About Henrico County
Henrico County, Virginia is a large suburban county located in the central part of the Commonwealth, immediately adjacent to and surrounding the independent city of Richmond on three sides. With a population exceeding 334,000 residents as of recent estimates, Henrico County ranks as one of the most populous counties in Virginia, covering approximately 245 square miles. The county has no traditional county seat as it is governed from the county Government Center located at 4301 East Parham Road in Glen Allen.
the region is steeped in history dating back to 1611, making it one of the oldest counties in the United States—originally one of the eight shires established in colonial Virginia. The county is home to Richmond International Airport, significant portions of Interstate 64 and Interstate 95, and major economic centers including the Short Pump shopping district and the Innsbrook office park. Notable landmarks include the historic St.
John's Church in the eastern portion of the county, Three Chopt Road (a colonial-era route), and numerous Civil War sites. The Henrico County Clerk of the Circuit Court is located at the Courts Building at 4301 East Parham Road, handling court records and vital records. The Commissioner of the Revenue and Real Estate Assessor offices are housed in the County Administration Building at the same Government Center complex, managing property assessments and tax records.
The county's strategic location, diverse economy, excellent schools, and blend of urban amenities with suburban quality of life make it a unique and highly desirable place to live and conduct business in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Henrico County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages the Henrico County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and offers various services such as fingerprinting and concealed handgun permits. Notable divisions within the Sheriff's Office include the Civil Process Division and the Court Services Division, which ensure the efficient operation of the county's judicial system.
Police Departments
Henrico County is served by the Henrico County Police Division, which operates alongside the Henrico County Sheriff's Office. The Police Division handles law enforcement duties within the county, including traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, and emergency response. In addition to the county agencies, there are municipal police departments in nearby cities such as Richmond and Ashland, which coordinate with Henrico law enforcement on major crimes and regional initiatives. These agencies work together to ensure public safety across jurisdictional lines.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Henrico County Division of Police serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county, operating from headquarters at 8600 Staples Mill Road in Henrico, with four district stations throughout the county. The department can be reached at (804) 501-5000 and maintains a comprehensive website at Henrico area.us/police. The Henrico County Sheriff's Office, led by the elected Sheriff, operates the Henrico County Jail facilities and provides courthouse security, civil process service, and inmate management.
- For arrest records requests, individuals must submit a Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.
- Written FOIA requests should specify the individual's name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office inmate search portal and may also be obtained through formal FOIA requests.
- The this county Police Department maintains records of all arrests made by county officers, and requests can be submitted online through the county website or in person at police headquarters.
- As Henrico County contains no incorporated towns with independent police departments, the Division of Police provides countywide coverage.
The jail comprises two facilities: Henrico area Jail East at 4301 East Parham Road and Henrico area Jail West at 4000 Derbyshire Lane. Citizens can look up current inmates through the county Sheriff's Office website at Henrico County.us/sheriff using the online Inmate Locator feature, which provides booking information, charges, bond amounts, and expected release dates. to either the Division of Police or Sheriff's Office, depending on which agency made the arrest.
Processing fees for copies of arrest records typically apply as permitted under Virginia FOIA law, though the first two hours of staff time for responding to requests must be provided without charge. Background check services for employment and licensing purposes can be obtained through the Virginia State Police.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Henrico County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Henrico County Police Division and the Sheriff's Office maintain these records, while the Virginia State Police provide statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Virginia State Police website, which offers access to criminal history information. The Virginia Bureau of Investigation also plays a role in supporting local law enforcement with investigative resources and data analysis.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Henrico County are maintained by the Henrico County Sheriff's Office and the this jurisdiction Police Division. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting these agencies directly or through the county's online portal. A the county arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's report. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access to government documents.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Henrico County Jail, also known as the Henrico County Regional Jail, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process at the jail involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup is available through the county's online system, allowing residents to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and require scheduling in advance, with certain restrictions on the number of visitors and visiting hours.
- The bond and bail process in Virginia allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Henrico County are taken and retained by the Henrico County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be searched through the Sheriff's Office website or requested in person. While Virginia does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can petition for the removal of their mugshot from online databases if the charges are dismissed or if they are acquitted. The Sheriff's Office provides guidance on how to navigate these requests.
Courts & Case Records
Henrico County's judicial system operates through the Henrico County Circuit Court, the General District Court, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, all located at the Courts Building at 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, Virginia 23228. The Circuit Court, which can be reached at (804) 501-4693, has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases involving more than $25,000, appeals from lower courts, and domestic relations matters including divorces.
- The Henrico County General District Court, phone (804) 501-5151, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Virginia law provides public access to most court records under Virginia Code § 17.1-208 and § 17.1-294, though certain records involving juveniles and sealed cases are restricted.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- The Clerk's office accepts requests in person, by mail, or online for certain documents.
- Land records, including deeds and mortgages recorded with the court, can be searched through the online land records system.
The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court at (804) 501-5779 has exclusive jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, custody and visitation, domestic violence protective orders, and support matters. Court records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, accessible at (804) 501-4208. The the local community Circuit Court offers online case access through the Virginia Judicial System's Case Information System at eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis, where users can search civil and criminal cases by name, case number, or hearing date free of charge, though detailed documents require in-person requests.
All three courts maintain detailed dockets and scheduling information accessible to the public during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding court holidays.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Henrico County are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the Henrico County Courts Building, 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228, phone (804) 501-4208. The Clerk's Office records and indexes all deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, releases, assignments, and other land-related instruments affecting real property in this jurisdiction.
- Viewing and printing documents requires registration and payment of fees ($0.50 per page for most documents).
- The recording fee for deeds is based on consideration amount plus a technology fee and state recordation taxes as established by Virginia Code § 17.1-275.
- Certified copies of recorded land documents can be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk for $2.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page, plus $2.00 certification fee.
The office provides online access to land records dating back to the 1700s through their web-based system at Henrico area.us/circuit, where users can search by name, book and page, instrument type, or date without charge. For property tax assessment information, the area Real Estate Assessor's Office is located in the Eastern Government Center at 3820 Nine Mile Road, phone (804) 501-4300, and maintains an excellent online GIS property search tool at Henrico area.us/revdept/real-estate-assessments. This free interactive map-based system allows users to search by address, owner name, or parcel identification number to view current assessed values, tax amounts, property characteristics, sales history, and aerial photography.
The Commissioner of the Revenue's Office at (804) 501-4260 handles personal property assessments including vehicles and business tangible property. The Treasurer's Office at (804) 501-4270 collects real estate and personal property taxes and can provide tax payment history and delinquency information. All county property records offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Vital Records
Vital records for Henrico County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by the Henrico County Clerk of the Circuit Court located at 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228, phone (804) 501-4208. Birth certificates for individuals born in this county can be requested from the Clerk's office for a fee of $12.00 for the first certified copy and $10.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time is typically immediate for walk-in requests during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) if records are readily available.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and identification requirements.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or eligibility to obtain the record, as Virginia Code § 32.1-257 through § 32.1-271 restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued by the this county Clerk's office for couples planning to marry in Virginia, with a fee of $30.00; both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification and social security numbers. Marriage license records and certified marriage certificates are available from the same office.
Divorce records (decrees) are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as court records. For vital records more than a few years old, or for state-certified copies, applicants may also contact the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, 2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23230, phone (804) 662-6200. The state office offers online ordering through VitalChek at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records with additional processing fees and delivery times of 7-10 business days for mail requests or 2-5 business days for expedited service.
Birth records in Virginia are restricted for 100 years and death records for 25 years under Virginia law, after which they become public genealogical records.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing information for Henrico County can be accessed through multiple agencies depending on the type of record sought. The Henrico County Department of Finance, Business License Division, located at 4301 East Parham Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060, phone (804) 501-4310, administers local business licenses required for most commercial activities within the county under the Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax program authorized by Virginia Code § 58.1-3700.
- Businesses can search and apply for licenses online through the county website at henrico.us/finance.
Fictitious name statements (doing business as or DBA filings) are recorded with the Henrico County Clerk of the Circuit Court at (804) 501-4208, and these records are publicly searchable through the Clerk's office. For information about corporate entities, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other business formations registered in Virginia, the Virginia State Corporation Commission maintains a comprehensive online business entity search at scc.virginia.gov/clk/beis, providing free access to formation documents, registered agent information, annual reports, and corporate status. The the region Department of Community Revitalization at (804) 501-7640 handles building permits, trade permits for contractors, and zoning compliance matters, with permit records searchable at the local community.us/revitalization.
Professional licenses such as those for contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other trades are issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), searchable at dpor.virginia.gov. Sales and use tax certificates are managed by the Virginia Department of Taxation. The Greater Richmond Partnership serves as the regional economic development organization promoting business growth, while the area Economic Development at (804) 501-7654 specifically assists businesses locating or expanding within the county.
All business license and permit records maintained by the area are considered public records subject to inspection under Virginia FOIA, though certain tax information may have statutory confidentiality protections.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Henrico County are administered by the Henrico County Office of Voter Registration and Elections, located at 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228 (inside the County Manager's Building), phone (804) 501-4347, with comprehensive information available at the local community.us/registrar. Virginia residents may register to vote online through the Virginia Department of Elections at vote.virginia.gov, by mail using the National Voter Registration Form, or in person at the Registrar's office. The voter registration deadline in Virginia is 22 days before any election.
- this county typically demonstrates strong voter participation; in the November 2024 general election, turnout exceeded 73% of registered voters, reflecting high civic engagement.
Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots through the local community elections website or the state's Citizen Portal at vote.elections.virginia.gov. this county operates approximately 60 polling locations throughout the county on Election Day, which are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Early voting (in-person absentee) is available at the Registrar's office and satellite locations beginning 45 days before each election, including Saturdays, with no excuse required under Virginia's reformed absentee voting laws.
Mail-in absentee ballots may be requested online, by mail, email, fax, or in person; applications must be received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before Election Day, and completed ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day either by mail (postmarked by Election Day and received by noon the following Friday) or dropped off at the Registrar's office or any polling location. Public election records in this jurisdiction include voter registration lists (available for purchase by qualified requestors under Virginia Code § 24.2-405), precinct-level election results published on the elections website after each election, campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees (available through the Virginia Department of Elections), and candidate filings and petitions maintained by the Registrar. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races for Virginia's congressional districts, potential U.S. Senate race depending on the cycle, and Virginia state elections. Virginia's off-year elections in November 2025 will include Virginia General Assembly races (House of Delegates and State Senate).
the county's elections office maintains high transparency standards, providing detailed precinct results, election statistics, and public access to most election administration records under Virginia FOIA, with exceptions only for certain security protocols and individual voter ballot secrecy protections guaranteed by Virginia Code § 24.2-1000 et seq.
Economy & Demographics
Henrico County's economy is robust and diversified, representing one of the strongest economic engines in the Commonwealth of Virginia with a median household income estimated at approximately $78,000, significantly above the state average. The county serves as a major employment center for the Richmond metropolitan region, with major employers including Capital One Financial Corporation (headquartered in the county with thousands of employees), Dominion Energy, CarMax corporate headquarters, Altria Group, HCA Healthcare facilities including Henrico Doctors' Hospital and Parham Doctors' Hospital, and Anthem HealthKeepers.
- Innsbrook, a 1,000-acre mixed-use development, contains over 10 million square feet of office space and serves as headquarters or major operations center for numerous corporations.
- The presence of major retail, dining, entertainment, and employment options provides significant tax revenue while maintaining relatively moderate real estate tax rates compared to other urban Virginia counties.
The federal government maintains substantial presence through the Defense Supply Center Richmond and the McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Economic sectors are highly diversified: financial services and insurance constitute the largest segment, followed by healthcare and life sciences, retail and hospitality, distribution and logistics (leveraging the county's excellent interstate highway access and Richmond International Airport), advanced manufacturing, and technology. The Short Pump area represents one of the premier retail corridors on the East Coast, anchored by Short Pump Town Center and numerous adjacent developments.
The White Oak Technology Park and Virginia BioTechnology Research Park extension house growing technology and research firms. Unemployment in Henrico County typically runs 1-2 percentage points below both state and national averages, reflecting the strong and stable economy. Recent economic development projects include the expansion of Facebook's (Meta) data center operations, continued growth in the West Broad Street corridor, and redevelopment initiatives in older commercial areas along Staples Mill Road and Mechanicsville Turnpike.
The county's AAA bond rating reflects exceptional fiscal management and economic strength.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free GIS Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Yes: In-Person/State Portal | Business: Yes: Online County & State | Elections: Yes: Comprehensive Online | Overall Score: 9/10 — Henrico County provides exceptional digital access to public records with user-friendly online portals, comprehensive GIS mapping, real-time jail information, and transparent election data, representing a model for public records accessibility in Virginia.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Henrico County, Virginia?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Henrico County, Virginia?
How do I get a criminal background check in Henrico County, Virginia?
How can I look up sex offenders in Henrico County, Virginia?
How do I register to vote in Henrico County, Virginia?
How do I look up property records in Henrico County, Virginia?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Henrico County, Virginia?
How do I find business license records in Henrico County, Virginia?
Cities & Towns in Henrico County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Henrico County, Virginia.