Virginia Criminal Records at a Glance
Virginia criminal records are maintained by the Virginia State Police (VSP). A criminal record background check requires completing form SP-167. The Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) conducts criminal record searches for non-criminal justice entities and individuals. VSP operates the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry searchable by name or location. The Civi
1Virginia Statewide Criminal Search Resources
To obtain a Virginia criminal record background check, you must complete the SP-167 form issued by the Virginia State Police. There is no open online name-search portal for the general public. The Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) processes searches for non-criminal justice entities and individuals.
- VSP, Criminal Background Checkvsp.virginia.govComplete SP-167 form for a Virginia criminal record background check.
- VSP, Criminal Record Check (General Public)vsp.virginia.govCriminal record check portal for the general public with instructions and forms.
- VSP, Forms (Criminal History / Background)vsp.virginia.govAll VSP forms for criminal history, background checks, sex offender name searches.
- CARE, Civil & Applicant Records Exchangevsp.virginia.govCCRE conducts criminal record searches for non-criminal justice entities and individuals for employment.
- Virginia Sex Offender Registrywww.vspsor.comVSP Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry. Search by name or filter by location.
- Virginia Sex Offender Registry, Searchwww.vspsor.comSearch the Virginia Sex Offender Registry by name, address, or status.
- Virginia State Police Homevsp.virginia.govOfficial Virginia State Police portal. Criminal background checks, sex offender registry, and public safety.
- Virginia VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch offenders in Virginia custody and register for automated victim notification.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Virginia's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Virginia state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The Department of Justice's single national search across every state, territory, and tribal registry. Authoritative for offender status but does not include every historical conviction.
https://www.nsopw.gov/ (nsopw.gov)
How to request your own FBI rap sheet (CJIS Identity History Summary) under Title 28 CFR § 16.30, 16.34. $18 fee, fingerprint submission required.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/need-an-fbi-service-or-more-information/identity-history-summary-checks (fbi.gov)
The FBI's aggregate crime statistics program. Useful for context on offense frequency but not a record of individual persons.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/ (ucr.fbi.gov)
Virginia Criminal Records, FAQ
Is there a single nationwide criminal record search?
No public one. The FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) is nationwide but is only accessible to law enforcement agencies and approved employers under Public Law 92-544. Individuals can order their own rap sheet through the CJIS Identity History Summary service.
What is the difference between state and FBI record checks?
A state check searches one state's conviction database. The FBI III check searches every state that participates in III. Both are fingerprint-based.
Can arrests without conviction appear on a background check?
Yes, on some. State BCI responses vary, a few states return arrests without disposition for up to seven years, others redact non-conviction arrests. The FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c) caps non-conviction arrests on consumer reports at 7 years.
How long does an expungement take?
It is a court process governed by state statute, typically 60 - 180 days from petition to order, plus another 60 - 90 days for agency updates.