About Nottoway County
Nottoway County is located in the Southside region of south-central Virginia, encompassing approximately 316 square miles of rolling piedmont landscape. The county seat is Nottoway, a small unincorporated community, though the Town of Blackstone serves as the county's principal commercial center. Established in 1789 from Amelia County, Nottoway County has a population of approximately 15,000 residents according to recent census estimates. The county's name derives from the local community Indians, an Iroquoian-speaking tribe indigenous to the region.
Major landmarks include Fort Pickett, a Virginia Army National Guard installation that has served as a significant military training facility since 1942, and Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park, site of one of the final major battles of the Civil War in April 1865. The county is bisected by U.S. Route 460 and contains portions of Interstate 85, providing strategic transportation corridors.
Agriculture remains an important part of the county's heritage, with tobacco, soybeans, and livestock production historically dominant. The the county Courthouse is located at 328 W Courthouse Road, Nottoway County, VA 23955. The Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains land records, court documents, and vital records at this location.
The Commissioner of the Revenue, located at 340 Courthouse Road, handles property assessments and business licensing. The County Treasurer, also at the Courthouse complex, manages tax collection and property tax records. What makes this county unique is its blend of rural agricultural character, military presence through Fort Pickett, and strategic location between Richmond and the North Carolina border.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Nottoway County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and has divisions dedicated to investigations, patrol, and court security. The office plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies.
Police Departments
In addition to the Nottoway County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by municipal police departments in Blackstone, Crewe, and Burkeville. Each department is responsible for policing within its respective town limits, handling local incidents, and working in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes. These agencies collaborate to ensure comprehensive coverage and effective response to criminal activities across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Nottoway County Sheriff's Office, led by the elected Sheriff, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county's unincorporated areas and provides court security and jail operations. The Sheriff's Office is headquartered at 256 W Courthouse Road, Nottoway, VA 23955, and can be reached at (434) 645-9044. The agency's website, accessible through the county government portal, provides non-emergency contact information and community programs.
- Virginia's Freedom of Information Act (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.) governs public access to arrest records, though certain investigative records may be exempt.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office, specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally considered public records in Virginia and may be obtained through formal FOIA requests to the Sheriff's Office, though fees for copying and research time may apply.
- Some commercial mugshot websites aggregate Virginia booking data, but official records should be requested directly from the region Sheriff's Office for accuracy and completeness.
The Nottoway County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders. Inmate lookup services are available by contacting the jail directly at (434) 645-9044 or visiting the facility in person during business hours; online inmate rosters may be accessed through third-party Virginia inmate databases. The Town of Blackstone operates the Blackstone Police Department at 101 West Elm Street, Blackstone, VA 23824, phone (434) 292-7132, which handles law enforcement within the incorporated town limits.
The Town of Crewe, the county's other incorporated county, contracts law enforcement services or relies on county Sheriff's deputies.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Nottoway County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Nottoway County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Virginia State Police provide additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Virginia Bureau of Investigation, which offers detailed reports on an individual's criminal history within the state.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Nottoway County are maintained by the Nottoway County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. An arrest record in the county typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. The Sheriff's Office ensures that these records are accessible while complying with state privacy laws.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Nottoway County Jail, located in Nottoway, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest, and inmates can be searched through the county's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance. The bond and bail process follows Virginia state guidelines, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial. Information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Nottoway County are taken and retained by the Nottoway County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Virginia does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty.
Courts & Case Records
The Nottoway County Circuit Court, located at 328 W Courthouse Road, Nottoway, VA 23955, phone (434) 645-9043, serves as the court of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $4,500, domestic relations cases including divorce and custody, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court also handles probate matters, including wills, estates, and guardianships. The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains all court records, land records, and certain vital records at the courthouse.
- The Clerk of Circuit Court charges fees for certified copies of documents: typically $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a $2 certification fee.
- Remote access fees may apply for certain records, and payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order.
The Nottoway County General District Court, sharing the courthouse facility, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil matters under $25,000, preliminary hearings for felonies, and small claims disputes. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, also located at the courthouse complex, has jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency, abuse and neglect, child support, custody disputes, and protective orders. Virginia's public access to court records is governed by Virginia Code § 17.1-208 and § 17.1-293, which generally establish that court records are public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute.
The Virginia Judicial System operates an online case information system accessible at https://eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis, where users can search circuit and district court cases by name, case number, or hearing date for the region. Walk-in searches at the Clerk's office are available during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding court holidays.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Nottoway County are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 328 W Courthouse Road, Nottoway, VA 23955, phone (434) 645-9043. The Clerk's Office serves as the Register of Deeds, recording all documents affecting real property ownership, including deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, and plat maps. Land records in Virginia are indexed by grantor/grantee name and by plat book and page.
- The Clerk's Office provides public access terminals for in-person searches during business hours.
- An online land records search may be available through the Clerk's website or through third-party vendor Fidlar Technologies, though access policies and subscription fees vary.
- Citizens can search property tax information online through the county's GIS mapping system or property tax database if available on the Nottoway County government website at www.Nottoway County.org.
- Certified copies of recorded land documents cost $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus $2 for certification.
- Requests can be made in person, by mail with prepayment, or online if remote access is enabled.
Property tax assessment records are maintained separately by the Commissioner of the Revenue at 340 Courthouse Road, Nottoway area, VA 23955, phone (434) 645-9232. The Commissioner's Office conducts annual assessments of real estate, personal property, and business tangible property. Property tax records, including assessed values, ownership information, acreage, and improvement descriptions, are public records.
The County Treasurer, located at the courthouse complex, phone (434) 645-9228, handles tax collection and can provide payment history and delinquency information. The county may maintain a geographic information system (GIS) parcel viewer showing tax map parcels, ownership, and basic assessment data accessible to the public without charge.
Vital Records
Vital records for Nottoway County, Virginia, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 328 W Courthouse Road, Nottoway, VA 23955, phone (434) 645-9043, for events occurring within the county. Virginia vital records are governed by Virginia Code § 32.1-250 et seq. Birth certificates for births occurring in Nottoway County can be requested from the Circuit Court Clerk's Office; the fee is typically $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates for deaths occurring in Nottoway County are also available from the Clerk's Office at the same fee schedule.
- Processing time for in-person requests is usually same-day or next business day; mail requests typically take 7-10 business days.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records with additional processing fees.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in this county; couples must apply in person, pay the license fee (approximately $30), and observe the required waiting period unless waived.
- Divorce records are court records filed with the Circuit Court Clerk and are accessible as part of the civil case file, subject to court records access procedures and fees.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration records in Nottoway County are handled through multiple agencies depending on the business type and activity. The Nottoway County Commissioner of the Revenue at 340 Courthouse Road, Nottoway, VA 23955, phone (434) 645-9232, administers local business licenses, also called Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) taxes. Businesses operating within the region must register annually and pay license taxes based on gross receipts.
Business license records, including business name, owner, address, and type of business, are public records available for inspection at the Commissioner's office. Fictitious name certificates (Doing Business As or DBA filings) for sole proprietorships and partnerships are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court at (434) 645-9043; these records are indexed and available for public search. For corporations, limited liability companies, and other formal business entities, the Virginia State Corporation Commission maintains the official registry.
The SCC's Clerk's Information System at https://cis.scc.virginia.gov allows free online searches of all Virginia business entities, including those registered in this jurisdiction, with access to articles of incorporation, registered agent information, annual reports, and entity status. Professional licenses such as contractor licenses, health professional licenses, and occupational licenses are issued by various Virginia state boards and can be verified through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation at www.dpor.virginia.gov. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are administered by the county Planning and Zoning Department, which can be reached through the county administration at (434) 645-9229.
The Blackstone-Nottoway area Chamber of Commerce promotes local business development and can be contacted for business assistance and networking opportunities.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Nottoway County, Virginia, are administered by the Nottoway County Electoral Board and the Office of the General Registrar, located at 340 Courthouse Road, Nottoway, VA 23955. The General Registrar can be reached at (434) 645-9257. The county participates in all federal, state, and local elections as part of Virginia's electoral system.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their polling place, and view sample ballots through the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal at www.vote.virginia.gov.
- These records can be requested from the General Registrar or viewed through the Virginia Department of Elections website.
- In the November 2024 general election, this county voter turnout for the presidential election was consistent with rural Virginia counties, typically ranging between 60-70% of registered voters.
- Voters may request an absentee ballot by mail, online through the Citizen Portal, or in person at the General Registrar's office.
Voter registration in the area is available through multiple methods: online at the Virginia Department of Elections website (www.elections.virginia.gov), in person at the General Registrar's office, by mail using the Virginia Voter Registration Application, or at designated state agencies. The registration deadline is 22 days before any election, as established by Virginia law. Nottoway County operates several Election Day polling locations throughout the county, assigned by precinct based on residential address.
Polling places are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Election Day. Election records that are public in Virginia include voter registration lists (excluding Social Security numbers and other protected identifiers), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political action committees, candidate filings and qualification documents, and official election results by precinct. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring midterm elections for the U.S.
House of Representatives (Virginia's 5th Congressional District includes the county), potential U.S. Senate seats, and Virginia House of Delegates seats. Absentee voting in Nottoway County is available both in-person and by mail.
Early in-person voting (absentee in-person) begins 45 days before Election Day at the Registrar's office during designated hours. No excuse is required for absentee voting in Virginia. Virginia's election transparency is governed by Virginia Code § 24.2-406 and related statutes, which mandate public access to election materials and results, ensuring citizens can monitor election administration and request copies of public election records.
Economy & Demographics
Nottoway County's economy reflects a blend of traditional agriculture, manufacturing, government and military operations, and emerging logistics sectors. Fort Pickett, operated by the Virginia Army National Guard, represents one of the county's largest employers and economic drivers, hosting military training exercises, providing civilian employment opportunities, and generating substantial indirect economic activity through service contracts and soldier spending. The facility has also been used for emergency management and refugee resettlement operations.
- The median household income in Nottoway County is estimated at approximately $45,000-$50,000, below the Virginia state median, reflecting the county's rural character and limited urban employment centers.
Agriculture remains economically significant, with farms producing soybeans, corn, wheat, timber, and livestock; the county's rural character supports agribusiness and forestry operations. Manufacturing facilities in the county include producers of building materials, wood products, and industrial components. The Town of Blackstone serves as the commercial hub, with retail, healthcare, and professional services concentrated along U.S.
Route 460. The unemployment rate in this area typically tracks slightly above the Virginia state average, though economic development efforts focus on attracting distribution and logistics operations due to the county's strategic location along Interstate 85 and proximity to the Port of Virginia. Major transportation infrastructure including I-85, U.S.
Route 460, and rail lines operated by CSX and Norfolk Southern provide freight connectivity. The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has funded economic development projects in the region to diversify the economy beyond traditional tobacco farming. Tourism related to Civil War history, particularly Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park, contributes modestly to the local economy.
Retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, and educational services round out the county's employment sectors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Virginia courts system) | Property: Yes: Available at Clerk's office, limited online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/in-person inquiry required | Vital Records: Limited: In-person or mail, state offers online | Business: Yes: Online (state SCC), local via Commissioner | Elections: Yes: Online (state portal) | Overall Score: 7/10 No:ttoway County provides solid access to most public records through state portals and local offices, though some records require in-person or telephonic requests.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Nottoway County
Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Nottoway County, Virginia.