Mathews County

Mathews County is a distinctive Virginia county located on the Middle Peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Piankatank River. With a land area of approximately 86 square miles and a water area that nearly doubles its total size, Mathews County is essentially a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. Mathews County seat is Mathews, an unincorporated community that is the governmental and historical center. As of recent census estimates, the population is approximately 8,517 residents, making it one of Virginia's smaller counties by population. Mathews County was established in 1791 from Gloucester County and named after Thomas Mathews County, the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Mathews County's economy has historically been tied to maritime industries, including fishing, crabbing, and boat building. Notable landmarks include Mathews County Courthouse, built in 1833, and numerous historic homes and churches dating to the colonial period. Mathews County is known for its rural character, scenic waterways, and strong maritime heritage. Public records in Mathews County are maintained by several offices: the Circuit Court Clerk is the County Recorder for land records and maintains vital records; the Commissioner of the Revenue assesses property values; and the County Treasurer collects taxes. Mathews County Circuit Court Clerk's office is located at 10622 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA 23109. Mathews County's unique geography, with over 200 miles of shoreline and no incorporated towns, creates a distinctive character that attracts retirees, boaters, and those seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written or verbal request to the Sheriff's Office, though the agency may charge reasonable fees for copying and research time.
• Requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.

Jail & Inmate Records

• Bond and bail processes follow Virginia state law, allowing for release through cash bail or bond services.

• Mathews County Circuit Court Clerk's office provides access to land records, judgments, and civil case files during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and typically include $2 per page plus a certification fee.

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

🔗 https://vacourts.gov

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

• The fee for a certified copy of a birth or death certificate is $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
• Processing time is typically immediate to three business days if the record is readily available in the local office.
• Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor, at vdh.virginia.gov/vital records, though expedited service fees apply.
• Both parties must appear in person, provide valid identification, and pay the required fee of $30.
• Applicants requesting vital records must present valid photo identification, and mail requests must include a notarized application or photocopy of ID.

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

• New businesses should contact the Treasurer's office to register within 30 days of beginning operations.
• For business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and registered trade names, businesses must file with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
• The SCC maintains the Clerk's Information System (CIS) at scc.virginia.gov/clk/begin.aspx, which provides free online searching of all registered business entities in Virginia.
• This database includes entity name, status, registered agent, formation date, and filing history.
• Mathews County Chamber of Commerce, accessible at mathewscountyva.com, provides resources for businesses including networking opportunities, business directories, and economic development information.