About Buckingham County
Buckingham County is located in the Piedmont region of central Virginia, approximately 60 miles west of Richmond and 50 miles east of Charlottesville. Buckingham County seat is Buckingham, a small unincorporated community that is the administrative center. Established in 1761 from Albemarle County, Buckingham County includes approximately 584 square miles, making it one of Virginia's larger counties by land area. Buckingham County has a population of approximately 17,000 residents as of recent census estimates. The scene is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and the James River forming part of its northern boundary. Major landmarks include the Slate River, Bear Garden Mountain, and portions of the James River Heritage Trail. Buckingham County is home to the historic Slate Hill Plantation and numerous colonial-era structures. Buckingham County Recorder and Clerk's office is located at Buckingham County Courthouse, 13380 West James Anderson Highway, Buckingham, VA 23921. Buckingham County Commissioner of the Revenue handles property assessments and is located at the same governmental complex. Buckingham County has a rich agricultural heritage, particularly in tobacco farming, though the economy has diversified significantly in recent decades. Buckingham County is unique for being home to Virginia's only commercial slate quarry and for its rural character that has been preserved despite proximity to major metropolitan areas. Buckingham County has maintained its small-town atmosphere while providing essential government services through dedicated offices including the County Administrator, Board of Supervisors, and various constitutional officers who maintain public records as required under Virginia law.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Buckingham County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Buckingham County. It is responsible for patrolling the unincorporated areas, maintaining peace and order, and providing a range of public safety services. The office is known for its community outreach programs and initiatives meant to crime prevention and public education.
Police Departments
In Buckingham County, law enforcement is primarily provided by Buckingham County Sheriff's Office. There are no municipal police departments within Buckingham County, as the Sheriff's Office covers the entire area, including the towns of Buckingham and Dillwyn. Coordination between the Sheriff's Office and other agencies is crucial for handling complex cases that may involve multiple jurisdictions or specialized expertise.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Buckingham County Sheriff's Office, located at 13360 West James Anderson Highway, Buckingham, VA 23921, is the primary law enforcement agency for Buckingham County. Inmate lookup and jail roster information can be obtained by calling the jail directly or visiting the facility during business hours.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office, though certain investigative records may be exempt.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.
The Virginia Department of Corrections also maintains an online offender locator system at vadoc.virginia.gov for state prison inmates. Buckingham County does not have incorporated municipalities with separate police departments; law enforcement is consolidated under the Sheriff's Office. Arrest records are considered public information under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office, and recent arrests may be posted on the office's social media pages or local news outlets. The Virginia State Police maintains Trooper presence in Buckingham County and can be contacted at their Area 19 Office for incidents on state highways. All law enforcement agencies in Virginia are subject to public records disclosure requirements, though certain exceptions apply to ongoing investigations and confidential informant information.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Buckingham County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Virginia State Police, which provides full criminal history information. The Virginia State Police offers additional resources for background checks, so that residents have access to accurate and up-to-date criminal records.
- The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about registered offenders in their area.
- The Virginia Freedom of Information Act handles access to these records, promoting transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Buckingham County are maintained by Buckingham County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Buckingham County, including the date, time, and nature of the offense. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office, which may require a formal request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, charges, and booking details.
- The Virginia Freedom of Information Act ensures public access to government records, allowing citizens to obtain information about arrests and other law enforcement activities in Buckingham County.
Jail & Inmate Records
Buckingham County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Buckingham County. The booking process at the detention center involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about individuals currently held in custody. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance, with strict adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Virginia allows for the release of detainees pending trial, contingent upon the payment of a set amount or the use of a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Buckingham County are taken and retained by Buckingham County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are used for identification purposes and are part of the public record. Individuals seeking to search for mugshots can do so through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. Virginia does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for the removal of their mugshots from online databases if they meet certain criteria, such as expungement of their record.
- The availability of mugshots is subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which governs access to public records.
Courts & Case Records
Buckingham County is served by the 10th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, with Buckingham County Circuit Court located at 13380 West James Anderson Highway, Buckingham, VA 23921. The Circuit Court can be reached through the office handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $4,500, divorce and custody matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains case records, land records, and vital records, with office hours typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Buckingham County General District Court, also located at the courthouse complex, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Virginia's court case information system, available at eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis, provides online access to case records for circuit and district courts throughout the commonwealth.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are typically $2 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
- The Circuit Court Clerk's office provides access to historical records, including deed books dating back to Buckingham County's founding in 1761.
- Online payment of fines and fees may be available through the Virginia Judicial System's online payment portal.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Buckingham County are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, located at 13380 West James Anderson Highway, Buckingham, VA 23921 The Clerk's office is the official recorder of deeds, maintaining records of property transfers, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, easements, plat maps, and subdivision plans. Land records in Buckingham County date back to 1761 and include historical deed books that document Buckingham County's property ownership history.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a fee, typically $2 for the first page and $0.50 for subsequent pages, plus certification charges.
- This system provides access to parcel maps, assessment values, tax information, and property characteristics free of charge.
- Buckingham County's GIS system can be accessed through the official Buckingham County website at buckinghamcountyva.org.
- Virginia Code § 17.1-227 establishes the recordation requirements and fee structures.
- Researchers can visit the Clerk's office during regular business hours to examine original records, and staff can assist with complex title searches for an additional research fee.
The office maintains indexes organized by grantor, grantee, and property description to help with searches. Buckingham County Commissioner of the Revenue's office handles property assessments and can be contacted through the office’s website. Property tax records are maintained by the County Treasurer's office for Buckingham County offers an online Geographic Information System (GIS) and property search portal that allows users to search parcels by owner name, address, or parcel identification number. Real estate transactions must be recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk within a specified timeframe to establish priority of liens and provide public notice.
Vital Records
Vital records for Buckingham County, Virginia, are maintained by multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are primarily issued through the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, 2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23230. However, Buckingham County Circuit Court Clerk's office at 13380 West James Anderson Highway, Buckingham, VA 23921, phone (804) 662-6200, maintains historical birth and death records and can assist with requests for records filed in Buckingham County.
- Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Processing time for vital records requests typically ranges from 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Buckingham County Circuit Court Clerk's office; couples must apply in person, provide valid photo identification, and pay the required fee (approximately $30).
- Online ordering of Virginia vital records is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com, though additional processing fees apply.
There is no waiting period in Virginia, and the license is valid for 60 days. Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as part of court case files. Applicants must prove direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Virginia Code § 32.1-250 et seq, which governs access to vital records.
Acceptable forms of identification include driver's licenses, state-issued ID cards, passports, or military IDs. Genealogical researchers may access records older than 25 years (birth) or death records without restriction. The Clerk's office can provide certified copies suitable for legal purposes including passport applications, benefits claims, and legal proceedings.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Buckingham County are handled through multiple offices depending on the type of business activity. Fictitious name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) and local business filings are recorded with Buckingham County Circuit Court Clerk at 13380 West James Anderson Highway, Buckingham, VA 23921 The Clerk's office maintains an index of business names and trade names filed in Buckingham County, which can be searched during regular office hours.
- This searchable database is available free online at scc.virginia.gov/clk/begin.aspx and includes information on business status, registered agents, and filing history.
- Business license requirements and fees vary based on gross receipts and business classification under the Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax structure.
The Virginia State Corporation Commission maintains the official business entity database for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other formal business structures. Buckingham County Commissioner of the Revenue's office at handles business license applications and renewals for businesses operating within Buckingham County. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) at dpor.virginia.gov.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications are processed through Buckingham County Planning and Zoning Department for Buckingham County Chamber of Commerce, though not a government entity, provides resources for local businesses and can be contacted for networking and economic development information. Sales tax permits are issued by the Virginia Department of Taxation and can be obtained online at tax.virginia.gov.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Buckingham County, Virginia?
How do I get a criminal background check in Buckingham County, Virginia?
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How do I register to vote in Buckingham County, Virginia?
How do I look up property records in Buckingham County, Virginia?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Buckingham County, Virginia?
How do I find business license records in Buckingham County, Virginia?
Cities & Towns in Buckingham County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Buckingham County, Virginia.
Economy & Demographics
Buckingham County's economy has traditionally been rooted in agriculture, forestry, and natural resource extraction, though it has diversified in recent decades. Buckingham County remains significantly agricultural with tobacco, hay, cattle, and timber as primary commodities. The forestry industry is substantial, with extensive timberlands providing both economic activity and natural resource management. The Arvonia slate quarry, operated by Virginia Slate Company, is one of the few remaining commercial slate operations in the United States and provides unique employment opportunities.
- The median household income in Buckingham County is estimated at approximately $52,000, which is below the Virginia state average, reflecting Buckingham County's rural character and economic challenges.
- Buckingham County's proximity to major transportation corridors including Route 60 and Route 20 provides logistical advantages.
- Buckingham County faces typical rural economic challenges including limited commercial development, workforce retention, and infrastructure needs, but benefits from low costs of living and quality of life factors.
Major employers include Buckingham County Public Schools, the County government, healthcare facilities, and several manufacturing operations. Retail, healthcare, and social services comprise growing sectors of employment. Buckingham County has seen increased residential development as commuters seek affordable housing within reach of Charlottesville and Richmond metropolitan areas.
Tourism plays a modest role, with visitors attracted to historical sites, outdoor recreation along the James River, and agritourism ventures. The unemployment rate typically tracks slightly above the Virginia state average, ranging between 3-5% depending on seasonal factors. Economic development efforts focus on broadband expansion, small business support, and attracting light industrial and distribution operations.
Dominion Energy operates infrastructure in Buckingham County, and there has been discussion of renewable energy projects including solar farms.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Buckingham County, Virginia, are administered by Buckingham County Office of the General Registrar and Electoral Board, located at 13380 West James Anderson Highway, Buckingham, VA 23921. The Elections office can be contacted through the office’s website. information regarding voter registration, polling locations, and election procedures. Virginia offers online voter registration through the Department of Elections at elections.virginia.gov/registration, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration information. The voter registration deadline in Virginia is 22 days before any election.
- Citizens, Virginia residents, and at least 18 years old by the next general election to register.
- Absentee voting in Virginia is available to all registered voters without stating a reason.
- Voters may request absentee ballots through the Virginia Department of Elections online portal, by mail, or in person at the registrar's office.
- Citizens may request copies of election related documents through the registrar's office, subject to the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
elections.virginia.gov or by contacting the local registrar's office. Buckingham County typically operates multiple precincts including Buckingham area, Dillwyn, Arvonia, and other districts.
Public election records in Virginia include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Virginia Department of Elections, candidate qualification documents, and precinct-level election results. These records are accessible under Virginia Code § 24.2-101 et seq, which governs election administration and transparency. The 2024 general election saw
The deadline for absentee ballot applications is typically 11 days before the election for mail ballots and up to the Saturday before Election Day for in-person absentee voting.
Early voting is available at the registrar's office beginning 45 days before any election. Election results, including precinct-level data, are posted on the Virginia Department of Elections website and maintained as permanent public records by the local electoral board.