About Putnam County
Putnam County, West Virginia is located in the western portion of the state along the Kanawha River, bordered by Cabell, Mason, Jackson, Roane, and Kanawha counties. Putnam County Seat is Winfield, situated approximately 20 miles northwest of Charleston. Established in 1848 from parts of Cabell, Kanawha, and Mason counties, Putnam County was named after Israel Putnam, a hero of the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War.
As of recent census estimates, Putnam County has a population exceeding 57,000 residents across approximately 350 square miles, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in West Virginia. Major municipalities include Hurricane, Teays Valley (an unincorporated census-designated place), and Poca. Putnam County is characterized by rolling hills, river valleys, and a blend of suburban development and rural scenes.
The Kanawha River forms much of Putnam County's southern boundary and has historically been vital for transportation and commerce. Putnam County is home to several parks including Valley Park and Hamon Park, and Putnam County fairgrounds host annual agricultural exhibitions. Key county offices include Putnam County Clerk located at 12093 Winfield Road in Winfield, Putnam County Assessor's Office at the same address, and Putnam County Clerk (officially the County Clerk's Recording Division).
Putnam County Commission is the governing body, overseeing infrastructure, public services, and economic development. Putnam County has experienced significant residential growth due to its proximity to Charleston and relatively affordable housing, transforming from a primarily rural county to one with substantial suburban character while maintaining agricultural heritage in its eastern portions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Putnam County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Putnam County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees Putnam County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office has a dedicated division for handling drug-related offenses, reflecting Putnam County's commitment to combating substance abuse issues.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Putnam County is provided by Putnam County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Hurricane Police Department and the Winfield Police Department are key agencies within Putnam County, each responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective jurisdictions. These departments coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Putnam County. Each department focuses on community engagement and proactive policing strategies to enhance public trust and safety.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Putnam County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 12093 Winfield Road in Winfield, WV 25213, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Putnam County. The office operates Putnam County Detention Facility (county jail) located adjacent to the main office, housing inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences of one year or less.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail's inmate search system or by making a formal public records request.
- Processing fees may apply for copying or certified copies of arrest reports.
- West Virginia law requires law enforcement agencies to respond to FOIA requests within five business days, either providing the records or explaining any exemptions claimed.
Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office website, where the public can search current inmates by name or booking number, view booking dates, charges, and bond information. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Hurricane Police Department serving the City of Hurricane, located at 3255 Teays Valley Road, and the Winfield Police Department at 11478 Winfield Road. The Poca Police Department serves the town of Poca.
Arrest records in Putnam County are considered public records under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (West Virginia Code §29B-1-1 et seq.). Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest, though certain records related to ongoing investigations or juvenile matters may be exempt.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Putnam County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the West Virginia State Police, which provides statewide criminal history information. The West Virginia State Police offers additional resources for residents seeking full background checks. Access to these records is governed by state laws, making sure of both public access and individual privacy.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Putnam County are maintained by Putnam County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency. The process ensures transparency while protecting sensitive information as required by state law.
Jail & Inmate Records
Putnam County Jail, located in Winfield, is the primary detention facility in Putnam County. The jail handles the booking process for people arrested within Putnam County, which includes photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows West Virginia state regulations, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of a set amount, which can be arranged through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Putnam County are taken and retained by Putnam County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photographs are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, either online or by request. While West Virginia does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges. The availability of mugshots is subject to privacy considerations and state regulations governing public records.
Courts & Case Records
Putnam County's judicial system is anchored by Putnam County Circuit Court, located at 12093 Winfield Road, Suite 100, Winfield, WV 25213 The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $300 in controversy, divorces, adoptions, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. West Virginia's circuit courts are courts of general jurisdiction with broad authority.
- Case searches can be conducted through the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals' online portal at courtswv.gov, though this system has limited search functionality.
- The Circuit Clerk charges fees for copies: $0.50 per page for standard copies and $3.00 for certified copies plus $0.50 per page.
Putnam County Magistrate Court, located in the same judicial complex at 12093 Winfield Road, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, preliminary hearings for felonies, civil cases up to $10,000, emergency protective orders, and small claims matters. Magistrate judges are available 24/7 for certain emergency matters including arrest warrants and domestic violence protective orders. Putnam County Family Court Division addresses matters including juvenile delinquency, abuse and neglect cases, and certain domestic relations issues.
Court records in West Virginia are governed by West Virginia Code §51-2-14a, which establishes that most court records are public documents subject to inspection and copying, with specific exceptions for sealed records, juvenile matters, adoption records, and cases involving trade secrets or sensitive personal information. In-person searches at the Circuit Clerk's office provide the most full access. Online access through third-party case management systems may be available for attorneys and subscribers.
The Clerk's office maintains an index of all civil and criminal cases filed in Circuit Court, which is available for public inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Putnam County are maintained by Putnam County Clerk's Office, specifically the Recording Division, located at 12093 Winfield Road, Room 113, Winfield, WV 25213 Putnam County Clerk is the official Recorder of Deeds pursuant to West Virginia Code §59-1-1, responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property titles including warranty deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, liens (mechanics liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, rights-of-way, mineral rights transfers, and plat maps subdividing land.
- The Clerk's office provides public access to land records dating back to Putnam County's founding in 1848, with indexes organized by grantor, grantee, and property description.
- Recording fees are established by state statute: $42 for the first two pages of most documents and $2 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $3.00 for the first page plus $0.50 for each additional page.
- Requests can be made in person, by mail with prepayment, or through the online system where available.
West Virginia is a race-notice state, meaning the first party to properly record an interest generally has priority. Putnam County offers an online property records search system through a subscription service accessible via Putnam County website at putnamcountywv.gov, allowing users to search by name, document type, or legal description. Some basic searches may be available free, while detailed document images may require payment.
For property tax information and assessment records, contact Putnam County Assessor's Office at 12093 Winfield Road, Winfield, WV 25213 The Assessor maintains ownership records, assessed values, property characteristics, tax maps, and parcel data. Putnam County provides a GIS (Geographic Information System) parcel viewer online, allowing the public to search properties by address, parcel number, or map/lot designation, view aerial imagery, ownership information, and assessment data without charge.
Putnam County Sheriff handles tax collection functions.
Vital Records
Vital records for Putnam County, West Virginia, including birth and death certificates, are maintained at both Putnam County and state levels. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Putnam County can be requested from Putnam County Clerk's Office at 12093 Winfield Road, Winfield, WV 25213 Putnam County Clerk maintains vital records as a local registrar pursuant to West Virginia Code §16-5-1 et seq. Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure: $12 for the first copy, $4 for additional copies.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are readily available; mail requests generally take 1-2 weeks.
- Death certificates have fewer restrictions but requestors must demonstrate a direct and tangible interest.
- The state office maintains records from 1917 to present and offers online ordering through VitalChek at vitalchek.com with additional service fees.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Putnam County Clerk's Office; couples must apply in person with valid identification, social security numbers, and payment of the $56 license fee.
Birth records are restricted to the individual named (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or legal representatives with proper documentation. For statewide access and records from other West Virginia counties, contact the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Vital Registration Office, 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301 There is no waiting period or blood test required in West Virginia.
The marriage license is valid for 60 days from issuance. Certified copies of marriage records cost $5 for the first copy and $2 for each additional copy. Divorce records (divorce decrees) are maintained by the Circuit Clerk of Putnam County where the divorce was granted and cost $5 for certified copies.
Acceptable identification for vital records requests includes driver's licenses, state ID cards, passports, or military IDs. Requestors by mail must include notarized applications and photocopies of valid ID.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Putnam County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. For business name registrations and fictitious name filings (Doing Business As or DBA), contact Putnam County Clerk's Office at 12093 Winfield Road, Winfield, WV 25213 Putnam County Clerk records trade names and assumed business names for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating in Putnam County, with fees typically around $25-35 for registration.
- The Secretary of State charges $100 for LLC formation and $90 for corporation formation.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered business entities, the West Virginia Secretary of State Business & Licensing Division is the authoritative source. Their online business entity search is available at business4wv.com or sos.wv.gov, where users can search by business name, filing number, or registered agent to verify business status, view formation dates, registered agents, principal office addresses, and good standing status. Annual reports are required to maintain good standing.
Professional licenses (attorneys, medical professionals, contractors, cosmetologists, etc.) are issued by respective state licensing boards, searchable through the West Virginia Division of Labor or specific professional boards. Sales tax permits and business registration are handled by the West Virginia State Tax Department. Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy in unincorporated Putnam County are issued by Putnam County Building and Zoning Department, located at 12093 Winfield Road, Winfield, WV 25213
The department enforces county zoning ordinances, reviews site plans, and conducts inspections. Municipalities including Hurricane, Winfield, and Poca maintain separate building departments for properties within city limits. Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, located in Teays Valley, promotes economic development and provides resources for business owners; their website at putnamchamber.com offers business directories and networking opportunities.
Local business licenses or occupation taxes may be required by individual municipalities, requiring contact with respective city halls.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Putnam County, West Virginia, are administered by Putnam County Clerk, serving ex officio as the County Election Official, with offices located at 12093 Winfield Road, Suite 101, Winfield, WV 25213. The elections division can be contacted through the office’s website, and election information is available through Putnam County website at putnamcountywv.gov under the Clerk's section. Voter registration in Putnam County is governed by West Virginia Code §3-2-1 et seq.
- Putnam County has approximately 40,000 registered voters distributed across multiple precincts throughout Hurricane, Winfield, Poca, Buffalo, Eleanor, and other communities.
- Absentee voting in West Virginia is available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse.
- Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through GoVoteWV.com, downloaded and mailed to the County Clerk, or requested in person.
- Putnam County Clerk provides unofficial election results on election night, with official canvass completed within days after the election.
And can be completed online through the West Virginia Secretary of State's website at GoVoteWV.com, in person at the County Clerk's office, at the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles during license transactions, or by mailing a completed National Mail Voter Registration Form. The voter registration deadline is 21 days before any election. West Virginia offers same-day registration during the early voting period with proof of residency.
To find your polling place in Putnam County, voters can use the polling place lookup tool at GoVoteWV.com by entering their name and date of birth, or contact the County Clerk's office directly. Election records that are public in West Virginia include voter registration lists (available for purchase for legitimate political purposes), campaign finance reports filed with the West Virginia Secretary of State's office for state candidates and with the County Clerk for county candidates, candidate filing documents, and official election results by precinct. In the November 2024 general election, Putnam County saw approximately 64-68% voter turnout, reflecting Putnam County's relatively high civic engagement, particularly in presidential election years.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will include U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate races depending on the cycle, West Virginia state legislative seats, and county offices including County Commission, Sheriff, Assessor, Clerk, and Board of Education members.
The application deadline is six days before Election Day for mail ballots. Early in-person voting is available at the County Clerk's office and designated satellite locations for 13 days prior to Election Day, including two Saturdays, providing convenient access for working voters. West Virginia uses paper ballots with optical scan technology, providing an auditable paper trail.
Election transparency in Putnam County is generally strong; citizens may request precinct-level results, observe ballot counting (with advance arrangement), and access most election administration records under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§29B-1-1 et seq.), though voter-specific ballot choices are secret.
Economy & Demographics
Putnam County's economy has experienced substantial transformation over recent decades, evolving from a predominantly agricultural base to a diversified economy with strong retail, service, healthcare, and light manufacturing sectors. Putnam County's strategic location along Interstate 64 and the Kanawha River, combined with proximity to Charleston, has driven significant commercial development, particularly in the Teays Valley area which has become a major retail and service hub for western West Virginia.
- Manufacturing remains limited but includes food processing and fabrication operations.
Major employers include Putnam County Board of Education, the largest employer with over 1,000 employees, various healthcare facilities including Thomas Health System operations, and numerous retail establishments in the Hurricane and Teays Valley commercial corridors. The Toyota engine and transmission manufacturing plant in Buffalo (in neighboring Putnam County area) has had significant economic impact on Putnam County. Chemical manufacturing maintains a presence, reflective of West Virginia's broader Kanawha Valley chemical corridor heritage.
According to recent census estimates, Putnam County's median household income is approximately $58,000-62,000, higher than the state median, reflecting Putnam County's suburban bedroom community characteristics for Charleston-area workers. The unemployment rate typically tracks at or slightly below the state average, ranging 4-5% in recent non-recession periods. Key economic sectors include retail trade (anchored by major shopping centers along Route 60/Teays Valley Road), healthcare and social assistance, educational services, accommodation and food services, and construction driven by ongoing residential development.
Agriculture remains economically significant in eastern portions of Putnam County, with hay production, cattle operations, and some timber harvesting. Putnam County has seen substantial residential construction, with numerous subdivisions developed since 2000, attracting families seeking more affordable housing than Charleston proper while maintaining access to metropolitan employment. Economic development initiatives are coordinated through Putnam County Development Authority, which works to attract new businesses, support existing enterprises, and develop infrastructure.
Putnam County economic base benefits from sales tax revenue generated by its retail concentration, drawing shoppers from surrounding counties.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Limited) | Property: Yes: Free GIS/Paid Documents | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Search | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Putnam County provides solid digital access to property, jail, and election records with good GIS tools, though court document access and vital records require in-person visits.