Searching St. Louis County Court Records
These questions cover the basics of finding a case and viewing documents through the statewide portal.
How do I search St. Louis County court records?
Use Missouri Case.net, the statewide judiciary portal. Search by litigant name, filing date, case number, scheduled hearing date, judgment index or Pay By Web. For St. Louis County, select the 21st Judicial Circuit or search statewide. Case.net is free, but it is not a certified record. The court records page covers the full search.
Can I view documents online?
Sometimes. Missouri Courts allows public users to view, download and print case documents remotely only for public documents filed on or after July 1, 2023. Older paper documents stay at the clerk's office, and courthouse terminals can read electronic case documents.
Is Case.net official proof of a record?
No. Case.net is a public information system. For certified copies, official docket copies or questions about sealed records, contact the Circuit Clerk. See the Circuit Clerk page for fees and steps.
Can I use Case.net for federal cases?
No. Federal cases are searched through PACER and CM/ECF, not Case.net. St. Louis County is in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
St. Louis County Courthouse Questions
These questions cover visiting the Clayton courthouse and getting copies.
Where is the St. Louis County courthouse?
The Courts Building is at 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The main phone is 314-615-8029. The circuit court page covers the court structure.
Where should I park for court?
The court points to the Shaw Park Drive Garage and Transit Center at 232 S. Meramec, one block south of the Courts Building. The Clayton MetroLink station is at that garage. Confirm current parking rates before arrival.
What can I not bring into the courthouse?
Weapons and sharp items are prohibited and may be confiscated. All visitors pass through security. Remove metal objects such as belts, jewelry, watches and steel-toed shoes. Recording in courtrooms needs judge authorization.
How do I get a certified court copy?
Contact the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse. Case.net is not a certified copy. The fee schedule lists a certified copy, one page and seal, at $1.50 plus $0.30 per additional page, and an authenticated copy at $3.50.
How do I request disability accommodations?
The court lists Request for Accommodations under Services. Call 314-615-8029 before arrival to arrange ADA, interpreter or hearing-assistance needs.
Who Keeps St. Louis County Records
Different offices hold different records. These questions sort out which office to ask.
Who keeps court records in St. Louis County?
The Circuit Clerk keeps circuit-court case records. The Recorder of Deeds keeps marriage-license records and recorded land documents. Police reports and county executive-branch records go through the agency or the county Sunshine portal. See public records for the Sunshine track.
How do I request police records?
Use the St. Louis County Police Central Police Records Unit or the county Sunshine portal. Central Police Records is at 7900 Forsyth Blvd., Room B-013, Clayton, phone 314-615-5317, open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The arrest records page has more.
What is the appellate court for St. Louis County?
State appeals from the 21st Judicial Circuit generally go to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District. Further review may go to the Supreme Court of Missouri.
Marriage, Divorce and Probate
These questions cover family and estate records.
How do I search divorce records?
Search Case.net for public family and dissolution cases. Divorce cases are handled by the Family Court division of the 21st Judicial Circuit. Some financial, child or confidential identifiers may be redacted. See marriage and divorce records.
How do I get a marriage license copy?
Use the Recorder of Deeds marriage copy order form. Marriage records date back to 1877. Certified copies are $9 each; photocopies are $2. Mail the form to Recorder of Deeds, Attn: Marriage License, 41 South Central Ave, Clayton, MO 63105.
How much is a marriage license?
The license and keepsake license cost $48.00. Certified copies are $9 each. Convenience fees apply to card and eCheck transactions. The Recorder of Deeds page covers the full fee list.
What court handles probate?
The Probate Division of the St. Louis County Circuit Court handles estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, trusts and civil commitment. It is part of the 21st Judicial Circuit. See probate records.
Criminal Records, Jail and Warrants
These questions cover arrests, custody, release and warrants.
Are criminal records public?
Many criminal case records are public through Case.net, including case number, charges, bond, docket entries, hearings, disposition and sentence. Victim, witness and child information, sealed cases and expunged records are not public. See arrest records.
Are juvenile records public?
Generally no. RSMo 211.321 makes juvenile court records confidential except by court order to persons with legitimate interest or under specific statutory exceptions, including some serious offenses.
How do I expunge a Missouri criminal record?
File a petition in the court where you were charged or found guilty. RSMo 610.140 covers many conviction expungements. St. Louis County lists $355.50 for conviction expungement, $105.50 for arrest expungement under 610.123 and no deposit for mistaken identity under 610.145.
How do I find an inmate in St. Louis County?
Use the official county jail information and call Justice Services at 314-615-5245. Also check Case.net for charges, VINELink for custody notifications, Missouri DOC for state custody and the BOP for federal custody. See inmate records.
Does St. Louis County publish released inmates?
No official released-inmate list was located. Verify release through Justice Services, VINELink, Case.net, Missouri DOC or the BOP depending on custody type. See released inmates.
How do I find a warrant?
No official county active-warrant portal exists. Search Case.net for public docket entries, then contact the court division or an attorney. Sealed, juvenile and active investigative warrants are not public. See warrant records.
Traffic Tickets and Payments
These questions cover citations and online payment.
What court handles traffic tickets?
Traffic may be handled by municipal divisions, associate circuit divisions or traffic commissioner divisions, depending on the issuing agency and charge. A municipal ticket number can often locate a case if the municipal division uses Show-Me Courts. See traffic court records.
How do I pay fines or tickets online?
Use Case.net Pay By Web if the case is eligible. Missouri Courts warns that not all municipal cases are eligible for Pay By Web or Plead and Pay. Paying a fine is usually a guilty plea that affects the driver record.