West Virginia, county records

Mercer County, West Virginia Public Records

Find the right office in Mercer County. Court cases, deeds and parcels, sheriff and jail records, vital records and county filings, each linked to the office that keeps them, with addresses and phone numbers.

Official sources first Free directory Links checked Sep. 13, 2026 Mobile friendly

Start here

Most requested Mercer County records

Every card below goes to the government office responsible for that record. Use the category buttons to narrow the list.

Filter by type

Showing 12 official sources

Local record guide

About public records in Mercer County

Useful local context without burying the official record links above.

County profile

Mercer County at a glance

State
West Virginia
County seat
Princeton
Population
58,758
Area
421 sq mi
Founded
1837
Cities and towns
20

Mercer County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Mercer County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Mercer County.

Police Departments. In addition to Mercer County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Mercer County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Mercer County Sheriff's Office, located at 1501 West Main Street in Princeton, WV 24740, is the primary law enforcement agency for Mercer County.

Criminal Records. Mercer County Circuit Clerk maintains court records, while the sheriff's office handles arrest and incident reports.

Arrest Records. Arrest records in Mercer County are maintained by Mercer County Sheriff's Office.

Mugshots & Booking Photos. Mugshots in Mercer County are taken by Mercer County Sheriff's Office during the booking process.

Straight answers

Mercer County public-records FAQs

Open only the answer you need.

Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Mercer County, West Virginia?

Mugshots or booking photos in Mercer County, West Virginia, can be obtained through the Mercer County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office may provide access to these records upon request, and they might also be available through the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority's online portal. It's advisable to contact the Sheriff's Office directly for specific procedures and any associated fees.

How do I get a criminal background check in Mercer County, West Virginia?

To obtain a criminal background check in Mercer County, West Virginia, you need to contact the West Virginia State Police, which handles background checks through their Criminal Identification Bureau. You can request a background check by submitting fingerprints and completing the necessary forms. The process may involve a fee, and results can be mailed to you or accessed online if available.

How can I look up sex offenders in Mercer County, West Virginia?

To look up sex offenders in Mercer County, West Virginia, you can use the West Virginia Sex Offender Registry, which is maintained by the West Virginia State Police. The registry provides an online search tool where you can search for offenders by name, address, or proximity to a specific location. This resource is publicly accessible and regularly updated to ensure community safety.

How do I register to vote in Mercer County, West Virginia?

You can register to vote in Mercer County by visiting GoVoteWV.com for online registration, applying in person at the Mercer County Clerk's office at 1501 West Main Street in Princeton, or submitting a mail-in registration form. The registration deadline is 21 days before any election, though West Virginia offers same-day registration during the early voting period. For absentee ballot information and applications, contact the County Clerk's elections division at (304) 487-8311 or visit their office during regular business hours.

How do I look up property records in Mercer County, West Virginia?

Property records in Mercer County are maintained by the County Clerk's office at 1501 West Main Street, Princeton, (304) 487-8311, which handles deeds, mortgages, and liens, and the Assessor's office at the same location, (304) 487-8320, which maintains tax assessment records. Mercer County offers a GIS parcel viewer on the county website for basic property information and mapping, though detailed land records may require an in-person visit or subscription to the county's online recording system. Walk-in searches at the Clerk's office are available free of charge during business hours, with fees applying only for copies of documents.

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Mercer County, West Virginia?

Birth and death certificates for Mercer County are obtained through the West Virginia Vital Registration Office at 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25331, phone (304) 558-2931. The fee is $12.00 for the first copy of a birth or death certificate and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for standard mail requests, with expedited service available for an additional fee. You can also order online through VitalChek.com, though service fees apply, or visit the Mercer County Clerk's office for older records and assistance.

How do I find business license records in Mercer County, West Virginia?

Business records in Mercer County can be found through multiple sources depending on the business type. For assumed business names (DBAs) and fictitious names, contact the Mercer County Clerk's office at (304) 487-8311. For corporations, LLCs, and other formal business entities, search the West Virginia Secretary of State's business database at apps.sos.wv.gov/business/corporations, which provides free online access to registration records, agent information, and filing history. Local business licenses within municipalities are handled by the respective city clerk's offices in Princeton, Bluefield, or Athens depending on business location.

Same county

Cities, towns and neighboring counties

Use the city page when a record was created by a municipal police department or city office; use the county page for courts, deeds, vital records and jail custody.