Find Scott County Public Records
Scott County public records are held at the courthouse in Benton, the county seat, and across several county offices in southeast Missouri. With about 38,000 residents, Scott County is one of the more active counties in the region for record requests. The Recorder of Deeds stores land documents and marriage licenses, while the Circuit Clerk manages court files for the 33rd Judicial Circuit. Records in Scott County go back to 1822. You can search court cases online through CaseNet. Land records and other county documents are available at the courthouse. This page explains every main way to find and get public records in Scott County.
Scott County Quick Facts
Scott County Recorder of Deeds
The Scott County Recorder of Deeds files and stores all land and property documents for the county. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and military discharges. Records go back to 1822. The Recorder's office is at the courthouse in Benton. Call (573) 545-3551 to ask about a specific document or check on copy fees.
The Scott County government website provides contact details and links to county departments. Below is a view of the county site, which lists offices and basic service information for residents who need to find public records.
The site is a good starting point when you need phone numbers, addresses, or office hours for specific departments. Staff at the Recorder's office can search by name, legal description, or document type. They pull files and make copies for a fee that follows state rates. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. The office also handles marriage license applications.
| Office | Scott County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address |
131 South Winchester Street Benton, MO 63736 |
| Phone | (573) 545-3551 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Scott County Court Records
Scott County is part of the 33rd Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk maintains all court files at the courthouse in Benton. Civil lawsuits, criminal charges, family law matters, probate, and traffic cases are all part of the court record. These are public unless sealed by a judge.
Search Scott County court records online using Missouri CaseNet. This free statewide tool covers every circuit court in Missouri, including the 33rd Circuit. Enter a name or case number to see charges, docket entries, hearing dates, and case results. CaseNet is updated regularly and handles recent cases well. Older filings from before the system went digital may not show up, so reach out to the clerk for those.
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Scott County gives you a quick overview of county offices and their functions. Check the profile below for contact information.
This resource lists basic facts about Scott County and can point you to the right department for the record type you need.
Note: Scott County shares the 33rd Judicial Circuit with Mississippi County and Wayne County in southeast Missouri.
Scott County Property and Tax Records
The Scott County Assessor determines property values for tax purposes. The Collector handles tax bills and takes payments. Both offices are at the courthouse in Benton. Tax records are open to the public. You can check any property's assessed value and payment history by contacting these offices.
For a full title search on Scott County property, start with the Recorder for deed history and lien records. Then check with the Collector for any outstanding taxes or tax liens. The Circuit Clerk can tell you about pending court actions that might affect the property, such as foreclosures or civil judgments. All three offices are in the same building, so you can work through the process in one visit to the courthouse in Benton.
Missouri's Sunshine Law under Chapter 610 RSMo gives you the right to access public records in Scott County. The county must respond within three business days. They can charge copy fees but not for the time spent looking up your request.
Vital Records in Scott County
Birth and death certificates in Missouri are managed at the state level. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services holds vital records from 1910 on. You can order copies online, by mail, or at the state office in Jefferson City. Scott County does not issue birth or death certificates directly.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Scott County Recorder. Both parties must show up in person with valid ID. Missouri has no waiting period. The license is good for 30 days statewide. Divorce records are court files held by the Circuit Clerk in the 33rd Judicial Circuit. You can search for them on CaseNet or request copies at the courthouse in Benton.
How to Get Scott County Records
CaseNet is the best online option for court records. It covers the 33rd Judicial Circuit and is free to use.
Visit the Scott County Courthouse at 131 South Winchester Street in Benton for in-person requests. Bring ID and payment for copies. Staff can usually pull records while you wait. For larger file requests, it may take a day. Call the office ahead of time to confirm what you need is on hand, especially for older records.
Send mail requests to the appropriate office at the Scott County Courthouse, Benton, MO 63736. Include your name, phone number, a clear record description, and a check or money order for copy fees. Allow one to three weeks for processing. The Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City holds historical Scott County records on microfilm for researchers.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Scott County in southeast Missouri. Each one maintains its own set of public records at its own courthouse. Verify the location before you send a request.