About Public Records in Missouri

• Circuit Courts - one or more courts for each county in Missouri. These courts handle the following case types:
• Civil - Torts, Contracts, real property rights, and small claims.
• Civil - Estate, mental health, civil appeals.
• Domestic relations and divorce.
• Criminal felony and misdemeanor.
• Juvenile cases, criminal and civil.


• Limited Jurisdiction / Lower Courts


• Municipal Courts - one or more courts for each county in Missouri. These courts handle the following case types:
• Traffic, Parking, and Infractions.

Missouri real and personal property tax records are kept by the County Assessor or County Collector in each county.
 

Missouri deeds and general document recording are handled by the County Recorder in each county. Records kept include deeds, mortgage documents, easements, powers of attorney, and liens.

Missouri birth, death, marriage and divorce records are maintained by the Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records. Many Missouri residents can obtain their birth, marriage and divorce records locally. People born in Missouri can obtain a copy of their birth certificate from any local public health department. Certified copies of marriage licenses are available from the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the license was obtained. Certified copies of divorce decrees are available from the Circuit Clerk in the county where the decree was granted.