Missouri Arrest Records Search | Criminal Records

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Missouri record gateway

Missouri Criminal History, County Jail and Case.net Search

Need to find a recent Missouri booking, check a criminal-history report, locate an active DOC offender or verify what happened in court? This guide sends you to the correct official system and explains what to search, what to save and what to do next.

An arrest is not a conviction. A county booking, MACHS report, court case and DOC record answer different questions. Confirm the person and final disposition before relying on a result.
Open MACHS Guidance Search Missouri Case.net Search MODOC Offenders
County jail bookings MACHS records Case.net cases Bond status DOC offenders Expungement
CJIS: 573-526-6153 MACHS fingerprint help: 573-526-6312 MODOC: 573-751-2389
Fast answer

Choose the Missouri Record That Answers Your Question

Recent arrest

Search the jail or sheriff in the county where the booking occurred.

Criminal-history check

Use the Missouri Highway Patrol’s MACHS name or fingerprint portal.

Court outcome

Use Case.net and the circuit clerk responsible for the criminal case.

Prison or supervision

Use MODOC for active inmates, probationers and parolees.

Missouri does not combine every record into one public search. A county sheriff may hold the booking, the Highway Patrol maintains state criminal-history information, the courts hold the case and MODOC maintains active corrections records.

What do you need right now?

Select one task. The tool runs locally in your browser and does not request a name, date of birth, case number or other personal information.

Jump Directly to the Missouri Record Task

Use these links when you need a practical answer quickly. Each section explains which official source to open and what to do when no result appears.

Record decoder

County Jail, MACHS, Case.net and MODOC Are Different

Booking Local custody
History State record
Case Disposition
Custody Prison or supervision
Alerts Victim notification
Your question
Best starting source
What it may show
What it does not prove
Was someone recently arrested?
County sheriff, city jail or arresting police agency
Booking date, charges, bond and current custody
Guilt or the final court disposition
What appears on a Missouri criminal history?
MSHP criminal-record checks
Open Missouri criminal-history information available through MACHS
That every arrest has a complete or current disposition
What happened in court?
Missouri Case.net
Case number, charges, docket activity, hearings and disposition
That every confidential, sealed or restricted case is public
Is the person in prison or on supervision?
MODOC Offender Search
Active incarcerated offenders, probationers and parolees
That a discharged offender has no prior correctional record
Do I need notifications about status changes?
MOVANS information
Registration route for qualified victim notifications
That checking a public roster automatically registers notifications
Recent arrests

How to Search Missouri County Jail Bookings

A recent arrest normally begins with a city police department, county sheriff or local detention facility. Search the county where the person was booked, which may differ from where the person lives.

Identify the arresting city or county Use the citation, family notification, police information, news release or court paperwork to identify the arresting agency.
Find the correct local agency Use the Missouri Attorney General police and sheriff contact directory. Search the city or county name.
Open the official agency website Look for inmate roster, current inmates, detention, corrections, booking report, jail information or offender search.
Search with the surname first Add the first name, middle initial, birth year or booking date only when the result list is too broad.
Compare the booking carefully Check the full name, age, photograph, arresting agency, booking date, booking number, charges and bond information.
Verify the criminal case Open Case.net and compare the county, party name, filing date, case number and listed charges.
No online inmate roster

Call the detention division using the official agency number. Ask whether the person is booked, released, transferred or listed under a different spelling.

Need the police or arrest report

Contact the arresting agency’s records custodian. A police report is separate from the jail booking, MACHS history and court case.

Missouri search tip: Some municipalities operate their own holding facilities before transferring a person to a county jail. Confirm whether the person remains with the city, has moved to the county or has already been released.
Identity check

Make Sure the Missouri Arrest Record Belongs to the Right Person

Compare the complete legal name.
Check age or date of birth.
Review the booking photograph carefully.
Confirm the city, county and arresting agency.
Compare arrest and booking dates.
Use the booking, case or DOC number.
Check aliases and former surnames.
Verify the final court disposition separately.
Do not rely on a name-only match. Similar names are common. A responsible match uses several identifying details and the associated court case.
Highway Patrol records

How to Use Missouri MACHS Criminal History Search

MACHS is the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site administered by the Highway Patrol’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division. It offers name-based searches and registration for fingerprint-based checks.

Choose name or fingerprint search Use a name search for available open Missouri criminal-history information. Use a fingerprint check when an employer, licensing agency or law requires identity-based results.
Open the official MACHS route Start from the MSHP Criminal Record Check page and select the Name Search or Fingerprint Search portal.
Create the required account Follow the portal registration prompts and enter the identity information exactly as requested.
Review the fee before paying The current CJIS FAQ lists a $15 name search. The fingerprint portal currently lists $44 for a standard Missouri-and-FBI check beginning April 5, 2026. A registration number can change the required search and fee.
Save the confirmation Retain the transaction number, receipt and result. Most online name-search responses are returned through the website.
Review each arrest cycle Check the arresting agency, date, charge and disposition. Contact the court when a disposition appears missing or unclear.
MACHS option
Best use
What you need
Current fee guidance
Name search
Public search of available open Missouri criminal-history information
Correct legal name and requested identifiers
$15 according to the current CJIS FAQ
Name search with notary
A notarized result when the receiving organisation requests it
Portal or mail form information
The MSHP request form lists $20
Fingerprint search
Employment, licensing, volunteer or legally required identity-based checks
Registration number from the requesting organisation and photo ID
Calculated by registration; the portal lists $44 for a standard Missouri-and-FBI check from April 5, 2026
Do not invent a fingerprint registration number. The employer, licensing board or requesting agency must provide the correct number because it determines which databases are searched and who receives the result.

Read the official CJIS criminal-history FAQs

Court verification

How to Search Missouri Criminal Cases on Case.net

Case.net is the official Missouri court case-search system. It is the better source for checking whether charges were filed, amended, dismissed or resolved.

Open Case.net Go to the official Case.net page.
Choose a search method Search by litigant name when no case number is available. Use the case-number option when you copied it from a booking, citation or court notice.
Select the correct court or county Narrow the search to the county or judicial circuit handling the criminal case.
Use fewer fields first Begin with the surname and first name. Add the middle name, filing year or case number only when needed.
Compare the correct case Match the county, party name, filing date, charge, case number and court division.
Read the docket and disposition Review hearings, warrants, bond entries, amended charges, pleas, dismissals and final judgment.
Contact the circuit clerk for certified records Case.net is useful for viewing case information. A certified copy normally comes from the court clerk maintaining the file.
Case.net term
General meaning
What to check next
Pending
The case has not reached a final result.
Check the next hearing and bond conditions.
Disposed
The court recorded an outcome.
Open the judgment, plea, dismissal or sentencing entry.
Dismissed
The listed charge or case was dismissed.
Confirm whether another charge or case remains.
SIS
A suspended imposition of sentence may appear under Missouri procedure.
Review probation terms and ask a lawyer about the legal effect.
SES
A suspended execution of sentence may delay execution subject to conditions.
Review the judgment and supervision terms.
Warrant
The court docket may reflect a warrant-related entry.
Contact the court or a lawyer rather than relying on an unofficial warrant site.
No Case.net result? Try another spelling, remove the middle name, search the case number, confirm the county or contact the circuit clerk. Sealed, confidential and expunged information may not appear publicly.
Release guidance

How to Check Missouri Bond and Release Status

Bond and pretrial-release conditions are controlled by the court handling the case. The jail processes custody and release, while the court record shows the judicial order.

Open the current booking Save the booking number, bond amount, bond type, court and listed holds.
Check Case.net Compare the criminal case, docket entries, bond order and next hearing.
Call the jail using an official number Ask whether bond has been set and whether another county, court or agency has placed a hold.
Confirm the accepted payment route Cash, surety, property and other release conditions depend on the order and local procedure.
Verify any bond professional Ask the sheriff or court which agents are authorised locally. Never trust an unsolicited caller merely because the caller knows the defendant’s name.
Ask what remains before release Court paperwork, payment verification, another warrant, transport or booking procedures may delay release.
Bond-payment scam warning: Do not pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency or a link sent by an unexpected caller. Call the jail or court using the number on its official website.
State corrections

How to Use Missouri DOC Offender Search

MODOC Offender Search covers active offenders supervised by the Missouri Department of Corrections, including qualifying incarcerated people, probationers and parolees. The public search does not include discharged offenders.

Open MODOC Offender Search Go to the official Missouri offender-search application.
Search by DOC ID when possible A unique identifier produces a more reliable result than a common name.
Search by name Enter the legal first and last name. The application can also search aliases.
Complete the security code Enter the displayed letters and numbers before submitting the search.
Open the matching record Confirm the DOC ID, status, institution or supervision office and other identity details.
Contact the responsible office Questions about an institution normally go to the caseworker or facility. Probation and parole questions go to the assigned field officer.
A person can disappear from the county roster before appearing in MODOC. Transfer, diagnostic intake and data processing can create a delay. Keep the county booking number and later save the DOC ID.
Possible status
Where to search
What it usually means
Recent county arrest
Local sheriff or jail
The person may not yet be in the state corrections system.
State prison
MODOC Offender Search
The person is actively connected with a state correctional institution.
Probation or parole
MODOC Offender Search and assigned field office
The person is under active community supervision.
Discharged
MACHS, court records or formal DOC data request
The public active-offender search may not return the person.
Federal custody
Federal Inmate Locator
Federal custody is separate from Missouri DOC.
Family and visitors

Missouri Prison Visits, Phone Calls, Mail and Deposits

Before visiting a MODOC facility

Confirm the current institution Search the offender and verify that the person has completed transfer or diagnostic processing.
Review the visitor application process Open the official visiting page and follow the current approval requirements before scheduling travel.
Check facility-specific hours Visit times differ by institution and offender category. Use the official visiting-hours page and facility listing.
Bring approved identification Confirm accepted photo ID, child documentation and any approval notice before arriving.
Follow clothing and security rules Appropriate undergarments and shoes are required. Metal supports can trigger the detector, and prohibited clothing can lead to denial.
Call before a long trip Lockdowns, transfers, weather and operational conditions can affect a scheduled visit.

Open official Missouri DOC visiting guidance

Phone calls

MODOC uses Securus services. Confirm whether the account should fund calls to a specific telephone number and review current rates before depositing.

Phone-service guidance

Mail and email

Use the offender’s full name, DOC number and current facility address. MODOC also provides electronic communication through its approved service.

Mail rules

Send money

Electronic deposits can be made through JPay. Money orders or cashier’s checks require the DOC deposit slip and must be sent to the Offender Finance Office.

Deposit instructions

Deposit mailing address: Offender Finance Office, Missouri Department of Corrections, P.O. Box 1609, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Use the required deposit slip and correct DOC number.
Legal representation

Find a Missouri Public Defender or Criminal Defense Lawyer

Missouri State Public Defender

MSPD represents qualifying indigent people accused or convicted of eligible Missouri state crimes. Municipal, traffic, civil and family matters generally do not qualify through this system.

Open the public-defender application

Find the correct district office

Private Missouri lawyer

Use Missouri Bar LawyerSearch to search lawyers accepting clients by practice area, county, location and language. Use the official directory to confirm licence status.

Search for a Missouri lawyer

Verify a lawyer’s Missouri licence

Questions to ask before hiring

Do you regularly handle cases in this county?
Who will appear at the hearings?
What work is included in the quoted fee?
Are investigator and expert costs separate?
How will calls and updates be handled?
Can I receive the agreement in writing?
Avoid guaranteed-result claims. No lawyer or bond company can responsibly guarantee dismissal, a particular sentence or immediate release.
Victim notifications

Register for Missouri Offender Status Notifications

MOVANS stands for Missouri Victim Automated Notification System. It provides registered victims with notices about qualifying changes involving offenders in Missouri Department of Corrections custody.

Confirm the offender Use MODOC Offender Search and save the DOC number, institution and case information.
Contact the Office of Victim Services Call 573-526-6516 to ask about MOVANS registration.
Create and protect the notification PIN MOVANS telephone notifications may continue until the registered person enters the selected PIN.
Keep contact information current Notify Victim Services when the telephone number, email or mailing address changes.
Use the system for official updates Qualifying notices can include parole hearings, parole decisions, escape, death, release, commutation or pardon.
Victim Services hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Phone: 573-526-6516.

Open the Missouri Office of Victim Services

Record correction

Correct or Expunge a Missouri Arrest or Criminal Record

Correcting inaccurate criminal-history data and obtaining a court expungement are separate processes. A private website removal request is another separate step.

Obtain the current record Run the MACHS search or obtain the fingerprint-based record required for the purpose.
Identify the exact arrest cycle Note the arresting agency, arrest date, charge, court case and missing or incorrect disposition.
Obtain the official court outcome Use Case.net and request a certified disposition from the circuit clerk when needed.
Contact CJIS about an inaccurate history Call 573-526-6153 and ask what documents are required to research or correct the record.
Review expungement resources Missouri expungement eligibility depends on the offence, disposition, waiting period and other circumstances. Review the official resource page before filing.
File in the correct court Contact the circuit clerk handling the record for current forms, filing requirements, service requirements and costs.
Confirm the update After processing, obtain a fresh MACHS report and review Case.net to confirm the intended change.
Contact private publishers separately An official correction or expungement does not automatically remove every copied mugshot or arrest page.
The Missouri State Public Defender does not generally handle ordinary expungement cases. Its expungement page provides information and links to resources, but users may need the circuit clerk, legal-aid organisation or private counsel.

Open Missouri expungement information and resources

State contacts

Missouri Criminal Records, Corrections and Legal-Help Contacts

MSHP Criminal Justice Information Services
Missouri Department of Corrections
Missouri State Public Defender
  • Woodrail Centre, 1000 West Nifong, Building 7, Suite 100, Columbia, MO 65203
  • Administrative office: 573-777-9977
  • Contact the district office handling the county where the state charge is pending.
  • Find a district office
The Missouri Bar

Switch the location map

Call before travelling. State offices do not provide every local jail booking, bond answer or county court record at the front desk.
Problem solving

Common Missouri Arrest-Record Problems and the Fastest Fix

“The arrest happened today.”
  1. Confirm the arresting agency.
  2. Search the city and county jail.
  3. Try the surname alone.
  4. Call the booking desk.
“MACHS shows an arrest without a result.”
  1. Find the Case.net case.
  2. Obtain the court disposition.
  3. Call CJIS.
  4. Request the correction process.
“The person disappeared from jail search.”
  1. Check release status.
  2. Search Case.net.
  3. Ask about transfer.
  4. Search MODOC.
“Bond is listed but release has not happened.”
  1. Check other holds.
  2. Confirm the court order.
  3. Verify payment.
  4. Ask what step remains.
“I cannot afford a lawyer.”
  1. Identify the county.
  2. Open the MSPD application.
  3. Prepare financial details.
  4. Contact the district office.
“The record should be expunged.”
  1. Obtain the current history.
  2. Review eligibility resources.
  3. Contact the circuit clerk.
  4. Verify every database later.
Before you call

Information to Prepare Before Contacting a Missouri Agency

Full legal name and spelling
Date of birth or approximate age
Arresting city, county and agency
Arrest and booking date
Booking or jail number
Court case number
Missouri DOC number
MACHS transaction number
Copy of the final disposition
Exact question you need answered
Official directory

Missouri Arrest, Court and Criminal Record Resources

Police and sheriff contacts MSHP criminal-record checks CJIS criminal-history FAQs MACHS fingerprint portal Missouri Case.net MODOC offender search Missouri DOC facilities Missouri DOC visiting Public-defender application Missouri lawyer search Missouri Victim Services Missouri expungement resources
Direct answers

Missouri Arrest Records FAQs

How do I search Missouri arrest records?

For a recent arrest, identify the city or county where the person was booked and use that sheriff, police department or jail’s official inmate search. For a broader Missouri criminal-history check, use the Highway Patrol’s MACHS system.

Is there one statewide Missouri county jail search?

No. County and city detention facilities maintain their own booking systems. Use the Missouri Attorney General police and sheriff directory to find the official local agency, then look for inmate roster, current inmates or detention information.

How much does a Missouri MACHS name search cost?

The current Missouri Highway Patrol CJIS FAQ lists a $15 fee for a name-based MACHS criminal-history search. A notarized search and fingerprint-based search have different fees, so review the portal before paying.

What is the difference between a MACHS name and fingerprint search?

A name search uses personal identifiers and releases available open Missouri criminal-history information. A fingerprint search uses biometric identity and is commonly required for employment, licensing or volunteer screening through a registration number supplied by the requesting organisation.

How do I search Missouri criminal court records?

Open Missouri Case.net and search by litigant name or case number. Narrow the result by county or judicial circuit, compare the charge and filing date, and open the docket to review hearings and disposition.

How do I find someone in Missouri state prison?

Use the Missouri Department of Corrections Offender Search and search by DOC ID or legal name. The application covers active offenders, including qualifying inmates, probationers and parolees, but it does not return discharged offenders.

How do I check a Missouri bond amount or release status?

Open the local jail booking and review the bond, court and hold fields. Check the related Case.net docket, then call the jail using its official number to confirm the current release order and accepted payment method.

How do I visit an inmate in a Missouri prison?

Confirm the offender’s current institution, complete the required visitor-approval process and check the facility-specific visiting hours. Bring approved identification, follow clothing rules and call before travelling in case the visit is cancelled or the offender is transferred.

How do I find a Missouri public defender?

Complete the Missouri State Public Defender application and contact the district office serving the county where the eligible state criminal charge is pending. Municipal, traffic, civil and family matters generally do not qualify for MSPD representation.

How do I correct or expunge a Missouri criminal record?

Obtain the current MACHS history, locate the court case and get the official disposition. Contact CJIS about inaccurate data. For expungement, review the Missouri State Public Defender resource page and contact the circuit clerk handling the record for current filing requirements.

Official-resource review completed August 1, 2026

This independent educational guide is not affiliated with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Corrections, Missouri Judiciary, Missouri State Public Defender, a sheriff’s office, police department or another government agency.

Official portals, fees, contact details and published procedures were checked during the latest review. County jail systems, MACHS fees, Case.net availability, visitation rules, bond procedures and office information can change. Confirm time-sensitive information directly with the responsible agency.

Responsible-use notice: An arrest is not proof of guilt. Do not use a booking or criminal-record result to harass someone or to make employment, housing, credit, insurance or other decisions requiring a legally compliant consumer report.