St. Louis County Court Records Search
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St. Louis County, Missouri, one of the most populous counties in the state, is served by the 21st Judicial Circuit Court, headquartered at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Clayton. The circuit court encompasses multiple divisions — including circuit civil/criminal, associate civil, associate criminal/traffic, family court (domestic relations and juvenile), and probate — along with dozens of municipal courts spread across the county’s many incorporated municipalities. The Circuit Clerk is the official custodian of court records for all cases filed in the 21st Judicial Circuit.
For those looking to find court case information in Missouri, records can be located through official clerk offices, public-access terminals at the courthouse, and the state’s online case management database. MissouriCourts.us may help users locate directories and court resources across the state’s judicial system. The Missouri judiciary operates Case.net, a statewide public portal that provides searchable access to non-confidential case data from circuit and associate courts across all Missouri counties, including St. Louis County. Municipal court cases may be searchable through separate local portals.
How to Look Up a Court Case in St. Louis County?
Locating a court case in St. Louis County can be done online, in person, or through the municipal court system, depending on the type of case.
Online Through Case.net
The Missouri courts’ Case.net portal is the primary online tool for searching circuit court records. Users can search by litigant name, case number, filing date, or scheduled hearing. The 21st Judicial Circuit’s website provides a step-by-step guide for using the system:
- Go to Case.net
- Enter a case number or litigant name
- Click “Track This Case” for the desired case
- Provide your email address and optional mobile number
- Enter the verification characters
- Click “Track This Case” to receive updates
For St. Louis County Municipal Court cases involving traffic or ordinance violations, a separate municipal records search portal is available through the county’s website. Contact the municipal court at (314) 615-8760 or email Municipal-Court-Filings@stlouiscountymo.gov for questions.
In Person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office
Record seekers may visit the Circuit Clerk in person to request copies of court documents. The clerk’s office requires the following information to process a request:
- Case number or name of case parties
- Title of the requested document
- Whether a certified or non-certified copy is needed
- Filing date or judgment date (if known)
St. Louis County Circuit Clerk
Address: 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: (314) 615-8029
Fax: (314) 615-8739
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The court’s Resource Center is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed Fridays). Self-represented litigants must file paper copies with the Circuit Clerk, as electronic filing through the court system is available only to registered attorneys.
Copy Fees
The 21st Judicial Circuit’s fee schedule sets the following rates for record copies:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Non-certified photocopy | $0.30 per page |
| Certified copy (one page and seal) | $1.50 + $0.30 per additional page |
| Authenticated copy | $3.50 + $0.30 per additional page |
| Certified mail (add-on) | $6.00 |
Are Court Records Public in St. Louis County?
Missouri’s Sunshine Law, codified in Chapter 610 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, establishes a presumption that government records, including court records, are open to the public. The Circuit Clerk is authorized to maintain and issue copies of court records to members of the public upon request.
Certain categories of records and information are, however, exempt from disclosure or have restricted access. Court documents that may be withheld or redacted include:
- Records classified as exempt by state or federal law or by specific court order
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Personal identifying data such as Social Security numbers, credit card information, and driver’s license numbers
- Records involving cases dismissed due to findings related to mental health
- Welfare-related case records that would identify specific parties
- Medical information that would violate a subject’s right to privacy
When a record contains both public and exempt information, the custodian may redact the confidential portions and release the remainder. Requesters who believe records have been improperly withheld may seek guidance from the Missouri Attorney General’s Sunshine Law division.
St. Louis County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in St. Louis County are handled by the circuit court’s criminal divisions. Circuit judges in Divisions 1 through 22 preside over felony and serious criminal matters, while associate circuit judges in Divisions 32, 33, and 39 handle misdemeanor, traffic, and lower-level criminal proceedings. The 21st Judicial Circuit also operates a Treatment Court (Division 68) for eligible defendants. A full list of judges and their divisional assignments is available on the court’s website.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case records can be searched on Case.net by defendant name, case number, or filing date. In-person requests for certified or authenticated copies of criminal court documents should be directed to the Circuit Clerk at 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105. Copy fees are $0.30 per page, with an additional $1.50 for certification or $3.50 for authentication.
Criminal Background Checks Through Law Enforcement
The St. Louis County Police Department provides fingerprint-based criminal record searches. To obtain a criminal history check through the department, individuals must:
- Register with the Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS)
- Generate a transaction control number (TCN) or UEID pre-enrollment code during registration
- Schedule an appointment with the county police department or an IdentoGo location
- Visit the designated site with the TCN/UEID, valid identification, and payment by credit card
Statewide Criminal History Through the Missouri State Highway Patrol
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s CJIS Division serves as the central repository for Missouri criminal history files. Two types of background checks are available:
| Search Type | Fee | Method | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Identifier (Name-Based) | $15.00 (plus convenience fee online) | Online via MACHS Name Search Portal or by mail | Open records only (convictions, recent arrests, pending charges) |
| Fingerprint-Based | $20.00 state + $11.50 IDEMIA fee | In person at IdentoGo location or by mail | Complete records (all arrests, dismissed charges, expunged records) |
Mail requests must include a completed SHP-158 criminal record check form and payment by check or money order payable to “State of Missouri — Criminal Record System Fund”. Send mail requests to: Missouri State Highway Patrol, CJIS Division, P.O. Box 9500, Jefferson City, MO 65102-9500. Cash and credit cards are not accepted for mail submissions.
The Highway Patrol also maintains a searchable online repository of arrest records.
St. Louis County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in St. Louis County is distributed across multiple court levels. Circuit judges (Divisions 1–22) hear civil cases involving larger claims, while associate circuit judges in Divisions 35, 37, 41, 43, and 44 handle associate-level civil matters. Small claims cases (under $5,000) are filed in the small claims division.
Accessing Civil Court Records
Civil case records — including complaints, motions, orders, and judgments — are searchable through Case.net by party name, case number, or filing date. In-person requests should be directed to the Circuit Clerk’s office at the St. Louis County Courthouse. Requesters need to provide the case number or party names, the document title, and the type of copy desired (certified or non-certified).
Filing Fees for Civil Cases
The Circuit Clerk’s fee schedule lists the following deposit amounts for civil filings:
| Filing Type | Deposit Required |
|---|---|
| Circuit Civil Case | $105.50 |
| Small Claim (under/over $100) | $20.50 |
| Associate Circuit Case (Chapter 517 and related chapters) | $53.50 |
| Filing of Mechanic’s Lien | $5.00 |
| Filing of Garnishment | $10.00 |
| Petition for Expungement of Arrest Records (RSMo 610.123) | $105.50 |
| Petition for Expungement of Conviction (RSMo 610.140) | $355.50 |
| Sheriff Service per defendant | $36.00 (deduct $6.00 for county government address) |
Court forms for various civil matters, including self-help resources for pro se litigants, are available on the 21st Judicial Circuit’s website.
Property Records
Property records, including deeds, plats, and ownership information, are maintained by the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds and the County Assessor. The county offers a searchable portal for real estate information through the Revenue Department. Deed copies are available in person at the Recorder of Deeds office for $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 per additional page. Walk-ins for deed and marriage license copies are welcome Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Recorder of Deeds
Address: 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: (314) 615-7100
Email: Recorder@stlouiscountymo.gov
St. Louis County Family Court Records
The Family Court of the 21st Judicial Circuit consists of two major divisions: the Domestic Relations Court and the Juvenile Court. A specialized Domestic Violence Court centralizes order-of-protection cases. Family Court proceedings include dissolution of marriage, legal separation, annulment, child custody and visitation, paternity, child support, juvenile delinquency, termination of parental rights, and adoption.
Custody and divorce cases are assigned to multiple divisions, including Circuit Judges in Divisions 4, 10, and 19 and Associate Circuit Judges in Divisions 31, 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42. Division 40 is designated as the Pro Se Family Court for self-represented litigants. Juvenile matters are handled in Divisions 8, 10, 61, 62, and 63. A Guide to Family Court is available for download, and the court publishes family court forms for attorneys and self-represented parties.
Family Court Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Deposit Required |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of Marriage | $148.50 |
| Legal Separation | $148.50 |
| Annulment | $148.50 |
| Paternity | $137.50 |
| Motion to Modify | $137.50 |
| Guardianship of Minor | $287.50 |
| Change of Name | $135.50 |
| Adult Abuse (Order of Protection) | No deposit |
| Step-Parent Adoption | $493.50 |
| Agency Adoption | $393.50 |
| Adult Adoption | $193.50 |
Orders of protection can be filed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., by calling (314) 615-4725. More information is available on the court’s order of protection page.
Accessing Family Court Records
Family court records can be searched on Case.net or requested in person from the Circuit Clerk. Certain family court records contain information exempt under the Sunshine Law or restricted by court rule — particularly records involving juvenile proceedings, adoption, and domestic violence victim information. Only non-confidential portions may be disclosed to general public requesters.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses issued in St. Louis County from 1877 to the present are maintained by the Recorder of Deeds. Certified copies cost $9.00 each. To request a copy by mail, download the marriage license copy order form, enclose a $9.00 check or money order payable to “ROD”, and send it to: Recorder of Deeds, 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105. New marriage license applicants must complete the online application before visiting the office or scheduling a virtual appointment.
Divorce Records
Divorce records (dissolution decrees) are maintained by the Circuit Clerk. They can be obtained in person at the clerk’s office for $0.30 per page, with $1.50 additional for certification. Case.net also provides online access to dissolution case docket information.
Birth and Death Records
The St. Louis County Office of Vital Records issues certified copies of birth and death certificates for events that occurred in Missouri.
St. Louis County Office of Vital Records
Address: 6121 North Hanley Road, Berkeley, MO 63134
Phone: (314) 615-1720
Email: DPH.VitalRecords@stlouiscountymo.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (opens at 9:00 a.m. on the first Friday of each month)
Fees for vital records are:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate (certified copy) | $15.00 per copy |
| Death certificate (first certified copy) | $14.00 |
| Additional death certificate copies (same order) | $11.00 each |
In-person requests require a completed application form, valid government-issued photo ID, and payment (credit cards accepted). Mail-in requests require the completed application to be notarized and accompanied by a check or money order payable to St. Louis County Vital Records. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and mail to: DPH-Vital Records, 6121 North Hanley Road, Berkeley, MO 63134.
St. Louis County Probate Court Records
The Probate Court of the 21st Judicial Circuit has jurisdiction over estates of deceased persons, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust matters. The Probate Division is housed at the St. Louis County Courthouse and operates under Division 5, along with Commissioners in Divisions 66 and 67. All probate court proceedings take place at 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105, and the office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information is available through Case.net, where users can search by the decedent’s or ward’s name, case number, filing date, or scheduled hearing date. In-person requests for copies of probate documents should be made at the Circuit Clerk’s office with the applicable case details. Standard copy fees apply ($0.30 per page non-certified, $1.50 for certification).
Probate Forms and Filing Fees
The 21st Judicial Circuit publishes downloadable probate forms for use by attorneys and litigants, including packets for small estates with and without wills, formal estate administration, guardianship, and conservatorship. Not all forms used internally by the court are available online, so requesters should verify with the clerk.
Probate-related filing fees from the circuit clerk’s fee schedule include the appeal fee from Circuit Court to an appellate court at $70.00, and guardianship of a minor at $287.50. Family-related adoptions processed through the Juvenile/Probate divisions carry fees ranging from $193.50 (adult adoption) to $593.50 (two-count petition combining transfer of custody and adoption).
Probate records are generally considered public unless a specific statute or court order restricts access. Guardianship and conservatorship case records may contain protected personal or medical information that is redacted before public disclosure.