West Virginia, county records

Nicholas County, West Virginia Public Records

Find the right office in Nicholas 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 Nicholas 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 Nicholas County

Useful local context without burying the official record links above.

County profile

Nicholas County at a glance

State
West Virginia
County seat
Summersville
Population
24,864
Area
654 sq mi
Founded
1818
Cities and towns
19

Nicholas County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Nicholas County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Nicholas County, particularly in unincorporated areas.

Police Departments. In addition to Nicholas County Sheriff's Office, Nicholas County is served by several municipal police departments, including the Summersville Police Department and the Richwood Police Department. These agencies collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and emergencies, making sure of a coordinated approach to public safety across Nicholas County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Law enforcement in Nicholas County, West Virginia is primarily provided by Nicholas County Sheriff's Office, Summersville, WV 26651. Nicholas County Sheriff is an elected constitutional officer serving four-year terms. Inmate information for Nicholas County residents detained at the Central Regional Jail can be accessed through the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority website at www.wvdoc.com, which provides an online inmate search feature with booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. The Central Regional Jail, located at 610 Coon Hunter Highway in Sutton (Braxton County), serves Nicholas County along with several surrounding counties.

Arrest Records. Arrest records in Nicholas County are maintained by Nicholas County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Jail & Inmate Records. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates.

Mugshots & Booking Photos. Mugshots in Nicholas County are taken and retained by Nicholas County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases that compile such information.

350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301 • Phone: 304-558-2931 Nicholas County court system operates under the West Virginia Unified Court System. Nicholas County Circuit Court, Summersville, WV 26651 (phone: 304-872-7830), has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $300, domestic relations matters including divorce, equity cases, and appeals from lower courts.

Straight answers

Nicholas County public-records FAQs

Open only the answer you need.

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

Mugshots or booking photos in Nicholas County, West Virginia, can be obtained from the Nicholas County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records through their official website or upon request at their office. It's advisable to check their online portal or contact them directly for specific procedures and any applicable fees.

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

To obtain a criminal background check in Nicholas County, West Virginia, you should contact the West Virginia State Police, as they handle background checks through their Criminal Identification Bureau. Locally, you can also inquire at the Nicholas County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process and any necessary forms or fees.

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

You can look up sex offenders in Nicholas County, West Virginia, by accessing the West Virginia Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the West Virginia State Police and provides an online search tool to locate registered sex offenders by name, address, or county.

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

To register to vote in Nicholas County, contact the Nicholas County Clerk's Office at (304) 872-7820 or visit 700 Main Street, Summersville, WV 26651. You can also register online at GoVoteWV.com through the West Virginia Secretary of State's website. West Virginia requires voter registration at least 21 days before any election, and you must be a U.S. Citizen, West Virginia resident, and at least 17 years old (18 by the general election). The County Clerk can also provide information about absentee ballot applications and early in-person voting options.

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

Property records in Nicholas County are maintained by the Nicholas County Clerk's Office (for deeds, mortgages, and liens) and the Nicholas County Assessor's Office (for tax assessments and valuations), both located at 700 Main Street, Summersville, WV 26651. You can call the Clerk at (304) 872-7820 or the Assessor at (304) 872-7830. While online access is limited, you can visit the West Virginia State Auditor's website at wvauditor.com for property tax information. In-person searches at the courthouse provide access to complete deed records, plat maps, and historical property documents.

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

Birth and death certificates can be requested through the Nicholas County Clerk's Office at 700 Main Street, Summersville, WV 26651 (phone: 304-872-7820) or directly from the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health Vital Registration Office in Charleston at (304) 558-2931. The fee is $12.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record. You must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate. Processing time is typically 1-2 weeks for county requests, and expedited service is available through VitalChek.com for an additional fee.

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

For business entity searches including LLCs and corporations, use the West Virginia Secretary of State's free online business search at sos.wv.gov/business. For local DBA (Doing Business As) fictitious name registrations, contact the Nicholas County Clerk's Office at (304) 872-7820 or visit 700 Main Street, Summersville, WV 26651. Local business licenses for operations within Summersville city limits may require contacting Summersville City Hall at (304) 872-1230. Professional licenses are typically issued by state-level boards rather than county offices.

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.