Guide
About Virginia public records
The state of Virginia maintains and operates numerous central depositories of records which can be accessed by the public and private entities. A directory of the most common as well as lesser known record providers helps to see where to make requests and how. Individual departments can search and provide state criminal history, official vital certificates, recorded documents, licenses and more. As a major administrator of records sought regularly, Virginia's government offers online services to request information or files directly from its departments.
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State background and court information
Virginia gained its independence in 1776 and was the tenth state to join the union in 1788. The state was one of the original colonies and has a long history in tobacco crops and other farming products. In early years Virginia was a pioneer in iron, coal, stone and agriculture. Present economy benefits from its many military installations, agriculture, technology and natural minerals. The headquarters for the department of defense and the CIA are located in the state of Virginia.
Virginia has over 8.1 million residents in its 95 counties and 39 independent cities. It is the 35th largest state with 42,700 square miles. The legislative body is the Virginia general assembly which consists of the senate, lower house, upper house and house of delegates totaling 140 representatives. It is also the oldest legislative body in North America established in 1619. The governor acts as chief executive with the power of appointment including the organization of the executive branch, controls many of the state finances and operations.
Two years after the federal freedom of information act enacted in 1966, the state of Virginia adopted its own open record laws in 1968. Open records act includes assembly meetings, information and documents. This law keeps the common law state transparent. Prior to the rule, it was up to the individual agency and its administrators to provide the public with its operations and any other information it held. The administrators of the agency would make the determination when and if the records were to be released. The law gives citizens of the state the ability to obtain records within a reasonable time and with few exceptions. However, even with the exceptions, the government still has the burden to show why it should not reveal the information. Freedom of information act requests in Virginia are often made by reporters, students, researchers as well as ordinary citizens.
There is no requirement to show a purpose or reason why the record is being requested. Residents can conduct a background search by requesting a criminal record check from the Virginia state police and get a report of felonies, misdemeanors and other violations. The law extends to any and all government agencies. You can order a birth, death or marriage certificate from the Virginia department of health where a resident will need documents in applications and identity. Attorneys as well as the general public can access Virginia criminal and civil court records of divorces, judgments and liens. A person can request to view or copy court records with the exception where certain personal information would be released and jeopardize and individual's identity security.
Virginia district courts are the state's trial courts with jurisdiction to hear cases involving tort, contract, real property rights from $0 to $15,000, mental health and small claims in Fairfax County. These courts also hear support, custody, interstate support and other miscellaneous domestic relations matters. Criminal district courts hear felony, misdemeanor and domestic violence cases, exclusive jurisdiction to hear cases involving DWI or DUI, ordinance violations, traffic and parking violations. Juvenile division has exclusive jurisdiction and hold venue for preliminary hearings.
Circuit courts have jurisdiction over torts, contracts, real property rights from $4,500 and up, mental health, administrative agency appeals, miscellaneous civil, civil appeals from trial courts, estate, ordinance violations, domestic relations, felony and misdemeanor cases, criminal appeals.
State courts of appeal have mandatory jurisdiction over certain civil, administrative agency, some original proceeding cases. These courts have discretionary jurisdiction in non-capital criminal cases.
The state's highest court is the Virginia Supreme court, which has mandatory jurisdiction in capital criminal, criminal, administrative agency, and disciplinary cases. The supreme court has discretionary jurisdiction in civil, non-capital criminal, administrative agency, juvenile, disciplinary, original proceeding and interlocutory decision cases.
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Court records and filings
Virginia court records are maintained by the Virginia Judiciary. Circuit Courts serve as the trial courts of general jurisdiction handling major civil and criminal cases. General District Courts handle traffic, misdemeanors, and civil claims under $25,000.
Case records are searchable online through the Virginia Courts Case Information system at courts.state.va.us.
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Criminal records and background checks
Virginia criminal records are maintained by the Virginia State Police (VSP). A criminal record background check requires completing form SP-167. The Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) conducts criminal record searches for non-criminal justice entities and individuals. VSP operates the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry searchable by name or location. The Civil and Applicant Records Exchange (CARE) provides employment-related criminal history checks.
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Vital records
Certified copies of Virginia birth and death certificates are issued by the Office of Vital Records of the Virginia Department of Health. Marriage records are also kept by the local office that issued the license, and divorce records by the court that granted the divorce.
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Property and asset records
Deeds and mortgages in Virginia are recorded by the circuit court clerk in each county and independent city, and property taxes are handled by local offices. Business and UCC filings are kept by the state, bankruptcy cases are federal court records, and the state runs a free search for unclaimed property.
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Government records and agencies
Virginia.gov lists the state's agencies, and the Code of Virginia is online from the Virginia Legislative Information System.
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Driving and vehicle records
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles keeps driver and vehicle records and handles registration.
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Expungements and record clearing
Since July 1, 2026, Virginia law (Va. Code 19.2-392.5 and following) seals some records automatically, such as certain misdemeanor convictions, marijuana possession offenses, acquittals and dismissals, and traffic infractions. Other convictions can be sealed by petition, but many serious offenses are excluded.
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Genealogy and historical research
For family history, start with the Library of Virginia, the state library and archives.
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Missing children resources
The Virginia State Police run the Missing Children Clearinghouse for Virginia.
- Missing Children ClearinghouseVirginia State Police
- NamUsU.S. Justice Department database of missing and unidentified people
Need a different Virginia record?
Browse county pages, search vital records, look up court filings, or run a background check from the main hub.