Search the Correct Missouri Record Instead of Relying on One Incomplete Database
Missouri does not operate one public page containing every arrest, jail booking, police report, court case and prison record. The correct search depends on who made the arrest, where the person was booked and whether you need recent custody, statewide history or a final court outcome.
This guide brings the official five-day Highway Patrol arrest-report rule, MACHS background-check fees, fingerprint options, open-versus-closed record rules, Case.net workflow, DOC limits, Sunshine Law deadlines and current expungement requirements into one page.
Five days; Highway Patrol arrests only.
$15 plus online convenience fee.
$20 plus vendor service when applicable.
Action required by third business day.
Updated July 16, 2026.
Which Missouri system should you use?
Use for preliminary reports involving arrests made by Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers during the last five days.
Use the sheriff or municipal detention search where the person was booked.
Use a name-based check for open records or a fingerprint-based check for positive identity and authorized complete records.
Use Case.net for court filings and disposition; use DOC for active state prisoners, probationers and parolees.
How the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrest search works
The MSHP arrest-report portal is useful for very recent Highway Patrol arrests, but it is one of the most frequently misunderstood Missouri record systems.
Reports remain online for five days.
MSHP arrests only.
Preliminary and unofficial.
All Missouri counties are selectable.
Troops A through I.
Search fields available
How to locate a person arrested by a local Missouri agency
| What happened | Likely record holder | What to search or request |
|---|---|---|
| County deputy made the arrest | County sheriff | Current jail roster, booking record and sheriff arrest report. |
| City officer made the arrest | Municipal police department | Police incident report; also check the county or city jail holding the person. |
| MSHP trooper made the arrest | Missouri State Highway Patrol | Five-day arrest report, troop contact and MSHP public-record request. |
| Person is awaiting state transfer | County jail first, Missouri DOC after intake | Confirm transfer date and DOC number. |
| Person is on state probation or parole | Missouri Department of Corrections | Search the active-offender system and contact the field officer for status questions. |
| Person was released | Booking agency and criminal court | Request the historical booking and search Case.net for the case outcome. |
Information to collect before calling a jail
Use MACHS when you need more than a jail or court search
The Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Justice Information Services Division operates the Missouri Central Repository and MACHS. Criminal-history records are updated as agencies submit information and can include reportable arrests, charges, dispositions, correctional supervision and release.
Uses name, date of birth and Social Security number or available personal identifiers. The result is considered a possible match and contains open records only.
Compares the applicant’s fingerprints with criminal fingerprints on file. This is the method used for a positive identity match.
A notarized MSHP response may be requested for either search type for an additional $5.
When a name search is usually enough
When fingerprints are the better choice
Missouri criminal-record check costs and delivery times
| Service | Published charge | What the result provides |
|---|---|---|
| MACHS name-based search | $15 plus online convenience fee | Possible match; open Missouri records only. |
| Mailed name search | $15 | Open-record response using form SHP-158. |
| State fingerprint processing | $20 | Positive match; open or eligible open-and-closed search. |
| IDEMIA service fee | $12 | Electronic fingerprint capture and transmission. |
| State-only electronic fingerprint check | Generally $32 total | $20 state processing plus $12 vendor service. |
| Authorized state-and-federal check | Commonly listed as $44 total | State, vendor and authorized FBI processing; confirm the final registration price. |
| Notarized response | Additional $5 | Notary letter attached to the requested record response. |
Electronic fingerprint timing
MSHP lists approximately seven to ten business days for fingerprint-based results processed through the electronic vendor.
Results are mailed to the qualified entity or applicant according to the registration and authorization.
IDEMIA fingerprint scheduling: 844-543-9712.
Applicants outside Missouri
CJIS Division
P.O. Box 9500
Jefferson City, MO 65102-9500
MSHP CJIS: 573-526-6153
IDEMIA: 844-543-9712
What Missouri calls open and closed criminal records
| Record category | When it is open | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Conviction | A guilty plea or conviction reported to the repository. | The court, offense, disposition and sentence. |
| Recent arrest | Arrest information less than 30 days old. | Whether the prosecutor filed a charge. |
| Pending filed charge | The prosecutor filed a charge awaiting final court disposition. | Current Case.net status and next hearing. |
| Suspended imposition of sentence | The SIS remains within the probation period. | Whether probation was successfully completed. |
| Record category | Why it may be closed | How the subject can verify it |
|---|---|---|
| Dismissed or nolle-prossed charge | The case ended without a conviction through dismissal or prosecutorial action. | Use fingerprints for the person’s own complete record and obtain the court disposition. |
| Not-guilty finding | The person was acquitted or found not guilty. | Order the verdict or judgment from the court. |
| Completed SIS | The probation period ended successfully. | Obtain the case docket and completion documentation. |
| Uncharged arrest after 30 days | No charge was filed within 30 days of the arrest. | Request the arrest disposition and fingerprint-based personal record. |
| Expunged record | A court ordered the record closed under Missouri law. | Keep the signed expungement order permanently. |
How to follow an arrest through the Missouri court system
Common Missouri court terms
| Term | Practical meaning | What to obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Pending | The case has not reached final disposition. | Latest docket and next setting. |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecutor declined to continue the charge at that time. | Filed nolle-prosequi entry or order. |
| Dismissed | The court dismissed the case or count. | Dismissal order identifying each affected count. |
| Suspended imposition of sentence | The court did not impose a final sentence while the person completed probation conditions. | Plea, probation terms and completion entry. |
| Suspended execution of sentence | A sentence was imposed but its execution was suspended subject to conditions. | Judgment and probation order. |
| Convicted | A judgment of guilt was entered. | Certified judgment and sentence. |
| Acquitted | The defendant was found not guilty of the resolved count. | Verdict or judgment of acquittal. |
| Closed | The case is no longer active. | The disposition entry explaining why it closed. |
What the Missouri DOC offender search does and does not show
- Active offenders supervised by Missouri DOC.
- Eligible incarcerated offenders.
- Probationers and parolees.
- First-name, last-name and alias searching.
- Discharged offenders.
- Every county-jail inmate.
- Every person arrested in Missouri.
- Certain records withheld for safety, security or confidentiality.
Understand what each Missouri record proves
| Record | What it proves | What it does not prove |
|---|---|---|
| MSHP five-day arrest report | MSHP recorded a preliminary arrest event. | Final charge, conviction or county-jail status. |
| County jail booking | The person was processed into that custody system. | The allegation resulted in prosecution or conviction. |
| Incident report | The agency documented an initial reported incident. | Every allegation was substantiated. |
| Arrest report | The agency documented an arrest and associated charge. | The prosecutor filed or maintained the same charge. |
| MACHS name search | The identifiers produced a possible match to open Missouri records. | Fingerprint-confirmed identity or complete closed history. |
| MACHS fingerprint search | The fingerprint comparison produced a positive identity result. | Every record may be disclosed to every requester. |
| Case.net docket | A Missouri court recorded the listed case activity. | A short docket label explains the full legal effect. |
| DOC offender result | DOC lists the person as an active supervised offender. | The person is currently inside a state prison. |
Verify the person before relying on the record
No Missouri record found? Check these causes
How to request the actual Missouri police report
Missouri law distinguishes an incident report, arrest report and investigative report. Requesting the correct document by name reduces delay and cost.
The date, time, specific location, victim name and immediate facts surrounding the initial crime or incident report.
The law-enforcement record of the arrest, detention or confinement and the associated charge.
Records created while investigating the suspected crime beyond the initial incident or arrest report.
Missouri access rule
| Record | General status | Important exception |
|---|---|---|
| Incident report | Open record. | Protected identifying or safety information may be redacted. |
| Arrest report | Open record. | If no charge is filed within 30 days, it generally becomes closed except for disposition access and statutory exceptions. |
| Investigative report | Closed while the investigation remains active. | It may open when the investigation becomes inactive or by court order. |
| Body-camera or mobile video | May be closed, especially when recorded in a nonpublic location. | People depicted and specified representatives can have additional access rights. |
Why part of the record may be redacted
- Disclosure could create a clear and present danger to a victim, witness, officer or another person.
- The information could jeopardize an active criminal investigation.
- The record could identify a confidential source or a suspect not in custody.
- The information could reveal protected investigative techniques.
- The record contains juvenile, medical, sexual-offense victim or other confidential information.
Response deadlines, fees and cost-control steps
The custodian must act as soon as possible and no later than the end of the third business day after receiving the request.
If access is not immediate, the custodian must explain the cause and provide the earliest expected place, time and date for access.
When requested, the custodian must provide the specific legal ground for denial by the end of the third business day after receiving the denial-statement request.
Permitted charges
| Cost category | General limit | Cost-saving action |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary paper copy | Maximum 10 cents per page for paper no larger than 9 by 14 inches. | Request electronic copies when available. |
| Duplication time | No more than the average hourly rate of clerical staff. | Request existing digital files rather than conversion. |
| Research time | Actual cost of research time. | Supply report numbers, dates and narrow search terms. |
| Audio, video or special media | Actual permitted copy, staff, programming and media costs. | Request only the event and time segment needed. |
| Prepayment | The agency may require fees before fulfilling the request. | Set a maximum amount and ask for an estimate. |
Five ways to reduce the bill
There is no complete public statewide Missouri warrant list
Contact the police department where the person resides, the issuing court, an attorney or a licensed bondsman.
Contact the municipal or associate circuit court that issued the citation or warrant.
Use it only for the selected people displayed by the Highway Patrol. It is not a complete list of Missouri warrants.
Correct the error at the agency that created it
| Incorrect information | Start with | Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong jail identity or booking field | County or city detention records | Photo ID, booking number and exact disputed field. |
| Wrong police-report detail | Agency that created the report | Report number and documents supporting correction. |
| Wrong court disposition | Circuit or municipal court clerk | Case number and signed order or judgment. |
| Wrong Missouri criminal history | MSHP CJIS Central Repository | Fingerprint result and certified court disposition. |
| Third-party arrest page | Publisher after official correction | Corrected official record, dismissal or expungement order. |
Current waiting periods, filing requirements and limits
Basic timing rules under section 610.140
Generally one year after completion.
Generally three years after completion.
Generally no earlier than 18 months.
Within 30 days after service.
Order or dismissal within six months.
Eligibility factors the court considers
Information required in the petition
Name every record holder
The petition must name all law-enforcement agencies, courts, prosecuting or circuit attorneys, state criminal-record repositories and other entities believed to possess the records. The order does not affect an entity that was not properly named as a defendant.
Lifetime limits under the current statute
No more than three eligible misdemeanor offenses or ordinance violations carrying possible imprisonment.
No more than two eligible felony offenses under section 610.140.
Any number of eligible infractions may be expunged under the statute.
Missouri Central Repository location and mailing information
1510 East Elm Street
Jefferson City, MO
The Central Repository office is located on the third floor.
CJIS Division
P.O. Box 9500
Jefferson City, MO 65102-9500
General CJIS assistance: 573-526-6153
Choose the action matched to your goal
Check the MSHP five-day report when a trooper made the arrest, then check the local jail.
Use MACHS open-record search and obtain the court’s certified judgment.
Use the county jail for pretrial custody or DOC for active state supervision.
Request the incident and arrest reports from the agency that created them.
Order fingerprints and certified dispositions before contacting the repository.
Collect every case, agency, disposition and record holder before filing.
Missouri arrest and criminal-record questions answered
Is the MSHP arrest search a complete Missouri arrest database?
No. It contains only preliminary reports for Highway Patrol arrests and keeps them online for five days.
Where do I find a county or city arrest?
Search the sheriff or municipal jail holding the person and request the incident report from the agency that made the arrest.
How much is a MACHS name search?
The state fee is $15. Online transactions also include a convenience fee, and a notarized response costs another $5.
Does a MACHS name search prove identity?
No. It is considered a possible match. A fingerprint comparison is the method used for a positive identity match.
What is included in an open Missouri record?
Open records include convictions, arrests less than 30 days old, pending prosecutor-filed charges and an SIS during its probation period.
Why is a dismissed charge missing from a name search?
Dismissed, nolle-prossed and not-guilty records are generally closed and are not released through an ordinary public name search.
How much is a fingerprint search?
The state fee is $20. Electronic vendor capture currently adds $12, making a standard state-only electronic check generally $32.
How long do fingerprint results take?
MSHP lists about seven to ten business days for electronic fingerprint processing. Mailed out-of-state cards may take approximately four to six weeks.
How do I find the final outcome of an arrest?
Search Case.net and locate the dismissal, nolle prosequi, acquittal, SIS, judgment or sentence. Order a certified copy when formal proof is needed.
Does Missouri DOC show former offenders?
The public search covers active offenders and does not display discharged offenders. Certain active records can also be restricted for safety or confidentiality.
Are Missouri arrest reports public?
Arrest and incident reports are generally open. Investigative reports are generally closed until the investigation becomes inactive.
Must an agency produce the record within three days?
Not always. The agency must act by the third business day. When reasonable production takes longer, it must explain the delay and provide the earliest expected availability.
How much can an agency charge per paper page?
The general maximum is 10 cents for an ordinary paper page no larger than 9 by 14 inches, plus other legally permitted duplication and research costs.
How do I check a Missouri warrant?
Contact the local police department, issuing court, attorney, licensed bondsman or law enforcement. No single public page contains every Missouri warrant.
When can an eligible misdemeanor be expunged?
The usual waiting period is at least one year after completion of the authorized disposition, subject to all other statutory requirements.
When can an eligible felony be expunged?
The usual waiting period is at least three years after completion of the authorized disposition, subject to exclusions and other requirements.
Can an arrest with no filed charge be expunged?
An eligible petition may generally be filed no earlier than 18 months after the arrest if the person was not charged and had no intervening misdemeanor or felony finding of guilt.
Are expunged Missouri records destroyed?
Generally no. They become confidential and inaccessible to the general public but remain available for authorized purposes.