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