PURPOSE: This rule specifies methods by which commercial entities, as defined under this chapter, may comply with ageverification requirements contained in the chapter.

1. (1) A commercial entity that operates a website or application subject to 15 CSR 60-18.020(1), and any third party that performs age verification under this chapter, shall require an individual to—

   1. (A) Provide digital identification; or

   2. (B) Comply with a commercial age verification system that verifies age using—

      1. 1. Government-issued identification; or
      2. 2. A commercially reasonable method that relies on public

or private transactional data to verify the age of the individual.

1. (2) A commercial entity may adopt a different method of compliance so long as the entity can establish to the agency in charge of promulgating rules under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA), Chapter 407, RSMo, that the alternative method is equally effective. The standard of proof shall be a preponderance of the evidence.

AUTHORITY: section 407.020, RSMo Supp. 2025, and section 407.145, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed April 10, 2025, effective Nov. 30, 2025. *Original authority: 407.020, RSMo 1967, amended 1973, 1985, 1986, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2000, 2008, 2014, 2020, and 407.145, RSMo 1986, amended 1993.