About Northampton County

Area 211 square miles
County Seat Eastville

Northampton County is located on the southern tip of Virginia's Eastern Shore, occupying the Delmarva Peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Northampton County Seat is Eastville, a historic town that has served as the governmental center since 1690. Northampton County covers approximately 211 square miles of land area with an additional 422 square miles of water, making it one of Virginia's most water-dominated jurisdictions. The population is approximately 12,000 residents according to recent census estimates.

Northampton County is bordered by Accomack County to the north and connects to Virginia Beach via the famous Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a 17.6-mile engineering marvel completed in 1964. Major landmarks include Cape Charles, a Victorian-era railroad town on the Chesapeake Bay; the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge; Kiptopeke State Park; and the historic Eastville courthouse complex, which houses court records dating back to 1632, making it one of the oldest continuous court record collections in the United States. Northampton County's economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly sweet potatoes, soybeans, and grain crops, along with commercial fishing and aquaculture.

Northampton County is unique for its pristine barrier islands, its role as a critical stopover point for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway, and its remarkably preserved colonial-era records. Northampton County Clerk of the Circuit Court is located at 16404 Courthouse Road in Eastville, VA 23347, maintaining land records, court documents, and vital records. The Commissioner of the Revenue and the Treasurer handle property assessments and tax records from the same courthouse complex.

Northampton County's rural character, maritime heritage, and agricultural traditions make it distinct among Virginia's jurisdictions.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Northampton County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Northampton County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these regions, managing Northampton County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach and crime prevention programs tailored to the needs of Northampton County residents. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, criminal investigations, and a dedicated team for court security and civil process service.

Police Departments

Law enforcement in Northampton County is provided by Northampton County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Cape Charles Police Department and the Exmore Police Department are key agencies serving their respective towns. These departments handle local policing duties, including traffic enforcement, crime investigation, and community policing initiatives. Coordination between the Sheriff's Office and municipal departments is essential for addressing major crimes and making sure of full law enforcement coverage across Northampton County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Northampton County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Northampton County, providing patrol services, civil process, courthouse security, and jail operations. The Sheriff's Office is located at 5211 The Hornes in Eastville, VA 23347, and can be reached for The agency operates under the elected Sheriff and maintains jurisdiction throughout Northampton County's 211 square miles. Northampton County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanants.

  • Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office, specifying the name and date of arrest if known.
  • The Sheriff's Office may charge reasonable copying fees for arrest reports and booking records.
  • Processing time for records requests typically ranges from 5 to 10 business days depending on the complexity and volume of records requested.
  • Virginia law requires agencies to respond to FOIA requests within five working days, either providing the records, denying the request with legal justification, or indicating that additional time is needed.
2 Plum Street, Cape Charles, VA 23310

Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at during business hours, though Northampton County does not currently maintain a full online inmate search system. The Town of Cape Charles maintains its own police department providing municipal law enforcement services within town limits. Cape Charles Police Department is located at 2 Plum Street, Cape Charles, VA 23310, phone.

Arrest records in Northampton County are public records subject to Virginia's Freedom of Information Act (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.). Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Virginia and may be obtained through FOIA requests to the Sheriff's Office, though some restrictions apply for juvenile arrests and certain sensitive cases. The Virginia State Police also maintains jurisdiction throughout Northampton County and operates the Chesapeake Field Office serving the Eastern Shore region.

No tribal police agencies operate within Northampton County as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in Northampton County.

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Northampton County includes a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office maintains local criminal records, while the Virginia State Police manage statewide databases. Residents can conduct background checks through the Virginia State Police, which provides access to criminal history information. The Virginia Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed background checks or information on specific criminal cases.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Northampton County are maintained by Northampton County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records are subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which governs public access to government records. An arrest record in Northampton County typically includes the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's information.

Jail & Inmate Records

Northampton County Jail, located in Eastville, is the primary detention facility for those arrested within Northampton County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance.

  • The bond and bail process in Virginia allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recent arrests can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Northampton County are taken and retained by Northampton 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. Virginia does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can request removal from third-party sites under certain conditions. The Sheriff's website may provide a portal for searching mugshots, though access may be limited to specific cases or require formal requests.

Courts & Case Records

Northampton County's judicial system operates through the 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, with the Circuit Court located at 16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347, phone. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts exceeding $4,500, domestic relations matters including divorce and custody, appeals from lower courts, and equity matters. The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains all court records and can be reached at the same address and phone number.

  • The Clerk charges fees for certified copies of court documents: $2 for the first two pages and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2 certification fee per document.
16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347

Northampton County General District Court, also located at the Eastville courthouse complex, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $25,000, preliminary hearings for felonies, and small claims matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court shares the courthouse facility and has exclusive jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, custody and visitation, domestic violence protective orders, and support enforcement cases. Court records in Virginia are generally public under Virginia Code § 17.1-208 and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.), with certain exceptions for sealed records, juvenile matters, and cases involving sensitive information.

The Virginia Judicial System operates an online case information system accessible at https://eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis, where users can search circuit court civil and criminal cases by name, case number, or hearing date. General District Court records may also be searched through this system for some case types. In-person record searches are available at the Clerk's Office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Remote access to land records is available through the Clerk's website subscription service. Historical court records dating back to 1632 are maintained at the Eastville courthouse, representing one of the oldest continuous court record collections in America. These early records are available for research purposes with restrictions to protect the fragile documents.

Property & Public Records

Property and land records in Northampton County are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, serving as the County Recorder, located at 16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347, phone. The Clerk's office maintains an extensive collection of land records including deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, releases, easements, plat maps, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property titles. These records date back to 1632, making Northampton County's land records among the oldest continuous collections in the United States.

  • Registration and subscription fees apply for remote access.
  • Certified copies of recorded instruments cost $2 for the first two pages plus $0.50 for each additional page, with a $2 certification fee.
  • Recording fees for new documents are $17 for the first two pages plus $3 for each additional page.
  • Requests for bulk data or extensive record copies should be submitted in writing and may incur copying fees per Virginia Code § 58.1-3.
16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347

The Clerk's office offers online access to land records through a subscription-based service at https://northamptoncircuitcourt.com, where users can search and view recorded documents by grantor, grantee, book and page, or instrument type. In-person searches are available free of charge at the Clerk's office during business hours. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by the Commissioner of the Revenue at 16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347, phone.

Current tax bills and payment information are handled by the County Treasurer at the same address, phone. Northampton County offers a free online GIS mapping system and property search tool accessible through Northampton County website at www.co.northampton.va.us, allowing users to search by owner name, parcel ID, or address to view property boundaries, assessed values, tax information, and property characteristics. The GIS system includes aerial imagery and zoning information.

Property assessment records, including land books and personal property records, are public records available for inspection at the Commissioner of Revenue's office.

Vital Records

Vital records for Northampton County, Virginia, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Northampton County can be requested from the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347, phone. The Clerk maintains birth records and death records as local registrar for Northampton County. Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies.

  • Processing time for vital records requests at the local level typically ranges from 1 to 3 business days if all required documentation is provided.
  • The marriage license fee in Northampton County is $30.
  • Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $12 for the first copy.
16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347

Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal entitlement to the record, as Virginia restricts vital records to authorized individuals under Virginia Code § 32.1-250 through § 32.1-271. The Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, is the central repository for all Virginia vital records and offers an alternative source for birth and death certificates. The state vital records office is located at 2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23230, phone.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records with additional processing fees; online orders typically take 7-10 business days for standard processing or 2-3 business days for expedited service. Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Eastville. Couples must apply in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers; there is no waiting period in Virginia, and licenses are valid for 60 days.

Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court as part of circuit court case records; certified copies of final divorce decrees can be obtained from the Clerk's office for the standard court document fee of $2 plus $2 certification. Only parties to the divorce or their legal representatives can obtain certified copies.

Business & Licensing

Business and licensing records in Northampton County are managed by various county and state agencies depending on the license type and business structure. Northampton County Clerk of the Circuit Court, located at 16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347, phone, maintains filings for fictitious name certificates (doing business as or DBA registrations) required under Virginia Code § 59.1-69 through § 59.1-76. These certificates must be filed by any person conducting business under an assumed name and cost approximately $10 to file.

  • This system provides access to articles of incorporation, annual reports, registered agent information, and business entity status.
16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347
19056 Industrial Parkway, Melfa, VA 23410

The records are indexed and available for public search at the Clerk's office. For formal business entity formation and registration, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and registered limited liability partnerships, filings are made with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) in Richmond. The SCC maintains the Clerk's Information System (CIS), a free online database accessible at https://cis.scc.virginia.gov, where users can search for registered business entities by name, registered agent, or entity number.

Local business licenses in Northampton County are administered by the Commissioner of the Revenue at 16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347, phone. Most businesses operating in Northampton County must obtain a local business license, with fees based on gross receipts and business classification under the Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax system. Applications and information are available through the Commissioner's office.

Professional and occupational licenses for regulated professions (contractors, real estate agents, healthcare providers, etc.) are issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), which maintains an online license lookup at https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Northampton County Planning, Permitting & Enforcement Department located at 16404 Courthouse Road, phone. The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce, serving both Northampton and Accomack counties, is located at 19056 Industrial Parkway, Melfa, VA 23410, and maintains a website at www.esvachamber.org with business directories and economic development information.

Elections & Voter Records

Elections in Northampton County are administered by Northampton County Registrar and Electoral Board, located at 16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347. The General Registrar can be reached, and election information is available through Northampton County website at www.co.northampton.va.us.

  • Virginia residents may register if they are U.S.
  • Northampton County voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 65-68% of registered voters, consistent with typical presidential election turnout patterns in rural Virginia counties.
  • Virginia allows any registered voter to vote absentee without providing an excuse.
  • To request a mail-in absentee ballot, voters may apply online through the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal, download and mail a paper application, or apply in person at the Registrar's office.
  • Citizens may request to observe election processes including absentee ballot processing and canvassing by contacting the Electoral Board in advance.
16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347

Voter registration in Northampton County can be completed online through the Virginia Department of Elections at www.elections.virginia.gov/registration, in person at the Registrar's office, by mail using the Virginia voter registration application, or at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles when conducting license transactions. The voter registration deadline in Virginia is 22 days before any election; online registration must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the deadline date. Citizens, residents of Virginia, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and have had voting rights restored if previously convicted of a felony.

To find your polling place in Northampton County, voters can use the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal at www.elections.virginia.gov/voter-portal, contact the Registrar's office, or check their voter registration card which lists the assigned precinct. Northampton County operates approximately seven precincts across Northampton County. Election records that are public in Virginia include voter registration lists (excluding Social Security numbers and certain personal information), campaign finance reports filed with the Virginia Department of Elections, candidate filing documents, and precinct-level election results.

These records are subject to Virginia's Freedom of Information Act. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives midterm elections, as well as potential local constitutional officer races and county board of supervisor seats depending on term schedules.

Absentee voting in Northampton County is available both in-person and by mail. Absentee ballot applications must be received by 5:00 PM on the Friday before Election Day for mailed ballots, or by 2:00 PM on the Saturday before Election Day for in-person pickup. In-person absentee voting is available at the Registrar's office beginning 45 days before the election and ending at 5:00 PM on the Saturday before Election Day.

Completed absentee ballots must be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day and received by noon on the third day after the election) or delivered in person to the Registrar's office or designated drop-off location by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Election transparency in Northampton County is supported by public access to election results, which are posted at the Registrar's office and reported to the Virginia Department of Elections for publication on the state website.

Economy & Demographics

Northampton County's economy has traditionally been anchored by agriculture, commercial fishing, and tourism, reflecting its unique position on Virginia's Eastern Shore peninsula. Agriculture remains the dominant economic sector, with approximately 45% of Northampton County's land area dedicated to farming. Major agricultural products include sweet potatoes (Northampton County is one of the nation's leading producers), soybeans, corn, wheat, and vegetable crops.

  • Northampton County's sandy soils and moderate climate are particularly well-suited to sweet potato cultivation, supporting multiple packing and processing facilities.
  • The median household income in Northampton County is approximately $45,000, somewhat below the Virginia state median, reflecting the rural and agricultural character of the economy.

Commercial fishing and aquaculture contribute significantly to the local economy, with Northampton County's extensive waterfront access to both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean supporting harvests of blue crabs, clams, oysters, and finfish. The poverty rate is higher than the state average at approximately 18-20% of residents. Major employers include Perdue Farms poultry processing facilities, NASA's Wallops Flight Facility (located in adjacent Accomack County but employing many Northampton residents), Eastern Shore Rural Health System, Northampton County Public Schools, and various agricultural operations.

Tourism has grown as an economic contributor, with visitors attracted to Cape Charles, the Chesapeake Bay Beach, barrier island wildlife refuges, and birding opportunities along the Atlantic Flyway. The Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge attracts approximately 70,000 visitors annually. Unemployment rates in Northampton County typically range from 4% to 6%, with seasonal variations related to agricultural harvests and tourism.

Economic development efforts have focused on leveraging Northampton County's strategic location adjacent to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, promoting aquaculture expansion, attracting remote workers and retirees to Cape Charles and other waterfront communities, and developing renewable energy projects. Northampton County has seen significant investment in offshore wind energy development planning, with potential future economic impacts from the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project. Northampton County's proximity to the Port of Virginia and potential for logistics development represents an ongoing economic opportunity.

Transparency Score

Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Yes: Free GIS & Paid Remote Access | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/FOIA Only | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State SCC) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 7/10 No:rthampton County provides good access to property and court records with state-level online systems, though some local records require in-person requests.

Official Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Northampton County, Virginia?
To search for someone recently arrested in Northampton County, Virginia, you can contact the Eastern Shore Regional Jail, where most arrestees are held. The jail provides an inmate lookup service that can be accessed by visiting their facility or calling their main line. You may check with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office for recent arrest information.
Mugshots or booking photos in Northampton County, Virginia, can be obtained through the Northampton County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records upon request, subject to privacy laws and regulations. For online access, you may need to use third-party websites that aggregate public records, although availability can vary.
To obtain a criminal background check in Northampton County, Virginia, you must contact the Virginia State Police, which handles background checks through the Central Criminal Records Exchange. Locally, you can also inquire at the Northampton County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. The request typically requires a form submission and a fee.
To look up sex offenders in Northampton County, Virginia, you can use the Virginia State Police's Sex Offender Registry. This online database allows you to search for registered sex offenders by name, location, or proximity to specific addresses. The registry is updated regularly to provide accurate information to the public.
To register to vote in Northampton County, you can complete the process online at www.elections.virginia.gov/registration, in person at the Northampton County Registrar's office at 16404 Courthouse Road in Eastville (phone 757-678-0480), or by mail. The registration deadline is 22 days before any election. Virginia offers same-day online registration for eligible citizens up until the deadline at 11:59 PM. Absentee voting is available to all registered voters without requiring an excuse, and applications can be submitted online through the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal.
Property records in Northampton County are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347, phone (757) 678-0465. The county offers a free online GIS mapping and property search system accessible through www.co.northampton.va.us where you can search by owner name, parcel ID, or address to view assessed values, tax information, and property boundaries. For recorded land records such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, the Clerk's office provides a subscription-based remote access service at https://northamptoncircuitcourt.com, or you can search records in person at no charge during business hours.
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Northampton County can be obtained from the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347, phone (757) 678-0465. Certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies ordered at the same time. You must provide valid photo identification and proof of eligibility to receive the record under Virginia Code § 32.1-250. Alternatively, you can order from the Virginia Department of Health Division of Vital Records in Richmond by mail, phone at (804) 662-6200, or online through VitalChek at www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records, with processing times of 7-10 business days for standard service.
Local business license information in Northampton County is available through the Commissioner of the Revenue at 16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, phone (757) 678-0446. Fictitious name (DBA) certificates are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the same address. For corporation and LLC records, use the Virginia State Corporation Commission's free online search at https://cis.scc.virginia.gov to look up registered business entities, registered agents, and corporate status. Professional licenses can be verified through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation at www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup.

Nearby Counties

York County VA Accomack County VA Middlesex County VA Mathews County VA