How to Obtain Your Criminal Background Check in Missouri

Criminal Background Check in Missouri: Everything You Need to Know

Criminal background checks are an integral part of many personal, legal, and professional processes. In Missouri, these checks are conducted to assess an individual’s criminal history, providing valuable insights into their past involvement in criminal activities. Whether you’re an employer hiring new staff, a landlord screening tenants, or simply someone looking to understand their own record, it’s essential to know how criminal background checks are carried out in the state.

In this section, we’ll explore what criminal background checks are, the process of obtaining one in Missouri, the different types of checks available, and why these checks are important.

What is a Criminal Background Check?

A criminal background check is a process that examines an individual’s criminal history, including any arrests, charges, convictions, and sometimes even pending cases. It’s a critical tool used by employers, landlords, legal authorities, and individuals to assess whether someone has a criminal history that could impact their eligibility for certain jobs, housing, or legal privileges.

Criminal background checks are used to:

  • Ensure that a person is fit for employment, especially in roles involving vulnerable populations (such as children, elderly individuals, or healthcare settings).
  • Verify that someone applying for housing does not pose a risk to other tenants.
  • Evaluate the criminal history of individuals applying for licenses or certifications in regulated professions.
  • Help legal authorities in ongoing investigations or background evaluations.

The information uncovered through a criminal background check depends on the type of check being performed and the level of access allowed by law. These checks can be essential in making informed decisions regarding safety, responsibility, and eligibility.

Missouri Criminal Background Check Process

In Missouri, criminal background checks are primarily conducted by state agencies, law enforcement agencies, and online services. These checks provide crucial details regarding an individual’s criminal history.

Key Agencies Involved

  1. Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP): The MSHP operates the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS), which is the central repository for criminal records in Missouri. The MSHP’s role is to maintain and release criminal history information when requested by authorized agencies or individuals.
  2. Local Law Enforcement Agencies: Local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and municipal courts keep records of arrests and crimes that occur within their jurisdictions. These records may not always appear in the state database but can still be important for conducting a thorough background check.
  3. Missouri Criminal Records Repository: Managed by the MSHP, this repository houses information about criminal records, including arrests, charges, and convictions. Criminal history records from various local and state law enforcement agencies are stored here, providing a comprehensive account of an individual’s criminal history.

Steps in the Criminal Background Check Process

  1. Request Submission: The process of obtaining a criminal background check in Missouri begins with submitting a request. This can be done online through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS), or in person at local law enforcement agencies for fingerprint-based checks.
  2. Providing Information: To conduct the check, the individual requesting the background check will need to provide relevant details, such as the subject’s full name, date of birth, and sometimes their social security number.
  3. Payment of Fees: Background checks in Missouri usually come with a fee. Name-based background checks may cost around $14, while fingerprint-based checks could be more expensive, depending on the agency.
  4. Receiving Results: After the request is processed, the results of the criminal background check are typically delivered to the requesting party. The timeline can vary, with name-based checks taking a few days and fingerprint-based checks taking longer.

Types of Criminal Background Checks in Missouri

Missouri offers several types of criminal background checks, each of which serves a specific purpose and level of detail. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

  1. Fingerprint-Based Criminal Background Check:
    • How it works: This type of background check uses the individual’s fingerprints to match against state and federal criminal databases. It provides the most accurate and thorough results, as fingerprints are unique to every person.
    • When it’s used: Fingerprint-based checks are required for certain sensitive positions, such as working in schools, healthcare, government jobs, and other roles where safety and trustworthiness are critical.
  2. Name-Based Criminal Background Check:
    • How it works: In a name-based check, personal identifiers such as the individual’s full name and date of birth are used to search criminal records in state and local databases. While it’s a less comprehensive method than fingerprinting, it is still commonly used for general screening purposes.
    • When it’s used: Name-based checks are often employed for employment screenings, housing applications, and other non-sensitive roles.
  3. Local Law Enforcement Checks:
    • How it works: These checks focus on records kept by local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and municipal courts. They may include details about arrests, charges, and convictions that may not appear in the statewide or federal databases.
    • When it’s used: Local checks are typically used by landlords, small businesses, or others seeking to verify criminal history within a specific area.
  4. Federal Background Checks:
    • How it works: In addition to state and local checks, federal background checks include information from the FBI database, which contains federal crimes and nationwide criminal history information. This check requires fingerprints and is typically conducted for federal employment, immigration matters, or specific legal proceedings.
    • When it’s used: Federal background checks are required in certain specialized professions or cases that fall under federal jurisdiction.

Who Needs a Criminal Background Check in Missouri?

Criminal background checks are commonly required in a variety of situations. Understanding who needs these checks is essential for anyone involved in employment, housing, or legal processes in Missouri.

1. Employers

Employers often request criminal background checks to assess potential hires. Depending on the job, criminal history may be a factor in determining whether an individual is suitable for employment. Some positions, especially those in sensitive fields such as healthcare, education, and childcare, require background checks to ensure the safety of others.

2. Landlords

Landlords may conduct criminal background checks as part of the tenant screening process. They typically want to verify that potential tenants do not have a criminal history that could pose a risk to other tenants or the property.

3. Adoption Agencies

Before placing a child for adoption, agencies typically require a criminal background check on the adopting parents to ensure a safe and stable environment.

4. Licensing Agencies

Certain professions in Missouri require licensing or certification, and criminal background checks are often part of the vetting process. This includes professions such as healthcare workers, teachers, and law enforcement officers.

5. Firearm Purchases

When purchasing a firearm, Missouri residents must undergo a criminal background check to ensure they meet the legal requirements for gun ownership.

6. Individuals

Individuals may also request their own criminal background check for personal use, whether to review their own history before applying for a job, renting a home, or engaging in legal proceedings.

How to Obtain a Criminal Background Check in Missouri and Why ExactBackgroundChecks.com is Your Trusted Resource

Obtaining a criminal background check in Missouri can be a straightforward process, but it requires an understanding of where to request records, what information is needed, and what steps to take to ensure a complete and accurate check. Whether you are an individual seeking your own criminal history report, an employer verifying a potential hire, or a landlord screening tenants, understanding how to request and utilize criminal background checks is essential.

In this section, we will provide a detailed guide on how to obtain a criminal background check in Missouri and explain how services like ExactBackgroundChecks.com can assist you in getting reliable and quick results.

Steps to Get a Criminal Background Check in Missouri

The process for obtaining a criminal background check in Missouri involves several steps. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to request a background check from the appropriate authorities.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Check You Need

The first step is to determine which type of criminal background check is necessary for your specific situation. There are different types of checks depending on the level of detail you need:

  • Name-Based Criminal Background Check: For general screenings, such as employment or tenant verification.
  • Fingerprint-Based Criminal Background Check: For more thorough checks, typically required for certain employment positions, such as those in healthcare or law enforcement.
  • Local Law Enforcement Records: For checking records within a specific city or county.
  • Federal Background Check: For jobs or legal matters that require federal clearance.

Depending on your requirements, you will need to choose the right type of check. Employers may need to ensure the check complies with regulatory standards for their industry, while individuals may want to check their own records before applying for jobs or licenses.

Step 2: Submit Your Request to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP)

For statewide criminal background checks, the primary source is the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP). You can request a criminal background check through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS), which is run by the MSHP.

  • Online Request: The easiest and fastest way to obtain a criminal background check is online through the MACHS website. The process is straightforward, and you will need to provide basic personal information, such as the subject’s name and date of birth. You will also need to pay a fee for the service, which is typically around $14 for a name-based check.
  • In-Person Request: For fingerprint-based checks, you will need to visit an authorized local law enforcement agency to have your fingerprints taken. These agencies will then forward your fingerprints to the MSHP for processing.

Step 3: Provide the Required Information

When submitting a request for a criminal background check, whether online or in-person, you will need to provide some basic information about the individual whose record is being checked. This typically includes:

  • Full name (including any aliases)
  • Date of birth
  • Social security number (for more precise results)
  • Current address (if available)
  • Signature for consent (in the case of employer requests)

This information helps ensure that the correct criminal record is matched to the right individual.

Step 4: Pay the Associated Fees

Most criminal background checks in Missouri require payment of a fee. Fees vary based on the type of check being conducted, but here are some general guidelines:

  • Name-Based Check: Around $14.
  • Fingerprint-Based Check: Typically more expensive, as it involves additional processing and verification steps.
  • Federal Background Check: Fees for these checks may differ depending on the type of record request.

Payments are generally accepted online through credit cards or other payment methods.

Step 5: Wait for the Results

Once your request is submitted, you will need to wait for the processing of the criminal background check. The timeline can vary:

  • Name-Based Check: These checks usually take a few business days to process, though results can sometimes be available within minutes if requested through the online system.
  • Fingerprint-Based Check: This type of check can take several weeks to process due to the need for fingerprint analysis and matching.
  • Local and Federal Checks: Processing times for local and federal background checks vary, and in some cases, you may need to request additional records directly from local agencies or the FBI.

Once your criminal background check is processed, the results will be available either electronically or by mail, depending on how you submitted the request.

Online Background Check Options

In addition to going through the MSHP, many individuals and employers opt to use third-party services for criminal background checks. These services offer convenience, fast results, and sometimes additional features that can help streamline the process.

One such service is ExactBackgroundChecks.com, a reliable and secure platform for obtaining criminal background checks.

How ExactBackgroundChecks.com Works

ExactBackgroundChecks.com allows individuals, businesses, and organizations to easily access criminal background check services online. The platform offers several benefits:

  • Fast Results: ExactBackgroundChecks.com provides quick turnaround times for background checks, offering results often within hours or a few days, depending on the type of check.
  • Accuracy: The service works with trusted data sources, including the MSHP and federal databases, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Comprehensive Reports: ExactBackgroundChecks.com offers detailed reports that include information on felonies, misdemeanors, arrests, and sex offender status. This makes it easy to get a full picture of an individual’s criminal history.
  • Secure Platform: The platform ensures that personal data is protected with high-level security measures, complying with data protection and privacy laws.
  • Affordable Pricing: ExactBackgroundChecks.com offers competitive pricing for individuals and businesses. The cost of background checks varies depending on the level of detail required, but it is often more affordable than going through multiple government agencies.

Types of Checks Available on ExactBackgroundChecks.com

ExactBackgroundChecks.com provides access to a wide range of background check options, including:

  • Name-Based Criminal History: Quickly access basic criminal records using just a person’s name.
  • Fingerprint-Based Criminal Checks: A thorough option for those who require the highest level of accuracy.
  • National Background Checks: Including access to federal and state databases, ensuring you get the most comprehensive records possible.

For businesses and employers, ExactBackgroundChecks.com offers:

  • Pre-Employment Screening: Ensure you are hiring trustworthy candidates by screening applicants before hiring.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Keep track of any updates or new criminal records that might affect your employees or tenants.
  • Customizable Packages: Tailored background check services to meet the specific needs of your business or organization.

Why Choose ExactBackgroundChecks.com?

There are many reasons why using ExactBackgroundChecks.com is a smart choice for obtaining criminal background checks in Missouri:

  1. Convenience: No need to navigate multiple government websites or wait in long lines—request checks quickly and easily online.
  2. Fast and Reliable Results: Receive criminal history reports within hours, rather than waiting weeks for traditional methods.
  3. Secure and Confidential: ExactBackgroundChecks.com prioritizes your privacy, keeping all sensitive data secure throughout the process.
  4. Compliant with Legal Standards