but law-enforcement and specified agencies may retain lawful access. Disclosure may still be required for certain professional licenses, law-enforcement work, gaming, banking, insurance and other federally or state-regulated positions.
A petition dismissed for failure to meet the statutory criteria generally cannot be refiled until one year after the previous filing date.
Contacts and location

Missouri criminal-record, court, custody and legal-help contacts

MSHP CJIS DivisionPhone: 573-526-6153 Mail: P.O. Box 9500, Jefferson City, MO 65102-9500
MOVANSPhone: 573-526-1929 Email: movans@dps.mo.gov
Missouri DOC Constituent ServicesPhone: 573-526-2695 Email: constituentservices@doc.mo.gov
Missouri DOC Victim ServicesPhone: 573-526-6516 Email: victims@doc.mo.gov
Crime Victims’ CompensationPhone: 573-526-6006 Email: cvc@dps.mo.gov
The Missouri BarPhone: 573-635-4128 Use LawyerSearch for a private criminal lawyer.

Missouri State Highway Patrol CJIS area map

Confirm before traveling: Check the current office location, public-access rules, identification requirements, hours and payment method.
Official-source extraction

What this Missouri guide brings into the page

Highway PatrolMACHS search types, open-record limits, identity differences, fees, processing and fingerprint requirements.
Missouri CourtsCase.net workflows, public-document access, case tracking, expungement forms and filing requirements.
Missouri DPSMOVANS 2026 changes, local-jail re-registration, court alerts and victim-service contacts.
Missouri DOCOffender-search limits, visitation, mail, telephone, money-transfer and family-contact rules.
Missouri Attorney GeneralSunshine Law response times, allowable costs, request language and agency contact routing.
Missouri statutesBail conditions, review rights, expungement waiting periods, petition contents and lifetime limits.
Missouri arrest-record FAQs

Questions searchers need answered

How do I search Missouri arrest records?Search the official jail serving the place of arrest, verify the person and then search Case.net for filed charges and the final outcome.
Is there one free statewide arrest search?No. Local jails, law-enforcement agencies, courts, Missouri DOC and MACHS maintain different parts of the record.
How do I find someone arrested today?Search the city or county jail and MOVANS. Allow time for identification, screening and booking data entry.
Why does the jail charge differ from Case.net?The jail displays the allegation received during intake. The prosecutor may file a different or amended charge.
How do I find the final court outcome?Search Case.net and locate the dismissal, nolle prosequi, plea, verdict, judgment or sentence for each count.
How much is a MACHS name search?The current fee is $15 plus a small electronic convenience fee.
How much is a Missouri fingerprint search?The state-only MSHP fee is $20 and the contracted IDEMIA fingerprint service fee is $12, producing a typical $32 total.
Can a name search confirm identity?No. It is a possible match. Fingerprints provide positive identity matching.
How do I request an arrest report?Send a focused Sunshine Law request to the police, sheriff or Patrol unit that created the report.
How quickly must a Sunshine request be answered?The records custodian should respond as soon as possible and no later than the end of the third business day, although production may take longer with an explanation.
How do I correct an inaccurate record?Contact the office controlling the incorrect field and provide identity documents, the record number and certified supporting evidence.
When can an eligible felony be expunged?The general waiting period is at least three years after completing the authorized disposition.
When can an eligible misdemeanor be expunged?The general waiting period is at least one year after completing the authorized disposition.
When can an arrest with no charges be expunged?An eligible arrest-only petition may generally be filed no earlier than 18 months after arrest, subject to the statutory conditions.
Does a mugshot prove guilt?No. A mugshot documents detention processing and is not proof of identity by itself, prosecution or conviction.
Accuracy, identity and legal-use notice Arrest Records is an independent informational guide. It is not the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Courts, Missouri Department of Corrections, Department of Public Safety, a sheriff, police department, prosecutor or law firm. Custody, bond, warrant, court and supervision information can change after publication. Confirm the current official record before making a legal, employment, housing, financial, safety or publication decision. Every arrested person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. This article provides general procedural information and is not legal advice.

Last official-source review: July 16, 2026.

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