Missouri regulates the preparation of official stenographic records through certification standards established by the Missouri Supreme Court. When a deposition transcript is intended to function as the official record in Missouri litigation, it must be prepared and certified by a qualified Certified Court Reporter (CCR) recognized under Missouri Supreme Court authority and in compliance with Missouri Supreme Court Rules governing depositions and transcript preparation.
Under Missouri Supreme Court Rule 57 and related provisions addressing depositions, testimony must be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths, and the transcript must be properly certified. The certification must affirm that the reporter accurately reported and transcribed the testimony and was authorized to act in that capacity. Missouri courts rely on the certified transcript as the definitive evidentiary record for motion practice, impeachment, and trial proceedings.
Remote depositions are permitted by stipulation of the parties or court order. The use of remote technology does not eliminate the requirement that the transcript be prepared and certified by a properly credentialed Missouri CCR when the transcript is intended for court filing or evidentiary reliance. Video or audio recording may supplement testimony but does not replace a certified stenographic transcript unless expressly authorized.
For deposition transcripts intended to support dispositive motions, evidentiary hearings, or appellate review in Missouri courts, confirmation of CCR qualification and compliance with Supreme Court transcript standards is essential to protect admissibility and procedural integrity.
Under Missouri Supreme Court Rule 57 and related provisions addressing depositions, testimony must be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths, and the transcript must be properly certified. The certification must affirm that the reporter accurately reported and transcribed the testimony and was authorized to act in that capacity. Missouri courts rely on the certified transcript as the definitive evidentiary record for motion practice, impeachment, and trial proceedings.
Remote depositions are permitted by stipulation of the parties or court order. The use of remote technology does not eliminate the requirement that the transcript be prepared and certified by a properly credentialed Missouri CCR when the transcript is intended for court filing or evidentiary reliance. Video or audio recording may supplement testimony but does not replace a certified stenographic transcript unless expressly authorized.
For deposition transcripts intended to support dispositive motions, evidentiary hearings, or appellate review in Missouri courts, confirmation of CCR qualification and compliance with Supreme Court transcript standards is essential to protect admissibility and procedural integrity.
Last reviewed for accuracy: April 2026
