Missouri Department of Corrections announces new visitor background check requirements

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Department of Corrections is updating its background check requirements for people visiting residents at state prisons.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, adult visitors whose most recent visiting application was approved before Oct. 1, 2023, will need to have a newly approved application on file.

Anyone who applied to become a visitor while younger than 18 and has since turned 18 also must submit a new application.

The department is encouraging affected visitors to apply as soon as possible to allow time for applications to be processed before the new requirements take effect.

Under the updated rules, visitors will be required to submit a new application whenever their approved application reaches three years old or when they turn 18.

After Oct. 1, anyone who does not have an approved visiting application on file will not be permitted to visit a resident at a Missouri Department of Corrections facility.

The department said the changes are intended to improve safety at its facilities.