The state of Missouri public records remain available for individuals and businesses that need to access this information. The Missouri Sunshine Law provides this type of protection and right to the public. The state's records are those that are stored electronically or in written form, or in other media. This type of data can come from any type of public body or organization. It will include any type of report, survey, document or memo created or maintained by a government body. The state defines that any type of record available must be allowable under all federal statutes in place.

 

What Information Is Available?

In the state of Missouri, a significant amount of data remains available to the general public for use as they would like to use it. There are some types of information that are excluded or exempt for reasons to protect individuals or other groups. This includes information like the following.

·         No data that provides personally identifying information, including health records, school records, financial information, addresses or phone numbers, is available as a part of public record.

·         All data protected under federal regulations is protected.

·         Data that could lead to a risk of the safety of any person, or of any law enforcement or public servant, is available in this form.

·         Any data that could otherwise injury or stop the workings of a government office or official is available.

In some situations, an official or a judge can limit the access to information. This may be done to protect a minor (someone under the age of 18) or it could be to protect law enforcement, an open investigation or an undercover police officer.

Obtaining Access to Missouri Public Records

Individuals who wish to obtain any type of public records are requested to put in a written request for this information to the appropriate government body. The agency must make all reasonable attempts to find this data and to provide it to the individual by the third business day, or it must provide an explanation of why it was denied or unavailable.

Individuals have the right to see as well as copy this information. To do so, they can visit the local offices of the agency that holds the documents. In some cases, it may be possible to search the Missouri public records online. Third party companies can also aid in providing information. The following agencies have some of the most commonly requested types of data.

·         For business or organization related data, request it from the Attorney General's Office in Jefferson City.

·         For vital statistics, contact the Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records.

·         For criminal records searches, contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Criminal Record and Identification Division.

·         For state court records, contact the Court Administrator in a local court or at the state level.

·         The Missouri State Highway Patrol manages the Sexual Offender Registry.

 

The Missouri public records available provide key information that is valuable to many, but must be certified by the agency to be available.

• Missouri Census 2000 Highlights

• Missouri Department of Revenue

• Missouri Mapstats from FedStats

• Missouri QuickLinks

• Missouri State & County QuickFacts

• Missouri Vital Records