Missouri

Background Checks for Employment in Missouri

Missouri does not restrict the use of background checks for employment. Criminal history records are public in Missouri and can be accessed by any person.

Public Employment – Applicants for public employment in Missouri will be required to undergo a fingerprint-based background check that will include active case information and settled cases, including arrest information.

Missouri Lottery – Applicants to the Missouri Lottery will be required to undergo a fingerprint-based background check and a credit history check run by a third party.

Private Employment – Private employers are not permitted to use fingerprint-based background checks. A name-based check will show limited information. The information included on a name-based check is confined to active charges.

**Employers in Missouri are required to inform and receive consent from any applicant that is required to undergo a credit history check.

Missouri Criminal Background Check

Employers, government officials, adoption agencies, military recruiters, mortgage lenders, and many others will request a copy of your criminal and civil background information at some point to process applications and evaluate risk. It’s important to know what’s contained in your criminal record and correct any errors or omissions before the documents are sent to officials.

There are two forms of criminal background checks available in Missouri: one requires the individual’s name, birthdate, social security number, and the other requires certified fingerprints. 

Employers must have your consent to check your criminal record, but others with the necessary information may as well. The state limits the use of criminal history in professional licensure, prohibiting a past conviction from disqualifying an applicant outright.

What Arrest Records Would Show in a Background Report?

Missouri restricts private employers to the use of name-based background checks. These checks will only include arrest data that is less than 30 days old.

• Warrants – Warrants will not be included in a Missouri background check.

• DUI – Arrests and convictions for DUI will be included in a Missouri background check.

• Drug / Marijuana – Missouri has decriminalized marijuana to a large degree. Convictions for marijuana and drug charges will be included in a Missouri background check.

• Sex Offender – The sex offender registry is public information in Missouri. Sex-based convictions will be included in background checks.

• Probation – Probation will not be included in a background check. However, the underlying conviction will be included.

• Mugshots – Mugshots will not be included in background checks in Missouri.

• Juvenile – Juvenile records will not be available in a background check unless the charge is a Class A felony. Missouri allows juvenile records to be sealed after the individual’s 17th birthday by request.

What if the Information is Incorrect on a Missouri Background Check?

The Missouri State Highway Patrol must correct incorrect information. Court filing fees will likely apply.