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Virginia Public Records

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives all United States citizens access to public records, but each state has its own rule and regulations. Virginia has millions of public records that the general public has access to.

Gaining access to these files can be complicated if you don’t have the necessary information to streamline everything.

You might assume that a quick visit to the Library of Virginia can provide all of the information you need, but that’s not quite how it works in the state.

Every state has different processes, so it’s essential to know the state’s law before requesting any documents.

What does the Virginia public records law say?

Unlike many states, the Code of Virginia may pose a problem for those residents out of state requesting records. The state has ruled against outside residents who tried to access public records.

The state also has a reasonably dated approach to media. Currently, online media is not classified as media for processing purposes.

Some public records officers have been designated in the state, and the state does have a quick response time. The state responds to requests within five days and can ask for a seven-day extension.

It does have an Ombudsman to streamline the public records request process.

If you are a resident of Virginia, you have access to the government agencies that possess all the public records within the state, including local governments.

Currently, there is no formal appeals process, and the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council acts as the intermediary if there is an appeal.

To learn more, visit Virginia.gov.

How can I access public records in Virginia?

Some records in Virginia may be available online, while others require a more formal request.

If a request is necessary, it can be mailed, emailed, or delivered by phone to the record-holding department.

Every department is different, so expect some variation to the rules if you’re accessing records from multiple places.

In general, a public records request should include:

  • Your name
  • Contact information
  • The name of the document
  • Details about the document
  • A time frame that you would like to receive the materials by
  • Document delivery method, mail or email

Virginia Criminal Records

In Virginia, criminal records are most commonly utilized by employers looking to conduct background checks on prospective employees.

Some misdemeanors or traffic violations will not appear on criminal history.

The Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) maintains criminal records in Virginia.

What’s on a Virginia criminal record?

A criminal record provides a detailed record of a person’s interactions with law enforcement agencies.

Criminal history records are pulled from various sources and include Virginia arrest records, convictions, and incarcerations within the state’s four prisons.

More specifically, a criminal record or a criminal background check will provide the following information:

  • Date of birth
  • Criminal charges
  • Driver license number
  • Photograph/mugshot
  • Fingerprints
  • Department of arrest, police department, county sheriff’s office, Virginia state police, etc.
  • Current and past addresses
  • Former arrest records
  • Current and past warrants
  • Felonies
  • Sex offender status

Where can I find Virginia criminal records?

In Virginia, to obtain a full arrest and conviction record, a set of fingerprints must be submitted to the Virginia State Police.

Without fingerprints, you can access conviction data only. The fingerprints grant access to additional information, which includes arrest information.

If a fingerprint card is sent in, the processing time is approximately 15-20 days from the time of the request.

Given this sluggish turnaround time, employers should consider applying for a criminal record check early in the process.

There are fees associated with these background checks and police reports.

Virginia Inmate Records

Inmate records in Virginia consist of offenders held across the prisons, correctional inmate facilities, detention centers, and penal institutions throughout the state.

Overseen by the Virginia Department of Corrections, they may also include information on sentencing, the class of the offense, the parish where a case was tried, and the facility location of the inmate.

What’s on a Virginia inmate record?

The information listed on an inmate record varies, but in Virginia, the records usually contain personal information and specific details about a person’s incarceration situation.

Public access to inmate records can provide the following information when accessed:

  • Name and aliases
  • Date of Birth
  • Height and weight
  • DOC ID
  • Booking photo
  • Assigned location
  • Sentence summary

Where can I find Virginia inmate records?

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) oversees all state prisons and probation and parole offices, dividing these facilities into three regions and managing regional offices.

To search for the records of inmates incarcerated in Virginia, use the Offender Locator tool found on the VADOC website. If there are no instructions, contact information can be found via the jail’s warden or FOIA Officer.

Virginia Court Records

Court records in Virginia offer a wealth of information accumulated via court proceedings. There are resources listed below for requesters in search of specific court records and case information.

It’s important to note that when you are searching for court records, bear in mind that these can be some of the most challenging documents to procure since they are typically held across several courts within Virginia.

What’s on a Virginia court record?

In most cases, court records are quite large and come with several varying documents. Most people find these documents the most helpful:

  • Court minutes
  • Court case files
  • Dockets
  • Orders of the court
  • Judgment documentation
  • Jury records and files
  • Witness documentation
  • Criminal case information

Where can I find Virginia court records?

If you would like to request records from the court system within the state of Virginia, visit the courthouse where the case took place to request directly from the clerk of the court.

Typically, this involves a written request form, and you can check the Virginia State Court Records website to get the locations, phone numbers, and websites for the state’s courts.

In some cases, you may be asked to provide as much information as you know, like brief information or a case number.

As a quick reference, the state’s highest court authority is the supreme court, followed by the court of appeals. Lower courts include superior courts and trial courts.

Circuit courts, General District Courts, and Civil Courts are where petitioners file a civil case and are looking for more than $250,000. Each court has a court clerk.

The Circuit Court, for example, has a clerk of the Circuit Court. The state law suggests reaching out to this contact to obtain court records in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Virginia Vital Records

The Virginia Department of Health Division of Vital Records maintains vital records in the state.

Virginia’s vital records include:

  • Birth Certificates
  • Death Certificates
  • Marriage Licenses
  • Divorce Decrees

Public record requests for vital records in Virginia will vary depending on the document you are requesting.

Virginia Department of Health – Vital Records Division
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000

Phone number: 804-662-6200

What information do I need to request a Virginia birth certificate?

The Application for Certification of a Vital Record will ask for specific information when ordering a birth certificate.

  • Full name on the birth certificate
  • Date of birth
  • Race
  • Gender
  • Place of birth
  • Hospital of birth
  • Parents’ full names

Where can I find a Virginia birth certificate?

You can order a Virginia birth certificate online using the VVESTS Application website.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Virginia birth record by completing the Application for Certification of a Vital Record and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified birth certificate in Virginia is $12.

What information do I need for a death certificate in Virginia?

The Application for Certification of a Death Record will ask for specific information when ordering a copy of a death certificate.

  • Full name on the death record
  • Date of death
  • Age at death
  • Place of death
  • Hospital of death if applicable
  • Gender
  • Parents’ full names before marriage

Where can I find a Virginia death certificate?

You can order a Virginia death certificate online using the VVESTS Application website.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Virginia death record by completing the Application for Certification of a Death Record and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified death certificate in Virginia is $12.

What information do I need for a marriage certificate in Virginia?

The Application for Certification of Marriage Record will ask for specific information when requesting a marriage license.

  • Spouses’ full name before marriage
  • Date of marriage
  • Place of marriage
  • Circuit Court that issued the marriage license

Where can I find a Virginia marriage certificate?

You can order a Virginia marriage certificate online using the VVESTS Application website.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Virginia marriage record by completing the Application for Certification of Marriage Record and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified marriage certificate in Virginia is $12.

You can also contact the Clerk of Court where the marriage took place.

Public request forms, fees, and office hours vary.

What information do I need for a divorce certificate in Virginia?

The Application for Certification of Divorce Record will ask for specific information when requesting a divorce decree.

  • Full name on the divorce record
  • Date of divorce
  • Place of the divorce
  • Circuit court that issued the divorce decree

Where can I find a Virginia divorce certificate?

You can order a Virginia divorce record online using the online service VVESTS Application website.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Virginia divorce record by completing the Application for Certification of Divorce Record and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified divorce certificate in Virginia is $12.

You can also contact the Clerk of Court where the divorce took place.

Public request forms, fees, and office hours vary.

Virginia Property Records

The Land Records Division maintains all property records in Virginia.

The property records you can access include:

  • Liens
  • Land records
  • Titles
  • Property deeds
  • Real estate information
  • Mortgages
  • Property tax assessment records
  • Zoning information
  • Probate

For data, parcel, and land use maps, you will need to contact the Geographic Information System(GIS) to ask about public access.

What information do I need to request property records in Virginia?

You will need basic information to access a property record in Virginia.

Public request forms, fees, and office hours will vary depending on the County Clerk’s Office where the property record is maintained.

Where can I find a Virginia property record?

You will need to contact the County Clerk’s Office where the property record is maintained.

Example – Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk
Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk
2425 Nimmo Pkwy
Virginia Beach, Virginia  23456

Phone number: 757-385-8821

FAQs

Can a request be submitted by non-residents of Virginia?

Only Virginia residents can request public records.

Is there a records custodian in Virginia?

Every government agency in Virginia is required by law to have a designated FOIA officer.

What exemptions exist for public records requests in Virginia?

Legislative records are exempt and the forms of petit juries and grand juries.

There are also exemptions related to public safety, administrative investigations, educational records, health and social services, and trade secrets.

How long does Virginia have to respond to a public records request?

The state of Virginia has five days to respond to a public records request.

Is there an appeals process in place for public records requests in Virginia?

Virginia does not mandate an appeals process for public records requests.

What fees are associated with requesting public records in Virginia?

A state agency may charge reasonable fees that cannot exceed the actual cost of access, search, and duplication.

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