Missouri Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Missouri State Highway Patrol — Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS)

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Missouri uses the MACHS (Missouri Automated Criminal History Site) system for all criminal background checks.
   • Name-based (online): Visit machs.mo.gov and use the MACHS Name Search Portal. The fee is $15 plus a small convenience fee. Results are available immediately online.
   • Fingerprint-based (recommended for immigration): Use the MACHS Fingerprint Search Portal to schedule a fingerprinting appointment through IDEMIA. Visit an IdentoGO location to have your fingerprints captured electronically via LiveScan. The fee is $32 ($20 state fee + $12 vendor fee). Request a notarized letter for an additional $5.
   • For immigration purposes, the fingerprint-based check with a notarized response letter is recommended.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Name-based MACHS searches return results instantly online.
   • Fingerprint-based results take 7 to 10 business days and are mailed to the applicant.
   • The notarized response letter is the format suitable for apostille and immigration submission.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit your background check to the Missouri Secretary of State for an apostille.
   • In person: Visit the Notaries & Commissions Unit at 600 West Main, Room 322, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Walk-in requests can be processed same day.
   • By mail: Send the document with a $10 check or money order payable to "Secretary of State" and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail processing takes 5-7 business days.
   • The apostille fee is $10 per document. Payment can also be made by credit card (with a small convenience fee).

4. STEP 4Translate via EcuadorTranslations.com

   • Upload your apostilled background check to EcuadorTranslations.com for certified Spanish translation.
   • Cost: $150 per document ($130 each for 3 or more documents).
   • Turnaround: 3 business days. Your translation is certified and notarized, ready for submission to Ecuador immigration.

Apostille authority

Key notes

• MACHS name-based searches only return open records: convictions, recent arrests (under 30 days), pending charges, and probation records. Sealed or expunged records are excluded.
• For immigration, request the notarized response letter ($5 additional) with your fingerprint-based check — this is the format that can be apostilled.
• Contact MACHS support at (573) 526-6153 or the Secretary of State at (573) 751-2783 with questions.
• IDEMIA/IdentoGO fingerprinting locations are available statewide — find the nearest site at machs.mo.gov.

Sources and verification