Missouri Public Records Search
Use Missouri and county sources to find recorded documents, property and tax data, business filings, vital records, and court files, with guidance on online searches and certified copies.
On this page:
Where To Start
- Start with the county Recorder of Deeds index for grantor/grantee, document type, and recording date when locating deeds or liens
- Use the Missouri Secretary of State business registry by entity name or charter number to review filings and registered agent details
- Search the county Assessor or GIS by parcel number, situs address, or owner name to confirm property characteristics and assessed value
- Request certified birth or death records through Missouri vital records or the local registrar after confirming eligibility and identification requirements
- Check the Missouri State Archives catalog for historic county books, maps, and indexes when county databases do not cover older years
Record Routing
- Recorded land documents → County Recorder of Deeds
- Property assessment and taxes → County Assessor and Collector
- Business entities and UCC filings → Secretary of State
- Birth and death certificates → State Health Department
- Court dockets and case files → Circuit Court Clerk
Search Inputs
- Grantor or grantee name
- Instrument number or book and page
- Parcel number (APN) or situs address
- Owner name
- Entity name or charter number
- Case number or filing date range
Source Map
| Source / Office | Best For | Search Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Recorder of Deeds | Deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, plats | Grantor/grantee, instrument number, document type, date range | Missouri land records are recorded at the county level; indexes are often searchable and certified copies are issued by the recorder |
| County Assessor and Collector | Property ownership, characteristics, assessed value, tax due/paid | Parcel number, situs address, owner name | Assessment and tax records are maintained locally; use them to confirm legal descriptions, valuations, and payment status |
| Missouri Secretary of State | Business registrations, filings, and UCC records | Entity name, charter number, registered agent | Statewide source for corporate status, filings, and UCC notices; essential for entity verification and lien research |
| Missouri Health Department — Vital Records | Birth and death certificates and verifications | Name, date of event, place of event, parent or spouse details | Central authority for vital events; certified copies require a request and eligibility, while marriage records are issued by counties |
| Missouri State Archives | Historical county books, maps, registers, and legacy indexes | Keyword, county, series, date range | Backfills older records not covered by modern county systems and supports research across Missouri jurisdictions |
Missouri Record FAQs
How do I get a certified copy of a deed in Missouri?
Contact the county Recorder of Deeds where it was recorded and request a certified copy using the instrument number or book and page; online images are not certified.
Can I verify a Missouri birth or death record online?
You can review index details where available, but certified copies must be requested through Missouri vital records or a local registrar, subject to eligibility and ID requirements.
Where do I search Missouri business registrations and UCC filings?
Use the Missouri Secretary of State to search by entity name or charter number; filings, status, and registered agent details are obtained from that office.
Who provides property tax payment receipts in Missouri?
The County Collector maintains tax bills and receipts; search or request by parcel number or owner, and specify the tax year for a statement.