About King and Queen County
King and Queen County is a rural county located in the Middle Peninsula region of the Commonwealth of Virginia, approximately 40 miles east of Richmond. Established in 1691 from New Kent County, it is named after King William III and Queen Mary II of England. King and Queen County Seat is King and Queen Court House, an unincorporated community that is the governmental center. King and Queen County includes approximately 316 square miles and has a population of approximately 7,100 residents according to recent census estimates.
King and Queen County is bounded by the Mattaponi River to the north and the Pamunkey River to the south, both tributaries of the York River. The scene is characterized by agricultural lands, forests, and waterways that have shaped King and Queen County's economy and culture for over three centuries. Major landmarks include King and Queen County Courthouse, built in 1866 after the original was destroyed during the Civil War, and numerous historic churches and plantation sites.
King and Queen County's governmental offices are centered at King and Queen County Court House complex located at 242 Allen's Circle, King And Queen Court House, VA 23085. King and Queen County Clerk's office, located at the same address, maintains land records, marriage licenses, and court documents. The Commissioner of the Revenue handles property assessments and business licenses, also operating from the courthouse complex.
What makes King and Queen County unique is its preservation of rural Virginia character, deep colonial history, and close community structure that has remained largely agricultural despite development pressures in surrounding regions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
King and Queen County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across King and Queen County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees King and Queen County jail, manages patrols, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office may have specialized divisions focusing on areas such as narcotics, investigations, and school safety, tailored to the needs of King and Queen County.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in King and Queen County is primarily provided by the King's and Queen County Sheriff's Office, which covers the entire county. There are no municipal police departments within King and Queen County, as it is largely rural with no incorporated cities. This collaboration enhances the ability to address complex criminal activities and maintain public safety across King and Queen County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement services in King and Queen County are provided primarily by King and Queen County Sheriff's Office, located at 242 Allen's Circle, King and Queen Court House, VA 23085. The Sheriff is an elected constitutional officer serving four-year terms.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
- The Virginia State Police also provides supplemental law enforcement services, particularly on U.S.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are maintained by the Sheriff's Office as part of arrest records and may be requested under VFOIA, though the agency may charge reasonable fees for reproduction.
Arrest records and incident reports in King and Queen County are public records subject to Virginia's Freedom of Information Act (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.), though certain investigative records may be exempt during ongoing investigations. King and Queen County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same complex, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanants. Inmate lookup information may be obtained by calling the jail directly at or visiting the facility in person during business hours.
Due to King and Queen County's small size and rural nature, there are no incorporated municipalities within King and Queen County, meaning no separate municipal police departments exist. Route 360 and State Route 14, King and Queen County's primary highways. King and Queen County does not currently offer online inmate search or mugshot databases, requiring in-person or telephone inquiries for such information.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in King and Queen County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through these agencies, which provide full reports on criminal history. The Virginia State Police offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed criminal records, following state regulations and privacy laws.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in King and Queen County are maintained by the Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, often requiring a formal request form and identification. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
King and Queen County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, is the primary detention facility in King and Queen County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of arrestees. 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 appointments and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Virginia allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, with details available through the jail administration.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in King and Queen County are taken and retained by the Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases, depending on availability. While Virginia does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement.
Courts & Case Records
King and Queen County is served by the 9th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, with King and Queen County Circuit Court located at 242 Allen's Circle, King and Queen Court House, VA 23085 The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $4,500, domestic relations matters including divorce and custody, and appeals from lower courts. The Honorable Circuit Court judges preside over cases on scheduled court days throughout the month.
- Virginia's statewide online case information system provides limited case lookup capabilities, though King and Queen County's participation in online systems may be limited compared to larger jurisdictions.
- Fees for copies of court documents are established by Virginia Code § 17.1-275, typically $0.50 per page for most documents, with certified copies requiring additional fees.
- The Circuit Court Clerk can be contacted through the office’s website. specific fee information and record availability.
King and Queen County General District Court, located at the same courthouse complex (phone 804-785-5984), handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felony charges. The General District Court also handles small claims matters. King and Queen County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (phone 804-785-5984) has exclusive jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence protective orders, and certain family law matters.
Court records in Virginia are governed by Virginia Code § 17.1-208 and § 17.1-294, which establish that court records are generally public unless specifically sealed by court order or exempted by statute. The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains land records, wills, marriage licenses, and civil and criminal case files. Court case searches can be conducted in person at the Clerk's office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for King and Queen County are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office, which is the Register of Deeds, located at 242 Allen's Circle, King and Queen Court House, VA 23085 The Clerk's office maintains an extensive collection of land records dating back to King and Queen County's formation in 1691, including deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, releases, easements, plat maps, and subdivision records.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees, typically $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property location and are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Virginia Code § 17.1-227 establishes the Clerk's duties regarding land records and the requirement to maintain full indexes. While some Virginia counties offer online land record searches through private vendors, King and Queen County's online access may be limited, and researchers are encouraged to contact the Clerk's office directly to inquire about remote access options or to schedule in-person research visits.
Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by the Commissioner of the Revenue and the County Treasurer's office, both located at the courthouse complex. The Commissioner of the Revenue, phone, handles property assessments and maintains records of real estate values, personal property assessments, and business licenses. King and Queen County Treasurer, phone, is responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining payment records.
King and Queen County offers a Geographic Information System (GIS) online mapping tool that may provide parcel information, tax maps, and property boundaries, accessible through King and Queen County's website. Property owners and researchers can search by owner name, parcel ID, or address to view basic assessment information, though detailed historical records typically require in-person research at the Clerk's office.
Vital Records
Vital records for King and Queen County, Virginia, are governed by Virginia Code § 32.1-249 through § 32.1-270, which establishes the framework for registration and access to birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located at 2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23230. For births and deaths occurring in King and Queen County, certified copies can be requested from the state office by mail, in person, or through the online ordering system at VitalChek.com.
- The current fee for a certified birth or death certificate is $12.00 for the first copy, with additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously costing $12.00 each.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests and immediate for in-person requests at the state office in Richmond.
- Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the statutory fee of $30.00.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Virginia law. Birth records are confidential for 100 years from the date of birth, and death records are confidential for 25 years from the date of death, with access restricted to authorized individuals including the registrant, family members, legal representatives, and those with a court order. Marriage licenses in King and Queen County are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's office at 242 Allen's Circle, King and Queen Court House, VA 23085
There is no waiting period in Virginia, and the license is valid for 60 days from issuance. Marriage records after issuance are public records available through the Clerk's office. Divorce records (decrees and orders) are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as part of court case files and are generally public records subject to court access rules, though separation agreements and certain financial disclosures may be sealed.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in King and Queen County are managed through several agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration required. King and Queen County Commissioner of the Revenue, located at 242 Allen's Circle, King and Queen Court House, VA 23085, phone, handles local business license applications and renewals.
- The Commissioner of Revenue's office maintains records of licensed businesses and can provide verification of business license status upon request.
- For formal business entity registration such as corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships, businesses must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
- The Middle Peninsula Chamber of Commerce serves King and Queen County region and provides business support services, networking opportunities, and economic development information for local entrepreneurs and companies.
All businesses operating within King and Queen County are generally required to obtain a local business license, with fees based on gross receipts and business classification under the Virginia BPOL (Business, Professional, and Occupational License) tax system. The SCC maintains the Clerk's Information System (CIS), a free online database accessible at scc.virginia.gov, where users can search for registered business entities, view formation documents, annual reports, and registered agent information. The Circuit Court Clerk's office in King and Queen County also maintains records of fictitious name certificates (DBAs - doing business as) filed by sole proprietors and partnerships operating under assumed names, as required by Virginia Code § 59.1-69 through § 59.1-76.
Building permits and construction-related licensing are handled by King and Queen County Building Official and Department of Planning and Zoning King and Queen County enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, and permits are required for new construction, additions, renovations, and certain types of repairs. Zoning compliance and land use permits are also administered through this office.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in King and Queen County are administered by King and Queen County Office of the General Registrar and Electoral Board, located at 242 Allen's Circle, King and Queen Court House, VA 23085 The General Registrar is the chief election official responsible for voter registration, maintaining voter rolls, conducting elections, and certifying results.
- Virginia law requires voters to register at least 22 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- In the 2024 general election, voter turnout in King and Queen County was approximately 68-72% of registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of Virginia counties in presidential election years.
- Absentee voting in Virginia is available to all registered voters without requiring an excuse, following legislative changes enacted in recent years.
- King and Queen County voters can request absentee ballots online through the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal, by mail, email, fax, or in person at the Registrar's office.
- Citizens seeking election records can submit requests to the General Registrar's office under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Voter registration in King and Queen County can be completed online through the Virginia Department of Elections website at vote.virginia.gov, in person at the Registrar's office, by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form, or at various state agencies including the DMV. Registered voters in King and Queen County can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by visiting the Virginia Department of Elections website and using the Citizen Portal, or by calling the Registrar's office directly. King and Queen County typically operates 2-3 polling locations on Election Day, with exact locations subject to change based on precinct boundary adjustments and facility availability.
King and Queen County traditionally votes Republican in presidential and statewide elections, consistent with rural Virginia voting patterns. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races (King and Queen County is part of Virginia's 1st Congressional District), and potentially Virginia state legislative races depending on redistricting.
Absentee ballot applications must be received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before Election Day for mail ballots, or voters may vote absentee in-person during the early voting period, which begins 45 days before Election Day and ends at 5:00 PM on the Saturday before the election. Election records in Virginia are substantially transparent under Virginia Code § 24.2-101 and § 24.2-444, with voter registration lists available for inspection (though individual voter history is protected), campaign finance reports filed with the Virginia Department of Elections publicly accessible online, candidate filings available for review, and precinct-level election results published by the State Board of Elections and the local Electoral Board.
Economy & Demographics
King and Queen County's economy remains fundamentally rooted in agriculture, forestry, and small business enterprises, reflecting its rural character and historical development patterns. Agriculture is the dominant economic sector, with major commodities including corn, soybeans, wheat, timber production, and livestock operations. King and Queen County contains over 100,000 acres of farmland and forest, representing the vast majority of its land area.
- The median household income in King and Queen County is estimated at approximately $58,000, somewhat below the Virginia state median, reflecting the rural and agricultural nature of the economy.
- Route 360, has attracted light industrial and warehouse operations seeking access to the Richmond metropolitan area while maintaining lower operating costs.
Poultry production has emerged as a significant agricultural sector in recent decades, with several large-scale operations contributing to the local economy. Major employers in King and Queen County include King and Queen County Public Schools, King and Queen County government itself, agricultural operations, and small manufacturing concerns. King and Queen County Industrial Park, located along U.S.
Retail and service businesses are concentrated along the Route 360 corridor and in the Court House area, serving local residents and travelers. The unemployment rate in King and Queen County typically tracks slightly above the Virginia state average, ranging between 3.5% and 5.0% in recent years depending on seasonal agricultural cycles. Tourism plays a modest role in the economy, with visitors drawn to historic sites, recreational fishing on the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers, and rural heritage tourism.
Economic development initiatives have focused on preserving King and Queen County's agricultural base while attracting compatible light industrial and professional services businesses that can provide employment without compromising the rural character. King and Queen County's proximity to Richmond (approximately 40 miles) has led to modest residential growth as some residents commute to urban employment centers while seeking rural lifestyles. Broadband internet expansion has been identified as a critical economic development priority to support remote work opportunities and business competitiveness.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online/In-Person | Property: Limited: Basic Online/In-Person for Details | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/In-Person | Business: Yes: State Online/Local In-Person | Elections: Yes: State Online Tools | Overall Score: 5/10, King and Queen County maintains traditional in-person access to most public records with limited digital infrastructure, typical of small rural Virginia counties.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in King and Queen County
Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in King and Queen County, Virginia.