(a) Procedure. Any party to an action may move the court to seal a record that is not a confidential record, as defined in Court Operating Rule 4.24(a). The movant must overcome the presumption that judicial records should be open for public inspection.
Rule 55.0275.Sealing a Court Record.
Part I · Rule 55: Pleadings, Motions and Hearing · Last amended July 1, 2026 · Last verified July 22, 2026
In one sentenceRule 55.0275 sets the standard for sealing a non-confidential court record, requiring the party seeking to seal it to overcome the presumption that judicial records stay open and requiring the court to make specific written findings of a compelling justification before closing the record.
Full Text of Rule 55.0275
(b) Standard for Sealing. A court shall not seal a record unless there is a compelling justification for closing the record. To seal a record, a court shall enter an order setting forth the specific facts and circumstances compelling the record's closure. The court must make specific written findings that justify the record being sealed even if no objections to the motion to seal are made or the parties stipulate to the record being sealed.
(c) Court Order Required. A court order shall be required to open or allow access to sealed records. COMMENT This Rule sets forth the standard for sealing a record in all criminal and civil cases.
Amendment History
Adopted December 16, 2025, effective July 1, 2026; Amended April 21, 2026, effective July 1, 2026.
Plain-English Summary
Missouri court records start from a presumption of openness. A party who wants a record sealed has to overcome that presumption, not just ask for it, and the rule applies to records that aren’t already confidential records under the court’s operating rules — that category is handled separately.
The standard for sealing is a demanding one: a compelling justification for closing the record, backed by a court order that sets out the specific facts and circumstances behind the decision. Notably, the rule requires those written findings even when no one objects to the sealing motion or the parties agree to it. Agreement between the parties isn’t enough on its own — the court still has to justify closing a public record in writing.
Once a record is sealed, only a court order can open it back up or grant access to it. The rule’s own comment notes that this sealing standard applies across both criminal and civil cases, not just civil litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I seal a court record in Missouri?
File a motion showing a compelling justification for sealing. The court must then issue an order with specific written findings supporting closure.
Can the parties agree to seal a record without the court making findings?
No. Rule 55.0275 requires specific written findings even when no objection is raised or the parties stipulate to sealing.
What must a sealing order contain?
Specific facts and circumstances that compel closing the record, not just a conclusion that sealing is appropriate.
Does this rule apply to criminal cases too?
Yes. The rule’s comment states it sets the sealing standard for both criminal and civil cases.
How is a sealed record later unsealed?
Only by court order. Rule 55.0275(c) requires a court order to open or allow access to a sealed record.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Missouri State & Federal Court Rules, adopted by the
Supreme Court of Missouri. Last verified July 22, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: sealing a court recordmotion to sealsealed record standardcompelling justification for sealingpresumption of public accessseal a court record