About Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County is located in the Northern Neck region of the Commonwealth of Virginia, situated between the Rappahannock River to the north and the Potomac River to the south. Westmoreland County Seat is Montross, a small town that is the administrative and governmental center. Established in 1653, Westmoreland County is one of Virginia's oldest counties and holds significant historical importance as the birthplace of both George Washington and James Monroe, as well as Robert E. Lee. Westmoreland County covers approximately 230 square miles with a population of around 18,000 residents.
Major landmarks include George Washington's Birthplace National Monument at Pope's Creek, Stratford Hall (the Lee family ancestral home), and numerous historic churches dating to the colonial period. Westmoreland County is primarily rural with an economy historically based on agriculture, fishing, and forestry. Westmoreland County Clerk of the Circuit Court is located at 107 North Kent Street in Montross and maintains court records, land records, and vital records.
The Commissioner of the Revenue office, also located at Westmoreland County Courthouse complex in Montross, handles property assessments and business licensing. Westmoreland County's scene is characterized by working farms, waterfront communities along the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers, and scenic rural roads. What makes Westmoreland County unique is its rich presidential heritage, well-preserved 18th-century architecture, and its location in Virginia's Northern Neck, a peninsula that maintains a slower-paced, historic character distinct from Virginia's more urbanized regions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in Westmoreland County's unincorporated areas. It manages Westmoreland County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to community policing and offers various programs to engage with residents, such as neighborhood watch initiatives and educational outreach. The Sheriff's Office also has specialized divisions, including a narcotics unit and a K-9 team, to address specific law enforcement needs in Westmoreland County.
Police Departments
In addition to Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office, the Town of Colonial Beach has its own police department, the Colonial Beach Police Department, which handles law enforcement within the town limits. These agencies work collaboratively on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage across Westmoreland County. The Sheriff's Office typically handles rural areas and county-wide issues, while the municipal police focus on urban and town-specific law enforcement needs.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office, located at 1622 Kings Highway in Montross, Virginia 22520, is the primary law enforcement agency for Westmoreland County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at westmorelandcountyva.gov where citizens can find information about services and programs. The Sheriff's Office operates the Westmoreland-Richmond Regional Jail, a multi-jurisdictional facility that houses inmates from Westmoreland County and neighboring Richmond County.
- Requests can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office in writing, and there may be fees associated with copying and processing.
- Westmoreland County does not have incorporated municipalities with their own police departments; the Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services countywide.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally considered public records in Virginia and may be obtained through formal FOIA requests to the Sheriff's Office or Westmoreland Countyal jail.
- The Virginia State Police also maintain a presence in Westmoreland County through their Area 22 Office, which provides additional law enforcement support and investigative services.
- Criminal history records can be obtained through the Virginia State Police Criminal History Record Request system, with fees typically around $15 for non-certified copies.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Westmoreland County's criminal records system includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police maintain these records. Residents can request background checks through the Virginia State Police, which provides full criminal history reports. The Virginia Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for background checks, making sure of residents have access to accurate and up-to-date criminal information.
- The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in Westmoreland County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Westmoreland County are maintained by Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting officer's information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Arrest records provide essential information for legal proceedings and background checks, for public access in law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Northern Neck Regional Jail serves Westmoreland County and is located in Warsaw, Virginia. The facility handles the booking process for people arrested in Westmoreland County, where they are fingerprinted, photographed, and held until bail is posted or they are released by the court. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and require scheduling in advance, with strict guidelines on what visitors can bring.
- The bond and bail process in Virginia allows for the posting of bail through cash, property, or bail bondsmen, helping with the release of detainees pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Westmoreland County are taken and retained by Westmoreland 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 website or by request. Virginia does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal in certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges. Mugshots are often used with arrest records for identification and legal purposes.
Courts & Case Records
Westmoreland County's judicial system operates through Westmoreland County Circuit Court, located at 107 North Kent Street in Montross, Virginia 22520. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $4,500, divorces, custody matters, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be reached for Westmoreland County General District Court, located at the same courthouse complex, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Virginia's court system provides online access to case information through the Virginia Judicial System's Case Information System, though remote access requires registration and some restrictions apply.
- Westmoreland County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains all court records and charges fees according to the Virginia Code, typically $0.50 per page for copies.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee, with the clerk's certification adding an additional charge to the per-page copying fee.
The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court also operates from Westmoreland County Courthouse, with jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, custody and visitation disputes, and domestic violence protective orders. In-person searches at the Clerk's office are available during regular business hours. Under Virginia Code § 17.1-208, court records are generally open to public inspection unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute.
Land records, wills, and marriage licenses maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk are also public records. Case searches can reveal civil judgments, criminal convictions, divorce decrees, and other judicial proceedings.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Westmoreland County are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 107 North Kent Street, Montross, Virginia 22520, phone. The Clerk's office is the de facto Recorder of Deeds for Westmoreland County, maintaining records dating back to the colonial period, including deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, releases, plat maps, easements, and other instruments affecting real property. Virginia law requires that all land transactions be recorded in the locality where the property is situated.
- Westmoreland County Clerk's office provides public access to land records during regular business hours, and researchers can examine deed books, will books, and other records.
Some historical records have been digitized and may be accessible through the Library of Virginia's online collections. Property tax records are maintained separately by Westmoreland County Commissioner of the Revenue and the County Treasurer's office, both located at 107 North Kent Street. The Commissioner of the Revenue assesses property values for taxation purposes.
Westmoreland County provides an online GIS property mapping system accessible through Westmoreland County website at westmorelandcountyva.gov, which allows users to search parcels by owner name, address, or parcel identification number. This system typically displays property boundaries, tax assessment information, and basic ownership data free of charge. To obtain certified copies of deeds or other recorded instruments, requesters must visit or contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office and pay the statutory fees established by Virginia Code § 17.1-275, which sets fees at $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
Historical land records are valuable resources for genealogical research, title examinations, and property history investigations.
Vital Records
Vital records for Westmoreland County, Virginia, are maintained by both local and state authorities. Birth and death certificates occurring in Westmoreland County can be requested through Westmoreland County Clerk of the Circuit Court at 107 North Kent Street, Montross, Virginia 22520, phone. However, the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, is the central repository for all Virginia vital records and is often the more efficient option for obtaining certified copies. The state office is located at 2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101, Richmond, Virginia 23230.
- Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost the same.
- Processing time for mail requests is typically 4-6 weeks, while in-person requests at the state office can often be fulfilled the same day.
- Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records, though convenience fees apply.
- Marriage licenses cost $30 and require both parties to appear in person with valid identification.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as Virginia restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a legal interest. Marriage licenses must be obtained from any Circuit Court Clerk in Virginia, and couples can apply at Westmoreland County Circuit Court Clerk's office. There is no waiting period, and licenses are valid for 60 days.
Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk where the divorce was granted. Virginia vital records laws are codified in Virginia Code § 32.1-250 et seq, which establishes confidentiality protections and specifies who may obtain certified copies.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Westmoreland County are accessible through multiple agencies depending on the type of business entity and license. Westmoreland County Commissioner of the Revenue, located at 107 North Kent Street, Montross, Virginia 22520, phone, administers local business licenses and maintains records of businesses operating in Westmoreland County. Virginia localities require most businesses to obtain a Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL), with fees based on gross receipts.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications are processed by Westmoreland County Planning and Zoning Department, located at Westmoreland County government complex in Montross.
Applications and renewals are handled through the Commissioner of the Revenue's office. Fictitious name certificates (doing business as or DBA filings) are recorded with Westmoreland County Clerk of the Circuit Court when a business operates under a name different from the legal owner's name. For formal business entity formation and registration, the Virginia State Corporation Commission maintains the official registry of corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other business entities.
The SCC's Clerk's Office provides a free online business entity search at scc.virginia.gov/clk/begin.aspx, where users can search by entity name, registered agent, or identification number to view formation documents, annual reports, and current status. Professional licenses such as contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and health professionals are regulated by Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), which maintains an online license verification system. Sales tax registration and permits are handled by the Virginia Department of Taxation.
The Northern Neck Regional Chamber of Commerce serves Westmoreland County and can be reached through local business organizations for networking and economic development information.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Westmoreland County, Virginia, are administered by Westmoreland County Office of Voter Registration and Elections, located at 107 North Kent Street, Montross, Virginia 22520. The elections office can be reached, and information is available through Westmoreland County website at westmorelandcountyva.gov. Voter registration in Virginia can be completed online through the Virginia Department of Elections at elections.virginia.gov, in person at the local registrar's office, or by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their polling place, and view sample ballots through the Virginia Department of Elections' Citizen Portal.
- In the November 2024 general election, Westmoreland County recorded a turnout of approximately 65-70% of registered voters, consistent with typical presidential election participation in rural Virginia counties.
- Absentee voting in Virginia is available to all registered voters without requiring an excuse since legislative changes enacted in 2020.
- Voters may request absentee ballots through the registrar's office by mail, online, or in person.
The registration deadline is 22 days before any election in Virginia. Westmoreland County typically operates multiple polling locations across Westmoreland County on Election Day, with assignments based on voter precinct. The registrar's office can provide specific polling place information based on residential address.
Public election records in Westmoreland County include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Virginia Code § 24.2-405), campaign finance reports filed with the Virginia Department of Elections, candidate qualification documents, and certified election results by precinct. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S.
Senate seat, and Virginia state legislative elections for House of Delegates seats. Early voting (in-person absentee) is available at the registrar's office beginning 45 days before the election. Virginia law (Virginia Code § 24.2-1000 et seq.) ensures transparency in election administration, allowing citizens to request election materials, observe processes, and access voting records subject to privacy protections for individual ballot secrecy.
Economy & Demographics
Westmoreland County's economy is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, tourism, and small business enterprises, with a growing retiree population contributing to the service sector. Westmoreland County maintains a rural character with farming operations producing corn, soybeans, wheat, and timber products. Aquaculture and commercial fishing in the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers contribute to the local economy, particularly oyster harvesting and crabbing. According to recent U.S.
- Census estimates, the median household income in Westmoreland County is approximately $58,000, below the Virginia state median but consistent with other rural Northern Neck counties.
Major employers include Westmoreland County Public Schools system, county government, healthcare facilities, and retail establishments. Tourism plays an increasingly important role, with visitors drawn to George Washington's Birthplace National Monument, Stratford Hall Plantation, and waterfront recreational activities. Westmoreland County has limited industrial development, though some manufacturing and distribution facilities operate in Westmoreland County.
The unemployment rate typically tracks close to Virginia's state average, ranging between 3-5% depending on seasonal fluctuations. Economic development efforts focus on heritage tourism, agricultural preservation, and attracting retirees seeking waterfront property and rural lifestyle. The Northern Neck of Virginia is marketed as a tourism destination emphasizing colonial history, scenic byways, and water access.
Westmoreland State Park, located on the Potomac River, attracts thousands of visitors annually for camping, hiking, and fossil hunting along the Horsehead Cliffs. Westmoreland County faces challenges common to rural Virginia localities, including limited broadband infrastructure, an aging population, and competition from more urbanized regions for business investment and young professionals. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on improving digital connectivity and supporting small business growth through Westmoreland County's Economic Development office.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (limited) | Property: Yes: Online GIS/Assessment | Arrest/Jail: Limited: FOIA Request Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State SCC) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 7/10 — Westmoreland County provides moderate digital access with strong state-level resources supplementing local records availability.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Westmoreland County
Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Westmoreland County, Virginia.