New Kent County

New Kent County is located in the eastern portion of Virginia, positioned between Richmond and Williamsburg in what is known as the Historic Triangle region. Established in 1654, it is one of the original shires of Virginia and covers approximately 210 square miles. New Kent County seat is New Kent, a small unincorporated community where New Kent County courthouse and administrative offices are located at 12007 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. As of the 2020 Census, New Kent County had a population of approximately 22,945 residents, representing steady growth driven by its proximity to both Richmond metropolitan employment centers and Colonial Williamsburg tourism. New Kent County is characterized by rural scenes, agricultural heritage, and increasing residential development along the I-64 corridor. Major landmarks include the historic Cumberland State Forest, New Kent Winery, and New Kent County Courthouse complex, which has served as the center of county government for centuries. New Kent County Administration offices include the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at 12007 Courthouse Circle for tax assessments, the County Treasurer for tax collection, and the Circuit Court Clerk who maintains land records and vital records. New Kent County's economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly tobacco and timber, but has diversified to include retail, residential development, and tourism-related businesses. New Kent County maintains a blend of historical preservation and modern suburban growth, making it unique among Virginia's counties for its transition from purely rural to increasingly residential character while maintaining significant forested and agricultural lands.

The New Kent County Circuit Court serves New Kent County and is located at 12300 New Kent Highway. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for this county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Virginia online court portal.

The New Kent County Circuit Court, located at 12300 New Kent Highway, handles a variety of cases that encompass civil, criminal, family, and probate matters.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens may submit written FOIA requests to the Sheriff's Office or appear in person to request arrest logs, incident reports, and booking information.
• Mugshots and booking photos are considered public records in Virginia and may be obtained through formal public records requests to the Sheriff's Office, though fees for copying and processing may apply.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows Virginia state law, allowing for the release of detainees upon posting bail, which can be arranged through the court or a bail bondsman.

Court records for this county include civil cases, criminal cases, traffic violations, and family law matters handled by the local Circuit, District, or Superior Court.

• Certified copies of court documents, judgments, and orders can be requested from the Clerk's Office with fees typically ranging from $0.50 per page for copies plus certification fees.
• Fee schedules are established by Virginia statute and posted at the Clerk's Office.

• Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk for $2 for the first two pages and $0.50 for each additional page, plus $2 for certification.
• Recording fees for new documents are established by Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and vary based on document type and page count.

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

• Death certificates are also available through the same office at the same fee.
• Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and expedited service is available for additional fees.
• The marriage license fee is approximately $30, and the license is valid for 60 days from issuance.
• Marriage records and certified copies of marriage certificates are maintained permanently by the Circuit Court Clerk and can be requested in person or by mail with proper identification.

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

• For state-level business entity registration, corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
• The SCC maintains a searchable online database at scc.virginia.gov/clk/bussch.aspx where anyyou can search for registered business entities, view corporate status, registered agents, and filing history at no charge.
• New Kent County Chamber of Commerce, accessible at newkentchamber.org, provides resources for business networking, economic development information, and support for local commerce.