MACHS Name Search Portal Frequently Asked Questions

PLEASE NOTE:

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is required to view PDF documentation responses in MACHS. The software can be downloaded for free at the following location: https://get.adobe.com/reader. Acrobat Reader DC desktop software runs on both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Personnel at the MSHP will provide system support to MACHS users.
That support consists of assistance with login issues, creating inquiries, and reviewing responses.
The MSHP does not provide support for issues relating to Firewalls, Anti-virus software, and/or web browser settings.
Not all web browsers or devices are compatible with MACHS. If you are having any issues, please try another web browser or device to access this application.
Agencies should engage their internal IT staff to troubleshoot these issues.

A 1: The criminal history information accessed via this portal is conviction based data and is considered public record. Private individuals, public and private businesses, including state agencies can access criminal history data from this site.

A 2: The majority of the criminal background check requests submitted through this site will return immediately. However, in certain cases responses make take longer based on the research required to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the record. Please allow 10-14 business days for the response.

A 3: The fee for a name-based search is $15.00 per individual searched, plus an additional payment processing fee. All credit and debit card payment through this site must be made via the State of Missouri payment portal.

A 4: Unfortunately, the CJIS Division cannot provide a refund once a search has been submitted. Therefore, a new request will need to be conducted with the correct information and additional fee(s) pursuant to statute.

A 5: Please check the "Order History" page in your account to see if the results were processed or went to 'pending' status. If the results are not there, please click on the "Shopping Cart" link in the tool bar and click on the "Retry" button at the bottom of your shopping cart to finish processing.

A 6: Yes, for a fee of $5.00 and can be chosen during the criminal background check request. A notarized letter cannot be requested after the original criminal background check submission. You will need to select "Yes" in the Mail Notarized Results optional field before adding the request to the shopping cart. Notarized letters will be mailed through the U.S. Postal Service along with a printed copy of the results.

A 7: Open records, pursuant to Chapter 610 of the Revised Statues of Missouri, may be accessed via this portal. Open records include convictions, arrests within 30 days, pending charges, and suspended imposition of sentence during probation. Missouri closed records and FBI records are not accessable via a MACHS Name Search request.

A 8: To conduct a record check through this site you will need the name of the individual you are searching, and either their exact date of birth or social security number. It is recommended to conduct your search using both the date of birth and social security number.

A 9: Criminal history responses retuned by MACHS will remain viewable in your account for 90 days. During this time, you may print your response or save it to a file on your computer. Responses older than 90 days will be placed in expired status. If you need another copy of your response after 90 days have passed you will need to submit a new request with applicable fees.

A 10: The web browser Safari is not compatible with this site. It is recommended to utilize either Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.

A 11: Since the criminal history data within the Central Repository is updated daily, responses receveied from this website are valid as of the date and time the record check was completed.

A 12: For a record to be declared a positive match, at least two components (First & Last Name, Date of Birth, and/or Social Security Number) of the personal identifier information supplied must be an exact match to the criminal history record on file. The MACHS Name Search Portal allows up to two maiden or alias names to be searched in addition to the initial name within a single inquiry.

Examples of Inquiries that Match:

Match on First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, and Social Security Number = Match
Match on First Name, Last Name, and Date of Birth = Match
Match on First Name, Last Name, and Social Security Number = Match
Match on Alias First Name, Alias Last Name, and Date of Birth = Match
Match on Date of Birth and Social Security Number = Match

Examples of No-Match Inquiries:

None of the Identifiers supplied match a record = No Match
Match on First Name and Last Name Only = No Match
Match on Date of Birth Only = No Match
Match on Social Security Number Only = No Match

A 13: Yes. Common names and the possibility of identity theft can result in false positives and false negatives. A fingerprint criminal record check would guarantee positive identification.

A 14: The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division maintains the Central Repository per state statute 43.500 RSMo.

A 15: Criminal history record information is updated daily per Section 43.503 RSMo by all law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and the Department of Corrections.

A 16: Section 43.506 RSMo, governs the crimes that are to be reported to the Central Repository.

A 17: Yes, searches will include information pertaining to any sex offenders currently registered within the state of Missouri, even if the sex offense occurred out-of-state.

A 18: If information contained within the record is inaccurate or incomplete you must provide supporting documentation to the MSHP CJIS Division.

A 19: If you do not believe that a record received from this site is yours please contact the CJIS Division for instructions for how to challenge your report.

A 20: The record in question may not have been submitted to the Central Repository or be a reportable offense per 43.506 RSMo.