About Dinwiddie County
Dinwiddie County is located in the south-central region of Virginia, part of the Greater Richmond metropolitan area and including approximately 507 square miles. Dinwiddie County Seat is Dinwiddie, a historic town that is the administrative center where most county offices are located. With a population of approximately 28,000 residents as of recent census estimates, Dinwiddie County combines rural character with proximity to major urban centers. Dinwiddie County is bordered by the Appomattox River to the north and includes portions of the Fall Line geographic region.
Historically, Dinwiddie County was formed in 1752 from Prince George County and played a significant role during the Civil War, particularly during the Siege of Petersburg in 1864-1865. The Five Forks Battlefield, located in Dinwiddie County, marks the site of a crucial Union victory that led to the fall of Petersburg and Richmond. Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk's office, located at 14008 Boydton Plank Road in Dinwiddie area, maintains court records and land records.
The Commissioner of the Revenue office handles property assessments and is also located at Dinwiddie County courthouse complex. Dinwiddie County Administrator's office at the same address oversees county operations. Major landmarks include Pamplin Historical Park, which preserves Civil War history, and the historic Merchant's Hope Church dating to 1657.
Dinwiddie County's economy has evolved from primarily agricultural roots to include manufacturing, distribution centers, and service industries, with strategic access to Interstate 85 and U.S. Route 1 making it attractive for commercial development.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across Dinwiddie County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these regions, managing Dinwiddie County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach and crime prevention programs tailored to the needs of Dinwiddie County residents. Specific divisions within the office may include patrol, investigations, and community services, each focusing on different aspects of law enforcement and public safety.
Police Departments
In addition to Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Dinwiddie County is supported by municipal police departments in nearby cities such as Petersburg and Colonial Heights. These departments handle policing within their respective city limits, focusing on local ordinances and community safety. The Sheriff's Office and city police departments coordinate on major crimes and investigations that cross jurisdictional boundaries, making sure of full law enforcement coverage throughout Dinwiddie County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office, led by the elected Sheriff, is the primary law enforcement agency for Dinwiddie County and operates Dinwiddie County Jail. The Sheriff's Office is located at 14016 Boydton Plank Road in Dinwiddie, Virginia 23841, and can be reached for The agency's website at dinwiddiesheriff.org provides information about services, employment opportunities, and public safety initiatives.
- Requests can be submitted in writing to the Sheriff's Office or the records custodian.
- The Sheriff's Office maintains these records and typically provides them upon proper FOIA request with applicable copying fees.
- Criminal incident reports can also be requested from the Sheriff's Office, with certain exemptions for ongoing investigations or records that would jeopardize public safety.
For inmate lookup and jail information, Dinwiddie County Regional Jail houses inmates from Dinwiddie County and can be searched through the Virginia Department of Corrections offender locator system or by contacting the jail directly for The jail provides online inmate search capabilities where the public can verify current inmates by name or booking number. Within Dinwiddie County, the Town of McKenney has limited municipal police presence, but most law enforcement services are provided by the Sheriff's Office throughout the unincorporated areas and smaller municipalities. To request arrest records in Dinwiddie County, citizens must submit a request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.), which provides public access to arrest records and booking information.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally available as part of arrest records, though recent Virginia legislation has imposed some restrictions on commercial use of booking photographs. Virginia State Police also maintain jurisdiction on state highways running through Dinwiddie County, including Interstate 85 and Route 460.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Dinwiddie County cover a range of offenses, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and entries in the sex offender registry. Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office, along with the Virginia State Police, maintains these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Virginia State Police, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Virginia Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for background checks, so that Dinwiddie residents have access to full criminal records for employment, housing, and other purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Dinwiddie County are maintained by Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following procedures outlined by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and any court dates. The process for obtaining these records may involve submitting a formal request and paying any applicable fees.
Jail & Inmate Records
Dinwiddie County Jail, operated by Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Dinwiddie County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Virginia allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Dinwiddie County are taken and retained by Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or third-party websites that aggregate such information. To search for mugshots, individuals may need to visit the Sheriff's Office website or contact the office directly.
Courts & Case Records
Dinwiddie County's judicial system operates through the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, with Dinwiddie County Circuit Court located at 14008 Boydton Plank Road, Dinwiddie, Virginia 23841. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $4,500, divorce and custody matters, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be reached, and the Clerk of Circuit Court maintains case records, land records, and marriage licenses.
- Dinwiddie County General District Court, located at the same courthouse complex, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- The Circuit Court Clerk charges fees for certified copies of court documents, typically $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a $2 certification fee.
- Online access to some land records may be available through subscription services or the clerk's office website, with remote access fees varying by document type.
The General District Court phone number is. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, also at the courthouse, has jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, custody and visitation, and domestic violence protective orders, reachable for Court records can be searched through the Virginia Judiciary's online case information system at eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis, which provides free public access to case information from all Virginia courts, though some sensitive records may be restricted. Under Virginia Code § 17.1-208 and § 17.1-294, court records are generally public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute.
Land records maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk include deeds, deeds of trust, liens, and plat maps dating back to Dinwiddie County's formation, with deed books available for public inspection during regular business hours from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Dinwiddie County are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court at 14008 Boydton Plank Road, Dinwiddie, Virginia 23841, phone. The Clerk's land records division preserves and provides access to deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, liens, mechanic's liens, plat maps, easements, and other instruments affecting real property title dating back to 1752. These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property location, with older records preserved on microfilm and newer records available in digital format.
- Certified copies of recorded land documents can be requested from the Circuit Court Clerk for statutory fees of $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus $2 for certification.
Virginia law requires recordation of most real estate conveyances to provide constructive notice under Virginia Code § 55.1-300 et seq. Dinwiddie County Commissioner of the Revenue, located at 14010 Boydton Plank Road, assesses real property and personal property for taxation purposes and maintains assessment records including property descriptions, valuations, and ownership information. Property tax records are maintained by the County Treasurer's office at the same location, showing current and delinquent taxes, payment history, and tax rates.
Dinwiddie County offers online property search capabilities through its GIS mapping system and assessment database, typically accessible through Dinwiddie County website at dinwiddieva.us, allowing citizens to search by owner name, parcel number, or address without charge for basic information. Detailed property cards showing building characteristics, land values, and improvement values can be viewed online or obtained in person. Dinwiddie County's online GIS parcel viewer provides aerial imagery, parcel boundaries, zoning information, and links to assessment data, acting as a valuable resource for title research, real estate transactions, and property tax verification.
Some historical deed books have been digitized and may be available for remote access through subscription services or library partnerships.
Vital Records
Vital records for Dinwiddie County, Virginia, including birth and death certificates, are primarily handled through the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, located at 2001 Maywill Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230. Birth certificates for events occurring in Dinwiddie County can be requested from the state office for a fee of $12 for the first copy, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $10 each. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Death certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies ordered simultaneously, with the same processing timeframe.
- Applicants must provide proper identification, specify their relationship to the registrant, and pay applicable fees plus service charges for online orders.
Under Virginia Code § 32.1-250 et seq, birth records are restricted for 100 years and death records for 50 years, with only authorized applicants such as family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a tangible interest able to obtain certified copies. Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk's office at 14008 Boydton Plank Road, issues marriage licenses for couples intending to marry in Virginia, requiring both applicants to appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification and payment of the $30 license fee. There is no waiting period in Virginia, and the license is valid for 60 days from issuance.
Marriage records dating back to Dinwiddie County's formation are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and are public records available for genealogical research and legal purposes. Divorce records are also maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as part of the court case files in domestic relations matters. Online ordering of vital records is available through the Virginia Department of Health's VitalChek service at vitalchek.com, which allows applicants to order birth and death certificates with credit card payment and expedited delivery options.
Walk-in service may be available at the State Office in Richmond with same-day issuance for qualified applicants.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Dinwiddie County are maintained by several different agencies depending on the type of record. Dinwiddie County Commissioner of the Revenue's office at 14010 Boydton Plank Road, handles business personal property tax registration and business licenses for certain commercial activities within Dinwiddie County. Business owners must register their businesses and file annual returns for tangible personal property used in business operations.
- Dinwiddie County Chamber of Commerce, accessible through local business networks, promotes economic development and provides resources for businesses operating in Dinwiddie County.
Fictitious name certificates (DBA - doing business as) and certain local business filings are processed through Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk at 14008 Boydton Plank Road, with these records indexed and available for public search. For state-level business entity searches, the Virginia State Corporation Commission at scc.virginia.gov maintains a full online database of corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in Virginia. The SCC's Clerk's Information System allows free public searches by entity name, registered agent, or corporate identification number, providing access to formation documents, annual reports, and registered agent information.
Professional licenses and certifications are regulated by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and can be verified through online lookup systems at dpor.virginia.gov. Building permits, zoning approvals, and development plans are handled by Dinwiddie County Building and Zoning Department, which reviews construction projects for compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and county zoning ordinances. Commercial development projects may require site plan approval from the Planning Commission.
Sales tax permits and employer identification are handled through the Virginia Department of Taxation and federal IRS respectively, not at Dinwiddie County level.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, are administered by Dinwiddie County Office of Voter Registration and Elections, located at 14016 Boydton Plank Road, Dinwiddie, Virginia 23841, phone. The office is responsible for maintaining voter registration rolls, conducting federal, state, and local elections, and following Virginia election law. Voter registration in Virginia can be completed online through the Virginia Department of Elections website at vote.virginia.gov, by mail using a paper application, or in person at the local registrar's office.
- The registration deadline is 22 days before any election in Virginia, meaning voters must be registered at least 22 days prior to Election Day to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Virginia now offers same-day registration during the early voting period, allowing citizens to register and vote simultaneously at the registrar's office.
- Virginia voters can request absentee ballots for various reasons specified in Virginia Code § 24.2-700, including work schedules, illness, disability, pregnancy, being a student, or being age 65 or older.
- Citizens can request voter history data, ballot samples, and precinct results through proper FOIA procedures, supporting electoral accountability and research.
To find your polling place in Dinwiddie County, voters can use the Virginia Department of Elections polling place locator at vote.virginia.gov or contact the local registrar's office with their address. Election records that are public in Virginia include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Virginia Code § 24.2-405), campaign finance reports filed with the state or local elections offices, candidate qualification filings, and precinct-level election results. Dinwiddie County registrar publishes election results on Dinwiddie County website and through the State Board of Elections system.
In the 2024 general election, Dinwiddie County experienced voter turnout of approximately 68-70%, consistent with historical turnout patterns for presidential elections in Virginia suburban and rural counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S.
Senate seat, and Virginia House of Delegates seats, along with potential local offices. No-excuse early voting is available starting 45 days before Election Day at the registrar's office during designated hours, typically weekdays and some Saturdays. Mail-in absentee ballot applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person, with the deadline being 11 days before Election Day for mail applications or 5 PM the Saturday before Election Day for in-person requests.
Virginia election transparency is enhanced by public access to campaign finance databases through the Virginia Department of Elections, which shows contributions and expenditures for state and local candidates, and through local electoral board meeting minutes that are public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Economy & Demographics
Dinwiddie County's economy has diversified significantly over recent decades, evolving from its agricultural heritage to embrace manufacturing, distribution, and service sectors. Dinwiddie County's strategic location along Interstate 85 and U.S. Route 1, combined with proximity to Richmond and Petersburg, has attracted numerous distribution centers and logistics operations. Major employers in Dinwiddie County include Amazon, which operates a large fulfillment center that employs hundreds of workers, and Rolls-Royce, which has a manufacturing facility for aerospace components.
- Dinwiddie County has actively pursued economic development through Dinwiddie County Economic Development office, which markets available industrial sites and provides incentives for business location and expansion.
- Manufacturing accounts for a significant portion of employment, with facilities producing automotive components, building materials, and processed foods.
The Fort Lee military installation, though primarily in adjacent Prince George County, has significant economic impact on Dinwiddie County through employment of county residents and support services. According to recent economic data, median household income in Dinwiddie County is estimated at approximately $61,000, somewhat below the Virginia state average but reflecting Dinwiddie County's mix of rural and developing suburban areas. Agriculture remains economically relevant, with timber production, row crops including corn and soybeans, and cattle operations contributing to the rural economy.
The service sector, including retail, healthcare, and professional services, has grown substantially as population has increased. Unemployment in Dinwiddie County has generally tracked state trends, with rates fluctuating between 3-5% in recent years depending on economic conditions. Notable economic development projects include the expansion of Dinwiddie County Business and Technology Park, infrastructure improvements along the Route 1 and Interstate 85 corridors, and investments in broadband internet access to support business growth and telecommuting.
Dinwiddie County government has emphasized balanced growth that preserves rural character while capturing economic opportunities from regional development pressures.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via Virginia Judiciary | Property: Yes: Online GIS/Assessment Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Online Access | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online via State SCC | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 7/10 — Dinwiddie County provides good digital access to property and court records through state systems, though some jail and vital records require direct contact or in-person requests.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Dinwiddie County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Dinwiddie County, Virginia.