Butler County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Butler County in 2026
ButlerCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information and data related to public records maintained by government agencies in Butler County, Missouri. Members of the public may use this resource to locate information that may be associated with individuals, properties, businesses, and government activities. Available record categories may include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and tax assessments
- Vital records such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates
- Business licenses and fictitious name registrations
- Arrest logs and incident reports (where permitted by law)
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
Records can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access: The Butler County Collector's and Assessor's offices maintain online portals for property tax and assessment records. The Missouri State Archives provides access to historical county and municipal records, land records, and legislative documents. The Missouri Case.net system allows the public to search court records statewide, including those filed in Butler County's 36th Judicial Circuit. No registration is required for basic case searches.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Butler County Clerk's Office or the Circuit Court Clerk's Office to inspect records in person. The Butler County Courthouse is located at 100 N. Main Street, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should be directed to the appropriate office by mail. Requestors must include a description of the records sought, the requestor's name and contact information, and any applicable fees. Under Missouri Sunshine Law § 610.023, a public governmental body must respond to a records request within three business days.
Phone/Email:
- Butler County Clerk: (573) 686-8050
- Circuit Court Clerk: (573) 686-8084
What Are Public Records in Butler County?
Public records in Butler County are defined under Missouri law as records retained by a public governmental body in the course of its official functions. Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.010, a "public record" includes any document, book, paper, photograph, map, sound recording, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or in connection with the transaction of official business. The following record types are currently maintained by Butler County agencies:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, family court records | Circuit Court Clerk |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Recorder of Deeds |
| Property tax and assessment records | Collector/Assessor |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | Missouri Bureau of Vital Records / Recorder |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk |
| Voting and election records | County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Commission |
| Budget and financial documents | County Auditor |
| Arrest logs and incident reports | Butler County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Planning and Zoning Office |
Birth and death certificates are issued at the state level through the Missouri vital records program, administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The Missouri Department of Social Services maintains certain social services records subject to applicable confidentiality provisions.
Is Butler County an Open Records County?
Butler County operates in full compliance with Missouri's open records framework. Under the Missouri Sunshine Law § 610.011, it is the public policy of the state that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law. This statute applies to all county offices, boards, and commissions within Butler County.
As stated in the Missouri Sunshine Law, "It is the public policy of this state that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law." This provision establishes a presumption of openness that governs all public records requests submitted to Butler County agencies.
The Missouri Attorney General's office provides guidance on Sunshine Law compliance and publishes resources for both requestors and governmental bodies. County offices are required to designate a custodian of records and to respond to requests within the timeframes established by statute. No county-specific ordinance currently restricts access beyond the limitations set forth in state law.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Butler County?
The current fee structure for public records in Butler County is governed by Missouri Sunshine Law provisions and individual office schedules. Standard fees applicable to most requests are as follows:
- Inspection of records: No charge for in-person inspection of open records
- Paper copies: $0.10 per page (standard letter or legal size)
- Certification of records: Fees vary by office; the Recorder of Deeds charges $1.00 per page for certified copies of recorded documents
- Electronic copies: Fees may apply depending on the format and volume of records requested
- Search fees: Permitted only when the search requires more than one hour of staff time; billed at the actual cost of staff time
Under Missouri law, a public governmental body may charge fees for providing access to public records, but such fees may not exceed the actual cost of document search, duplication, and document preparation. Accepted payment methods at Butler County offices include cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance varies by office. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the custodian of records.
Does Butler County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of open public records is available at Butler County government offices during regular business hours. Members of the public are entitled to inspect records without charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. The following resources provide free access to certain records:
- Missouri Case.net: Free online access to court case information for Butler County's 36th Judicial Circuit, including case summaries, party names, and hearing dates
- Butler County Assessor's Office: Free online access to property assessment data and ownership information
- Missouri State Archives: Free access to historical county records, land records, and other archival materials through the Missouri State Archives research portal
- County Commission Meeting Minutes: Available for free inspection at the County Clerk's Office and, in some instances, posted on the county's official website
Free inspection differs from free copies. While inspection carries no charge, reproduction of records is subject to the fee schedule described above. Certain records, such as voter registration information provided to candidates and political parties, are subject to specific statutory provisions governing cost and access.
Who Can Request Public Records in Butler County?
Any person may request access to public records maintained by Butler County governmental bodies. Under Missouri Sunshine Law, there is no residency requirement; non-residents of Missouri retain the same right of access as residents. Requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request for most categories of public records, and governmental bodies may not condition access on the disclosure of the requestor's intended use.
Requestors are not required to provide identification to inspect open records, though identification may be required when requesting records that contain personal information about the requestor, such as vital records. Certain record types—including criminal history records maintained by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and adoption records—carry additional eligibility requirements and may be accessible only to the subject of the record, authorized legal representatives, or parties with a demonstrated legal interest.
Non-residents requesting records by mail or electronically are subject to the same response timeframes and fee schedules as in-person requestors. Requests for records about oneself may require proof of identity to protect against unauthorized disclosure of personal information.
What Records Are Confidential in Butler County?
Not all records maintained by Butler County agencies are open to public inspection. Missouri law establishes specific categories of records that are closed or may be closed at the discretion of the custodian. The following records are exempt from disclosure under Missouri Revised Statutes:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not accessible to the general public
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juveniles in the court system are closed pursuant to Missouri juvenile code provisions
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from disclosed records
- Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Adoption records: Closed to the public except as authorized by statute or court order
- Child welfare and protective services records: Maintained as confidential by the Missouri Department of Social Services
- Personnel records: Employee records are closed except for name, position, compensation, and dates of employment
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt when submitted to a governmental body under a claim of confidentiality
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Withheld to protect public safety
Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.021 enumerates the specific categories of records that a public governmental body may close. The statute provides that closure is permissive rather than mandatory for most categories, meaning the custodian retains discretion to disclose records that fall within an exemption if disclosure serves the public interest.
Butler County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Butler County Recorder of Deeds
100 N. Main Street, Room 1
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
(573) 686-8052
Butler County Recorder of Deeds
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Butler County Clerk's Office
100 N. Main Street
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
(573) 686-8050
Butler County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Butler County Circuit Court Clerk (36th Judicial Circuit)
100 N. Main Street
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
(573) 686-8084
Missouri Courts – 36th Circuit
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Butler County Assessor's Office
100 N. Main Street
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
(573) 686-8084
Butler County Assessor
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Butler County Sheriff's Office
200 N. 6th Street
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
(573) 785-3351
Butler County Sheriff
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
As noted by the Missouri State Archives, "The Missouri State Archives is the repository for state records of historical value," and county-level records of enduring significance may be transferred to state custody for long-term preservation and public access.