WomensLaw is not just for women. We serve and support all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Important: Even if courts are closed, you can still file for a protection order and other emergency relief. See our FAQ on Courts and COVID-19.

Legal Information: Missouri

Restraining Orders

View all
Updated: 
November 14, 2019

If I don't register my protection order, will it be more difficult to have it enforced?

No, it should not be more difficult to get your protection order enforced if you do not register your order. Law enforcement officers are required to enforce an out-of-state protection order in the same way they enforce a MO order although whereas they can rely upon a regular copy of a MO order, they may ask for a certified copy of an out-of-state order.1 If you are unsure about whether registering your order is the right decision for you, you may want to contact a local domestic violence organization in your area. An advocate there can help you decide what the safest plan of action is for you in Missouri. To see a list of local domestic violence organizations in MO, go to our MO State and Local Program page.

1 MO ST § 455.083

Legal Information

Online Information Clinic about restraining orders coming September 22, 2020 at 12 pm EDT

© 2008–2020 WomensLaw.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is funded in part through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). NNEDV is a 501©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 52-1973408.