Missouri Highway Patrol Background Check: How It Works?

The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of Missouri’s roadways and communities. Established in 1931, the MSHP is a premier law enforcement agency dedicated to enforcing traffic laws, investigating crimes, and providing vital public safety services. With a commitment to professionalism and excellence, the Patrol’s officers are highly trained to handle a diverse range of responsibilities, from accident investigations and traffic control to criminal investigations and emergency response.

This article delves into the operations of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, highlighting its ongoing efforts to protect and serve the people of Missouri. Additionally, we will explore the background check process, detailing how the MSHP provides a thorough look at one’s criminal history. We’ll explain the requirements and what information you can expect to find. So, let’s get started!

What Is the Missouri Highway Patrol Background Check?

A Missouri State Highway Patrol’s criminal background check provides important criminal history information from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. These checks are useful for jobs, licensing, and personal use, giving a clear view of someone’s criminal and driving records in Missouri. The process follows state law to ensure accurate and accessible data.

About the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division

Role and Responsibilities of the CJIS Division:

• Compilation and Maintenance: The CJIS Division compiles, maintains, and updates criminal history records.
• Dissemination: It disseminates this criminal history data to authorized entities, ensuring that the information is accurate and current.
• Central Repository: The division manages the Central Repository, which collects records from various law enforcement agencies and courts throughout Missouri.

Types of Criminal History Record Information Maintained and Disseminated:

• Arrest Records: Detailed accounts of all reported arrests.
• Criminal Incident Reports: Information on specific criminal incidents.
• Court Dispositions: Outcomes of criminal cases as decided by the courts.
• Corrections Data: Records of individuals within the corrections system.

Types of  Missouri Highway Patrol Background Check

There are two primary types of background checks offered by the Missouri Highway Patrol: Personal Identifier or Name-Based Searches and Fingerprint-Based Searches.

Personal Identifier or Name-Based Search

Description and Processing Details:

A personal identifier or name-based search uses details like name, date of birth, and social security number to get at criminal records and background check information. This type of search is less precise than fingerprint-based checks but still provides useful insights into a person’s criminal history.

Applicable Fees and How to Request:

• Fees: The typical fee for an online name-based search is around $15.
• Request Process: These searches can be requested online via the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) or by mail.

Fingerprint-Based Search

Description and Processing Details:

Fingerprint-based searches are more accurate as they use an individual’s fingerprints to search against state and FBI databases. This method provides a thorough criminal background check, making it ideal for employment and licensing purposes.

Applicable Fees and How to Request:

• Fees: Fees for fingerprint-based searches are often expensive and vary depending on whether the search is state-only or includes both state and FBI checks.
• Request Process: These can be requested online via MACHS or at designated fingerprinting locations.

Differences Between State and FBI Background Checks:

• State Background Check: Searches only within Missouri’s records.
• FBI Background Check: Includes information from across the United States, offering a more comprehensive view of an individual’s criminal history data.

Missouri Highway Patrol Background Check Processing Time and Fees

If you’re looking to get a background check through the Missouri Highway Patrol, it’s good to know the processing times and fees involved.

Estimated Processing Time:

• Mail Submissions: Processing time for mail-in personal identifier and fingerprint-based search requests is approximately 4-6 weeks.
• Electronic Submissions: Electronic submissions are typically processed much faster, often within a few days.

Detailed Fee Structure:

• Personal Identifier or Name-Based Search:
  • Online: $15
  • Mail: $15
• Fingerprint-Based Search:
  • State of Missouri Search: $20.00
  • FBI Search: $13.25
  • Fingerprint Vendor Fee: $11.50

Payment Methods and Restrictions:

• Payments for online requests must be made via credit or debit card through the State of Missouri payment portal.
• Mail requests can typically be paid via check or money order.

Notarized Responses

Sometimes, you might need your background check results to be notarized.

• Notarization Availability: Notarization services are available for background check results, which can add an extra layer of authenticity.
• Additional Fee: An additional fee is charged for notarized responses, though the exact amount varies.

Using the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS)

The Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) is your go-to online resource for all criminal justice information services conducting background checks.

MACHS Name Search Portal

Using the MACHS Name Search Portal, you can easily request a name-based background check.

Process for Requesting a Name-Based Background Check:

1. Visit the MACHS Name Search Portal.
2. Provide necessary personal details such as name, date of birth, and social security number.
3. Submit the request and pay the fee.

Fee Structure and Accepted Payment Methods:

• Fee: $15 per name-based search.
• Payment Methods: Payments must be made via credit or debit card through the State of Missouri payment portal.

MACHS Fingerprint Search Portal

For a more complete and accurate background check, the MACHS Fingerprint Search Portal is the way to go.

Process for Scheduling Fingerprinting Through IDEMIA:

1. Access the MACHS Fingerprint Search Portal.
2. Schedule an appointment for fingerprinting with IDEMIA.
3. Complete the fingerprinting at the designated location.

Fee Structure and Services Provided by IDEMIA:

• Fees:
  • State of Missouri Search: $20.00
  • FBI Search: $13.25
  • Fingerprint Vendor Fee: $11.50
• Services: IDEMIA provides fingerprinting services and submits the fingerprints for the background check.

Requirements For Missouri Highway Patrol Background Check

If you’re planning to get a Missouri Highway Patrol background check, here are some key points to know:

First, decide if you want a name-based or fingerprint-based check. For name-based checks, you’ll need personal details like your name and date of birth. Fingerprint-based checks require you to have your fingerprints taken, usually at a police station or an authorized service provider like IDEMIA.

Fees vary based on the type of check you choose, and you can pay online or by mail.

What Shows Up on Missouri Highway Patrol Background Check?

A Missouri Highway Patrol background check can reveal a range of criminal history information. This includes:

• Arrest records
• Criminal incidents
• Court dispositions
• Corrections data

It provides a comprehensive look at any interactions you’ve had with the criminal justice system in Missouri. This information is very important for employers, licensing and state agencies, and sometimes even for personal reasons, ensuring that all criminal history data is accurately presented.

Missouri Highway Patrol Background Check FAQs

How Far Back Does Missouri Go on Background Checks?

Missouri background checks typically cover your entire criminal history as reported to the Central Repository. This means any criminal records, regardless of how old they are, can appear on your background check.

How Do I Check My Criminal Record in Missouri?

You can check your criminal record in Missouri by requesting a background check from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. This can be done online through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) or by mail. You’ll need to provide your details or fingerprints, depending on the type of fingerprint based background check that you choose.

Can I Go to My Local Police Station to Get a Background Check?

Yes, you can often go to your local police station to get a background check. Many police stations can take your fingerprints for a fingerprint-based check or help you with a name-based check. However, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm they offer these services.

Final Thoughts on Missouri Highway Patrol Background Check

Getting a Missouri highway patrol background check is important for jobs, licenses, or personal reasons. This state background check also gives detailed criminal history information from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, including arrest records, criminal incidents, court outcomes, and corrections data.

You have two main options:

1. Name-based searches using personal details, which are quicker but less accurate.
2. Fingerprint-based searches, which are more precise.

Electronic submissions are processed faster than mail-in requests.

The CJIS Division ensures all criminal history record check data is accurate and reliable. Notarized responses and the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) make it easier to request and pay for these checks online. With this information, you can get all the facts you need from a Missouri highway patrol background check.