West Virginia, county records

Preston County, West Virginia Public Records

Find the right office in Preston 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

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Most requested Preston County records

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About public records in Preston County

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County profile

Preston County at a glance

State
West Virginia
County seat
Kingwood
Population
34,000
Area
649 sq mi
Founded
1818
Cities and towns
14

Preston County offices and records

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

Police Departments. In addition to Preston County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Preston County. Each department has jurisdiction within its respective city limits and works in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Preston County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 203 East Main Street in Kingwood, West Virginia 26537, is the primary law enforcement agency for Preston County. Preston County Sheriff operates Preston County Public Safety Center, which houses Preston County jail facility. To request arrest records in Preston County, citizens may submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WVFOIA), codified at West Virginia Code §29B-1-1 et seq, which establishes the right of citizens to inspect and copy public records.

Arrest Records. Arrest records in Preston County are maintained by Preston County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly.

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 Preston County are taken and retained by Preston County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.

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Preston County public-records FAQs

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

Mugshots and booking photos for Preston County, West Virginia, are typically maintained by the Preston County Sheriff's Office. While some information may be available through the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority's online portal, you can also request these records directly from the Sheriff's Office. Keep in mind that access to certain records may be restricted under privacy laws or pending investigations.

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

To obtain a criminal background check in Preston County, West Virginia, you need to contact the West Virginia State Police. The Criminal Identification Bureau handles these requests, and you can submit your application online or in person. You may also need to provide fingerprints and pay a processing fee as part of the background check process.

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

You can look up sex offenders in Preston 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 for public use. You can search by name, location, or other identifying details to find information about registered sex offenders in the area.

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

To register to vote in Preston County, you can complete the process online at ovr.sos.wv.gov/Register, in person at the Preston County Clerk's Office at 101 West Main Street, Suite 201 in Kingwood, or by mailing a completed registration form. West Virginia requires registration at least 21 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. The County Clerk's office at (304) 329-0070 can answer questions about registration status, polling locations, and absentee ballot requests for voters who qualify under West Virginia's absentee voting criteria.

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

Property records in Preston County are maintained by the Preston County Clerk's Office at 101 West Main Street, Kingwood, phone (304) 329-1627, where you can search deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plat maps. Property tax assessment information is available through the Assessor's Office at the same location, phone (304) 329-1806. While some basic property information may be accessible through the West Virginia State Auditor's website or third-party services, official searches and certified copies should be obtained directly from the Recorder's office, either in person or by contacting the office for current search options and fees.

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

Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Preston County can be requested from the Preston County Clerk's Office at 101 West Main Street, Suite 201, Kingwood, phone (304) 329-0070. The fee is $12.00 for the first certified copy and $5.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Requests can be made in person for same-day service if the record is readily available, or by mail with 2-4 week processing time. Alternatively, statewide vital records are available through the West Virginia Vital Registration Office in Charleston at (304) 558-2931 or online via VitalChek at vitalchek.com with expedited processing options.

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

Business records in Preston County can be searched through multiple sources depending on the business type. For formal business entities like LLCs and corporations, use the West Virginia Secretary of State's free online search at business4.wv.gov. Trade names and DBA filings registered locally are maintained by the Preston County Clerk's Office at (304) 329-0070. For local business licenses or occupation taxes in municipalities like Kingwood or Terra Alta, contact the respective town offices, as licensing requirements vary by location and business activity.

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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.