Madison County

Madison County, Virginia, is a picturesque rural county located in the heart of the Piedmont region, nestled against the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Madison County seat is the town of Madison, which is the governmental and commercial center. Established in 1793 from Culpeper County and named after James Madison, who would become the fourth President of the United States, Madison County includes approximately 322 square miles. As of recent census estimates, the population is approximately 14,000 residents, maintaining its character as one of Virginia's smaller, close communities. Madison County is renowned for its scenic beauty, particularly Shenandoah National Park along its western border, which attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Old Rag Mountain, one of the most popular hiking destinations on the East Coast, lies partially within Madison County and draws tens of thousands of visitors annually. Madison County's economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly cattle and horse farming, with expansive pastoral scenes defining its character. Madison County Government Complex, located at 1 Courthouse Square in Madison, houses the primary administrative offices including the Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer, Circuit Court Clerk, and County Administrator. The Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue handles property assessments and business licensing, while the Treasurer's Office collects taxes and maintains financial records. The Circuit Court Clerk, situated in the historic courthouse building dating to 1829, maintains land records, court documents, and vital records. Madison County's commitment to preserving its rural heritage while providing modern services makes it a unique destination in Virginia's central Piedmont region.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq, citizens have the right to request arrest records and criminal incident reports from the Sheriff's Office.
• Requests must be made in writing and submitted to the Sheriff's Office either in person, by mail, or via Madison County's FOIA request process.
• The agency has five business days to respond to requests.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Virginia and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office or the RSW Regional Jail.

Arrest Records

• Access to these records is governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which outlines the public's right to access government records while protecting individual privacy.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Virginia allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and this can be arranged through the court system or bail bondsmen.

• The Circuit Court Clerk's office provides in-person access to case files during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Clerk's office for a fee of $2.00 for the first two pages and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
• Land records including deeds and mortgages are also maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk, with deed recording fees varying based on document type and number of pages.
• Citizens requesting court records should contact the appropriate Clerk's office with specific case numbers or party names to help with searches.

Property records for Madison County, Virginia are maintained by the Madison County Clerk of the Circuit Court. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Madison County.

🔗 https://vacourts.gov

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Eligible requesters include the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, and immediate family members.
• Death certificates for deaths occurring in Madison County are also available through the Circuit Court Clerk's office for the same fees.
• Processing time for vital records requests is typically immediate if the record is located and the requester appears in person with proper identification and documentation.
• The marriage license fee is approximately $30.00, and there is no waiting period in Virginia.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• This free online database provides information on entity name, status, registration date, registered agent, and principal office address.
• Fictitious name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) must be filed with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Madison County if a business operates under a name different from its legal registered name.
• The filing fee for fictitious names is set by statute.
• Building permits, zoning approvals, and development applications are processed through Madison County Department of Planning and Zoning, located at the Government Complex
• Madison County Chamber of Commerce, though not a government agency, provides business networking and economic development support; information can be found through local business associations.