Statewide public records directory
West Virginia Official Records, Agencies & Answers
Jump into the four biggest statewide record categories, review the refreshed West Virginia overview pulled from the live database, and open only direct government sources from the directory below.
Top topic
Criminal Records
Criminal history tools, sheriff links, and related justice records.
Top topic
Court Records
Civil, criminal, and court access resources.
Top topic
Court Records
Civil, criminal, and court access resources.
Top topic
Expungements
Record-clearance and expungement guidance.
WV
West Virginia public records, redesigned
The Most Updated and Largest Online West Virginia Public and Criminal Record Search Portal
Updated March 26, 2026
Use the information provided below to conduct West Virginia public record search of criminal background and official document searches. Search court records for divorces, lawsuits and all case filings. Obtain death records, birth records, marriage search. Use the state's data and look up bankruptcy records, property value and fictitious business names filings from the state West Virginia agency websites. Access local and stat…
Official sources
26
Direct state links currently rendered on this page
Counties County coverage
55
County-level public records coverage tied to West Virginia
FAQ / Q&A
9
Live statewide answers surfaced from the database
Bonus cities
2
Standalone city record pages currently shown
About West Virginia
Open the dedicated background page for a deeper history, civic overview, and statewide public-records context beyond the agency directory.
Open about pageExplore cities & counties County links 🗺️ Local map
Move deeper into the state structure with the city directory, county access page, and location-specific record hubs without losing the statewide view.
Browse cities✨ County picks County directory: open county access
Hub → sub pages
Explore every linked West Virginia specialty page
The hub now links directly to every live state-topic page we found for West Virginia. Use the cards below to jump straight into each specialty area.
15 sub pages linked
WV
Criminal Records
Criminal history tools, sheriff links, and related justice records.
WV
Court Records
Civil, criminal, and court access resources.
WV
Court Records
Civil, criminal, and court access resources.
WV
Expungements
Record-clearance and expungement guidance.
WV
Expungements
Record-clearance and expungement guidance.
WV
Inmate Search
Custody, jail, and inmate lookup resources.
WV
Most Wanted
Wanted-person and fugitive resources.
WV
Police
Police department and public-safety resources.
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County Sheriff
County sheriff and detention access points.
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Background Checks
Background screening and identity research resources.
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Asset Search
Asset, ownership, and locator resources.
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DMV
Driver, vehicle, and DMV resource links.
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Vital Records
Birth, death, marriage, and health-record links.
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Genealogy
Family-history and genealogy research tools.
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Missing Children
Missing-child alerts and support resources.
Fresh database content
About West Virginia public records
This panel now uses the newer statewide heading content from the database instead of the old generic filler copy.
DB-backed content live
Use the information provided below to conduct West Virginia public record search of criminal background and official document searches. Search court records for divorces, lawsuits and all case filings. Obtain death records, birth records, marriage search. Use the state's data and look up bankruptcy records, property value and fictitious business names filings from the state West Virginia agency websites. Access local and stat…
In 1861, fifty counties located in the Northwest part of Virginia separated and formed the state of West Virginia to later join the union in 1863, one of only two states to join the Union during the civil war and one of four connecting to the Mason-Dixon line. The state's population grew from just over 55,000 residents in the late 1700's to nearly 2 million based on the most recent estimates. West Virginia has experienced a declining population with more than half of its residents relocating. Much of West Virginia's economy had relied on its coal production since 1742, which today still contributes over 3 billio…
State snapshot
Did you know? In West Virginia, arrest searches usually move from local police to county jail and magistrate or circuit court records, so checking county sources first is often the smartest path.
Quick route: magistrate court records can become the best early court check after county booking.
Official source group
General Records
Direct government links curated for the strongest general records starting points in West Virginia.
26 links
West Virginia Criminal Records
Request criminal and crash reports from the West Virginia state police.
Federal Bureau of Investigation Pittsburgh Office
View list of West Virginia regional offices to assist with criminal background checks.
West Virginia Inmates and offender Search
Find the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the WV Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority.
West Virginia Sex Offenders
Search the WV State Police database of registered offenders by name or location.
West Virginia Most Wanted
Current posting of fugitives and absconders from the WV State Police.
West Virginia State Police
Law enforcement, traffic, criminal investigations and more
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Licenses, permits, information and more
West Virginia Attorney General
Civil, criminal and appellate courts
West Virginia Division of Criminal Justice Services
Law enforcement training, management, programs and more
West Virginia Vital Records
Request birth and death certificates, marriage records and divorce filings in West Virginia.
West Virginia Asset Search
Search government agencies open to the public to find assets of companies, corporations, or individuals.
West Virginia Unclaimed Property
Search property and claim status by individual name or business.
West Virginia Property Records
Obtain property tax info by contacting the State of WV.
West Virginia Missing Children
Search West Virginia missing and exploited kids.
West Virginia Marriage Search
Request a copy of a marriage certificates from the WV Department of Health and Human Resources.
West Virginia Lawyer Lookup
Verify an attorney's licensing status with the WV State Bar.
West Virginia Judgments and Liens
Find judgments, liens and UCC filings of any individual in West Virginia.
West Virginia Genealogy Records
Browse state archives, historical records, and online databases, search West Virginia census records to find info about ancestors, family tree and mor
West Virginia Driving Records
Access online forms from the state DMV to request a drivers license, complete registration and more.
West Virginia Death Records
Request copies of death records from the WV Department of Health and Human Resources.
West Virginia Business & Corporation Search
Find active and inactive corporations by name from the WV Secretary of State.
West Virginia Birth Records
Request birth and death certificates from the WV Dept. of Health and Human Resources.
West Virginia Public and Criminal Record Expungements
Information and resources to assist in expunging criminal records state and nationwide.
West Virginia Bankruptcy Records Search
Conduct a bankruptcy search through public records to find individual or corporate bankruptcy filings.
West Virginia Court Records
Direct access to WV courts online; from County to Supreme courts.
Frequently asked questions
About West Virginia public records
Clearer question cards, modern spacing, and the same live statewide answers from the database.
Q What is included in a West Virginia background check?
In West Virginia, background checks are governed by the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WVFOIA) (West Virginia Code § 29B-1-1 through § 29B-1-7). They may include criminal history, sex offender status, court filings, arrest records, and vital statistics. Agencies must respond within 5 business days. The law is administered by West Virginia Secretary of State's Office, FOIA Reporting, (304) 558-6000.
Q Where can I find police reports in West Virginia?
Police reports in West Virginia are public records under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WVFOIA). Submit your request to the agency that generated the report. Who may request: Any person - no residency requirement. Response deadline: 5 business days. If access is denied, you may appeal to district or circuit court. Police report requests in West Virginia are processed under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1). Requesters must provide the incident date, location, and the names of parties involved. The West Virginia State Police (WVSP) administers state trooper report requests from its records office in Charleston, WV. For local reports, contact the municipality or county where the incident occurred. Most agencies respond within 10 business days; certified copies are available for court use.
Q What are the procedures to obtain West Virginia vital records, and what is included in those records with address, not URLs?
Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) in West Virginia are maintained by the state Department of Health or Vital Statistics. Standard fees: Actual cost of duplication; agencies may charge for staff time at their actual c. Certified copies carry separate fee schedules. Fee waivers may be available for journalists, nonprofits, and public-interest requesters - always ask.
Q What is the school district and performance data for West Virginia?
The West Virginia Department of Education provides school district performance data for all public schools in the state. The data includes information on student achievement, graduation rates, teacher quality, and other indicators of school performance. The data can be accessed through the West Virginia School Report Card website. The West Virginia Department of Education (wvde.us), headquartered in Charleston, WV, is the authoritative source for West Virginia school district performance metrics. Reported metrics include proficiency rates in English language arts and mathematics, English learner progress, science achievement, and school climate indicators. Data is updated annually and can be searched by district, school, or student group on the department's data portal.
Q What is the crime statistics for West Virginia?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, West Virginia had a total of 28,945 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 27,100 property crimes. The violent crime rate was 4.2 per 1,000 people, and the property crime rate was 61.2 per 1,000 people. Crime data for West Virginia is collected under the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and reported annually to the FBI. The West Virginia State Police (WVSP) coordinates data collection from local law enforcement agencies across all counties and municipalities in West Virginia. Full statistical breakdowns - including arrest data, clearance rates, and hate-crime incidents - are publicly available through the West Virginia State Police (WVSP)'s annual crime report published each year for the prior calendar year.
Q If I get arrested in West Virginia where would I go to jail and court? include address.
If arrested in West Virginia, you would be taken to the local county jail. Court appearances are scheduled in the county where the arrest occurred. Under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WVFOIA), arrest records and booking information are generally public. Oversight: West Virginia Secretary of State's Office, FOIA Reporting, (304) 558-6000. Appeals go to district or circuit court.
Q Can I find Public records in West Virginia State Library?
Yes. West Virginia state and public libraries provide access to public records databases. The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WVFOIA) (West Virginia Code § 29B-1-1 through § 29B-1-7) guarantees public access to government documents. Many libraries offer free access to LexisNexis, court records portals, and vital record indexes. Under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1), West Virginia residents can access public records through state and local libraries. The West Virginia Archives and History Division, 1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305 maintains research collections including historical newspapers, land records, probate files, and legislative archives. Libraries also provide free access to LexisNexis Public Records and other subscription databases not available at home. Reference librarians are available to help navigate West Virginia government records portals and submit public records requests.
Q Where is the West Virginia State Library located?
The West Virginia Library is located in Charleston, West Virginia. In addition to its main location, the West Virginia State Library coordinates resources and services for public libraries statewide. Patrons can access LexisNexis, ProQuest Historical Newspapers, and PACER court records indexes through the library. Under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1), government documents are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Reference librarians in Charleston, WV can assist with inter-library loans, records requests, and genealogical research inquiries.
Q West Virginia State fingerprinting office
The West Virginia State Police provides fingerprinting services at all of its detachments. To find the nearest detachment, visit the West Virginia State Police website and use the Detachment Locator. In addition to West Virginia State Police (WVSP) facilities in Charleston, many county sheriff offices and city police departments in West Virginia offer walk-in or appointment fingerprinting. LiveScan electronic fingerprinting is accepted for most West Virginia licensing boards, courts, and employment agencies. The ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number must be provided by the requesting agency. Fees typically range from $5 to $50 depending on purpose. Results are sent directly to the requester's agency, not to the applicant.
Did you know?
Some West Virginia cities have standalone record pages
Fun fact: some West Virginia cities skip the county layer entirely. They have their own public record hubs—go straight to them below.
city
Mc Mechen
Open the local page for focused public-record links and a quicker statewide sweep into this city.
Open Mc Mechen records
City
St Albans
Open the local page for focused public-record links and a quicker statewide sweep into this city.
Open St Albans records