Find Virginia Public Records

Is Virginia a Public Records State?

Virginia upholds the principle that most records are public. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act ensures that citizens of the Commonwealth can access and copy public records held by government agencies. This legislation outlines the procedures for obtaining these records and specifies the types of documents that are accessible to the public.

What is Public Information in Virginia?

In Virginia, public information encompasses a wide array of documents, including but not limited to:

• Birth records
• Sex offender information
• Inmate records
• Property records
• Court records
• Arrest records or rap sheets
• Death records
• Divorce records

According to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, public records are defined as any information or data documenting a public agency's activities or transactions. Public agencies include cities, municipalities, commissions, and departments. This law empowers residents to request and obtain public records from the designated custodians. Requests for public records can also be made through third-party data search services, some of which may charge a fee.

Note: Not all public records are open to the public. Certain documents are restricted due to confidentiality and privacy concerns.

How Do I Look Up Public Records in Virginia?

Residents of Virginia can access public records by contacting the relevant public agency. The process for obtaining records varies by agency but generally involves the following steps:

• Identify the Requirements for Obtaining the Preferred Record
  Individuals must determine the specifics of obtaining the desired record. Public records are typically accessible only to state residents or citizens. Record custodians may require proof of identification. For example, to obtain vital records from the Virginia Department of Health, one must prove their relationship to the record subject.
• Contact the Custodian Agency Holding the Document
  Each public agency is responsible for maintaining and providing access to its records. Interested parties must contact the agency holding the desired document. The mode of issuing records may be online or offline. For instance, the Virginia Department of State Police issues criminal history checks offline. Requests can be mailed to:
  P.O. Box 27472
  Richmond, VA 23261
  In-person requests can be made at:
  7700 Midlothian Turnpike
  North Chesterfield, VA 23235
  Phone: (804) 674-2131
  Email: Background_Checks@vsp.virginia.gov
  Court records can be accessed online via the state judicial system platform or offline through the court clerk’s office.
• Create and Send Request for Public Records
  Requests can be verbal or written. Some agencies provide downloadable request forms on their websites. For example, the Virginia Department of Health offers forms for obtaining vital records. If no form is available, a written request should include:
  • Requester's full name
  • Record bearer's birth date (if known)
  • Record bearer's full name or aliases
  • Case number (for court records)
  • Case type
  • Purpose of the request
  • Date range of the record
  • Preferred mode of delivery
  • Contact details
  • Additional information to assist with the search
• Attach the Required Fee
  Some records are free, while others may require a fee. Payment methods vary by agency. For mail requests, fees are often paid via money order or cashier's check. In-person requests may accept credit/debit cards or cash.

Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Virginia Public Records Obtaining

City Records

Third-party websites may also provide access to public city records. These platforms often feature user-friendly tools for comprehensive searches. Users must provide sufficient information, such as:

• Name of the subject involved (must be over 18)
• Requestor's address
• Case number or file number (if known)
• Document or person's location
• Last known or current address of the registrant

Since these sites are not government-sponsored, record availability and accuracy may vary.

Public Records

Public records can also be accessed through third-party websites that aggregate public data. These services offer non-geographically limited searches, making it easier to find records. Users must provide:

• Subject's name (if not a juvenile)
• Last known location of the record subject

Again, these third-party services are not government-sponsored, so results can vary in availability and accuracy.

How To Look Up Public Records in Virginia for Free?

Free public records in Virginia can be accessed through various methods, depending on the agency and type of record:

• In-person Inspection of Records
  Some agencies allow public records inspection. For example, the Library of Virginia provides access to genealogical resources, business records, and tax records. Law enforcement agencies may allow free viewing of arrest records for record subjects and crime victims.
• Request Online Copies of Public Documents
  Some Virginia agencies maintain free online databases. For instance, sex offender information is accessible via an online search portal. The Virginia Department of State Police oversees the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry, which allows searches by address, zip code, county, or school.

Local county clerk's offices and county recorder's offices also provide access to various public records, including court cases and real estate ownership records.

Search Public Records in Virginia

• Home - Virginia Department of Health
• Virginia Department of State Police
• Virginia Department of State
• form
• Library of Virginia

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