St. Louis County Court Records

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    St. Louis County, Missouri, one of the state's most populous counties, is served by the 21st Judicial Circuit Court, headquartered at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Clayton. The circuit court covers multiple divisions — 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 keeper of court records for all cases filed in the 21st Judicial Circuit.

    If you're looking for court case information in Missouri, you can find records through official clerk offices, public-access terminals at the courthouse, or the state's online case management database. MissouriCourts.us can help you locate directories and court resources across Missouri's judicial system. The Missouri judiciary also runs Case.net, a statewide public portal with 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?

    You can find a St. Louis County court case online, in person, or through the municipal court system, depending on what type of case you're looking for.

    Online Through Case.net

    The Missouri courts' Case.net portal is the main online tool for searching circuit court records. You can search by litigant name, case number, filing date, or scheduled hearing. The 21st Judicial Circuit's website offers a step-by-step guide to using the system:

    1. Go to Case.net
    2. Enter a case number or litigant name
    3. Click Track This Case for the desired case
    4. Provide your email address and optional mobile number
    5. Enter the verification characters
    6. Click Track This Case to receive updates

    For St. Louis County Municipal Court cases involving traffic or ordinance violations, the county runs a separate municipal records search portal. You can reach the municipal court at (314) 615-8760 or email Municipal-Court-Filings@stlouiscountymo.gov with questions.

    In Person at the Circuit Clerk's Office

    You can also visit the Circuit Clerk in person to request copies of court documents. To process your request, the clerk's office will need:

    • Case number or the names of the case parties
    • Title of the document you're requesting
    • Whether you need a certified or non-certified copy
    • 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 — 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.

    That said, certain records and categories of information are exempt from disclosure or carry restricted access. Documents that may be withheld or redacted include:

    • Records classified as exempt by state or federal law or by a 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 rest. If you believe records have been improperly withheld, you can 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 runs 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

    Search criminal case records on Case.net by defendant name, case number, or filing date. If you need certified or authenticated copies of criminal court documents, bring your request in person 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 offers fingerprint-based criminal record searches. To get a criminal history check through the department, you'll need to:

    1. Register with the Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS)
    2. Generate a transaction control number (TCN) or UEID pre-enrollment code during registration
    3. Schedule an appointment with the county police department or an IdentoGo location
    4. Visit the designated site with your 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 is 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 made 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 in 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. For in-person requests, head to the Circuit Clerk's office at the St. Louis County Courthouse. You'll need the case number or party names, the title of the document, and whether you want a certified or non-certified copy.

    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 Mechanics 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 has two major divisions: the Domestic Relations Court and the Juvenile Court. A specialized Domestic Violence Court centralizes order-of-protection cases. Family Court proceedings cover 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. You'll find more information 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. Keep in mind that certain family court records contain information that is 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 released 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 mail 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. You can obtain them 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)

    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 you can search by the decedent's or ward's name, case number, filing date, or scheduled hearing date. For copies of probate documents, visit the Circuit Clerk's office in person with the applicable case details. Standard copy fees apply — $0.30 per page for non-certified copies, plus $1.50 for certification.

    Probate Forms and Filing Fees

    The 21st Judicial Circuit publishes downloadable probate forms for 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 verify with the clerk if you're not finding what you need.

    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.