Missouri’s Underground Facility Safety and Damage Prevention Act has been updated with a significant change that affects all excavators, utilities, and locators across the state. Signed into law by Governor Mike Kehoe in July 2025, Senate Bill 133 establishes a new definition for Ticket Life. This update officially took effect on October 1, 2025.
The new law (RSMo 319.025) clearly defines the maximum Ticket Life as 21 consecutive calendar days, beginning on the excavator’s stated start date of work. Each ticket will automatically expire at 11:59 p.m. on the 21st day, regardless of weekends or holidays. Beginning October 1, 2025, the expiration date will also be printed directly on the ticket for added clarity.
It is important to note that both the old and new law require excavators to request a renewal ticket if utility markings have deteriorated to the point that they can’t be readily identified. The critical change, however, is that the new law establishes a strict maximum Ticket Life: no ticket may remain valid beyond 21 consecutive days, even if markings are still visible. If excavation must continue after the 21 consecutive day Ticket Life, a renewal ticket must be submitted, and the excavator must wait for the utilities to be remarked.
It is important to note that tickets submitted before October 1, 2025, will still be managed under the old law, meaning excavation can continue as long as markings remain visible and accurate.
The new law provides excavators with a clear and predictable timeline for every project. Each ticket is valid for a maximum of 21 consecutive days, provided that the utility markings are still legible. Having a clear and defined timeline will help excavators better plan and schedule their work.
To make the process easier, Missouri 811 will now email excavators on day 14 (seven days before ticket expiration) to confirm whether the project will be completed on time. If additional time is needed, Missouri 811 will provide simple step-by-step instructions on how to submit a renewal ticket so excavation can continue without unnecessary delays.
Excavators should still take care to monitor site markings throughout their projects. If markings become obscured by weather, construction, or other activity, a renewal ticket will still be required before continuing work.
For utility owners, the new 21-day Ticket Life offers a clearer timeline to manage excavation activity and allocate resources. You will know exactly when a ticket expires and can plan accordingly.
For locators, the defined expiration date makes scheduling more efficient. You will know how long markings are expected to remain valid and when to anticipate potential renewals.
This change is designed to improve communication, enhance safety, and reduce confusion about when excavation tickets expire. With a defined 21 consecutive day window, all stakeholders, excavators, utilities, and locators are working from the same timeline. This not only helps prevent utility damages but also streamlines project planning across the state.
This change is part of Missouri’s Underground Facility Safety and Damage Prevention Act, specifically RSMo 319.025, which now establishes that excavation notices have an operational life ending at 11:59 p.m. twenty-one consecutive calendar days from the start date of work.