About Surry County
Surry County, Virginia is a rural county located in the southeastern portion of the Commonwealth, situated along the south bank of the James River across from Jamestown and Williamsburg. Established in 1652, it is one of Virginia's oldest counties and was named after Surry County of Surrey in England. Surry County Seat is located in the town of Surry, which houses the historic Surry County Courthouse. Covering approximately 279 square miles with a population of around 6,500 residents, Surry County maintains its agricultural heritage while hosting significant modern industrial facilities.
Surry County is home to the Surry area Nuclear Power Station operated by Dominion Energy, one of Virginia's major power generation facilities, and the historic Chippokes Plantation State Park, one of the oldest continuously farmed lands in America dating to 1619. Surry County's historic attractions include Bacon's Castle, built in 1665 and recognized as the oldest documented brick dwelling in North America built in the High Jacobean style. Surry County is also famous for its Smithfield ham and peanut production.
Surry County Courthouse is located at 45 School Street in Surry County, Virginia 23883. The Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains land records, vital records, and court documents. The Commissioner of the Revenue and County Treasurer offices handle property assessments and tax records.
Surry County is accessible via the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, Virginia's oldest continuously operating ferry service, and State Route 10, connecting it to the historic triangle area and southeastern Virginia.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Surry County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Surry County. This office patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Surry County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing efforts and has divisions dedicated to investigations, patrol, and court security. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives meant to crime prevention and education.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Surry County is primarily handled by Surry County Sheriff's Office. There are no municipal police departments within Surry County, as the Sheriff's Office covers all areas, including the towns of Surry, Dendron, and Claremont. The Sheriff's Office coordinates with state and federal agencies on major crimes and participates in regional task forces to enhance public safety and crime prevention efforts.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Surry County Sheriff's Office, located at 45 School Street, Surry, VA 23883, is the primary law enforcement agency for Surry County, providing patrol services, criminal investigations, court security, and operation of the local detention facility. The Sheriff's Office can be reached for Inmates housed at Surry County Jail can be located by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Surry County does not maintain a public online inmate roster. For current inmate information, citizens may call the detention facility or visit in person.
- Virginia State Police Troop D also provides law enforcement coverage throughout Surry County for highway patrol and major criminal investigations.
- Written requests should be submitted to the Sheriff's Office identifying the specific records sought.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are considered public records in Virginia and may be obtained through formal FOIA requests to the Sheriff's Office, though response times and any applicable copying fees will vary.
The incorporated town of Surry County does not maintain a separate municipal police department, relying instead on county-level law enforcement. Arrest records and booking information in Surry County are maintained by the Sheriff's Office and can be requested under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.), which provides broad public access to government records. Surry County does not currently offer online mugshot databases.
Criminal history information can also be obtained through the Virginia State Police Criminal Records Division for background check purposes.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Surry County's criminal records system includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Surry County Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Virginia State Police, which provides full criminal history reports. The Virginia Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for Surry residents seeking information on criminal records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Surry County are maintained by Surry County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the guidelines set by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. A Surry County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and bond information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Surry County Jail, located within Surry County, handles the booking and detention of individuals arrested in Surry County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available for the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- In Virginia, the bond or bail process allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Surry County are taken and retained by Surry 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. While Virginia does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals can request removal from third-party websites under certain conditions. The Sheriff's Office provides guidance on how to search for mugshots through official channels.
Courts & Case Records
Surry County Circuit Court, located at 45 School Street, Surry, VA 23883, is the trial court of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $4,500, divorces, adoptions, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court Clerk's Office can be reached at and maintains court case files, land records, and vital records. The court is part of Virginia's Fifth Judicial Circuit.
- Surry County General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, preliminary hearings for felonies, and civil cases up to $25,000, operating from the same courthouse complex.
- Virginia provides online case search capabilities through the Virginia Judicial System's Case Information System at https://eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis, though some older records may require in-person searches.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and typically run $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- Research requests can be made in writing to the Circuit Court Clerk, and staff assistance is available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Surry County are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 45 School Street, Surry, VA 23883, phone. The Clerk is the recorder of deeds for Surry County, preserving all real estate transactions including deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, plat maps, subdivisions, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. Land records dating back to Surry County's founding in 1652 are available, though some early records were lost during the Civil War.
- The Circuit Court Clerk's office provides access to land records during regular business hours and maintains indexed grantor-grantee records for research.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees.
- Recording fees are established by state statute and include a $25 state recordation tax per deed plus applicable grantor's tax.
Virginia law requires all real estate instruments to be recorded in Surry County where the property is located pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-227. Property tax assessment records are maintained separately by Surry County Commissioner of the Revenue, located at 45 School Street, Surry County, VA 23883, phone. Surry County Treasurer's Office handles tax collection and can be reached for Surry County currently does not offer a full online GIS mapping system or public-facing property search portal, requiring most property research to be conducted in person or by telephone request.
Real estate tax information, assessed values, and parcel data can be obtained by contacting the Commissioner of the Revenue's office.
Vital Records
Vital records for Surry County, Virginia are maintained by Surry County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 45 School Street, Surry, VA 23883, phone. Birth and death certificates occurring in Surry County from June 14, 1912 forward are available from the Clerk's office, with some delayed birth certificates also on file. Certified copies of birth certificates cost $12.00 for the first copy and $12.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- The marriage license fee is $30.00, and there is no waiting period in Virginia.
- VDH offers online ordering through VitalChek for birth and death certificates at increased fees.
- Surry County Clerk staff can provide application forms and process requests in person during business hours.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office and require both applicants to appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers. Marriage records and divorce decrees are permanently maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and are public records accessible pursuant to Virginia Code § 20-14 and § 20-121. The Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records in Richmond is the central state repository for all Virginia vital records and can be contacted at or online at www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records.
Applicants must provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Virginia Code § 32.1-252 through § 32.1-264.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Surry County is handled through multiple jurisdictions depending on the type of business activity. Surry County Commissioner of the Revenue, located at 45 School Street, Surry, VA 23883, phone, administers local business licenses required for most commercial activities conducted within Surry County. Business license applications must be filed annually, with fees based on gross receipts.
- The SCC maintains a free online business entity search tool at https://cis.scc.virginia.gov allowing users to search registered businesses, view status, registered agents, and filing history.
Assumed name certificates (DBAs) and fictitious name registrations are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office for state-level business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and professional entities, registration is required through the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, health care providers, and other regulated professions are issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Sales tax registration is handled through the Virginia Department of Taxation.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are administered by Surry County Planning and Zoning Department at the County Administration Building, phone. Surry County enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code through its building official. Surry County Chamber of Commerce does not maintain an active website but local business information can be obtained through the County Administrator's office.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Surry County, Virginia are administered by Surry County Electoral Board and General Registrar, located at Surry County Administration Building, 45 School Street, Surry, VA 23883. The General Registrar's Office can be reached for voter registration, absentee voting, and polling place information. Voter registration in Virginia can be completed online through the Virginia Department of Elections at www.elections.virginia.gov, by mail using the Virginia Voter Registration Application, or in person at the Registrar's Office.
- Registered voters in Surry County can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots at www.elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal.
- Virginia law provides public access to voter registration lists under Virginia Code § 24.2-405, though uses are restricted to election-related purposes.
- Campaign finance filings for local candidates are maintained by the Virginia Department of Elections and searchable online through the Public Access system.
- In the November 2024 general election, Surry County reported approximately 58% voter turnout among registered voters.
- Absentee voting in Virginia is available to all registered voters without requiring an excuse pursuant to recent legislative changes.
The registration deadline is 22 days before any election. Virginia participates in the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) to maintain accurate voter rolls. Surry County typically operates two to three polling locations on Election Day depending on precinct boundaries, with Surry County Courthouse precinct being the primary location.
Precinct-level election results are posted by the State Board of Elections following certification. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives elections and Virginia state legislative races.
Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person to the General Registrar's Office, with applications accepted beginning 60 days before an election. Virginia Code § 24.2-1000 et seq. Governs election transparency and public access to election materials including ballots cast totals by precinct, provisional ballot determinations, and Electoral Board meeting minutes.
Economy & Demographics
Surry County's economy is anchored by a diverse mix of energy production, agriculture, and forestry industries. The Surry Nuclear Power Station, operated by Dominion Energy Virginia, serves as Surry County's largest employer and tax base contributor, providing approximately 900 permanent jobs and generating significant property tax revenue. The facility consists of two pressurized water reactors and has operated since the 1970s, supplying electricity to much of southeastern Virginia.
- The median household income in Surry County is approximately $62,000, slightly below the Virginia state average.
- Property tax revenue from the nuclear facility provides relatively low tax rates for residents.
Agriculture remains historically significant with major crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton, along with continued production of Surry County's famous Smithfield-style hams and peanut farming. Edwards Virginia Smokehouse, a major employer, continues the traditional ham-curing heritage. Forestry and timber production constitute important economic sectors given Surry County's extensive woodland acreage.
Surry County's unemployment rate typically tracks close to state levels, ranging between 3-4% in recent years. Tourism contributes to the local economy through Chippokes Plantation State Park, Bacon's Castle historic site operated by Preservation Virginia, and the scenic Jamestown-Scotland Ferry crossing. Surry County benefits economically from its proximity to the Hampton Roads metropolitan area while maintaining its rural character.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on attracting light industrial and warehouse distribution facilities given Surry County's access to State Route 10 and proximity to Interstate 95 and Interstate 64 corridors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Yes: Available at Clerk | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 6/10 — Surry County provides standard access to public records through the Circuit Court Clerk, but lacks online databases for property and jail records, requiring in-person or telephone requests for many county-level documents.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Surry County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Surry County, Virginia.