Virginia Public Records give every person in the state the legal right to see and copy government documents. These records include birth and death certificates, court files, property deeds, criminal histories, and meeting minutes from state and local agencies. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act, passed in 1968 and updated most recently in 2022, protects this right. It says agencies must respond to requests within five days for simple cases. Some records are not open, like those that invade personal privacy, hurt law enforcement, or reveal trade secrets. Anyone can ask for records by sending a written request to the right office. Most places now let you submit forms online through secure portals.
How to Request Virginia Public Records
To get a copy of any public record in Virginia, you must send a clear written request to the agency that holds it. This can be done by mail, email, or through an online form. Your request should include your full name, contact details, and a short description of the records you want. Agencies cannot ask why you need the records, but they may ask for more detail if your request is too broad. For example, instead of asking for “all emails,” you might ask for “emails sent by the mayor’s office in June 2024 about park renovations.” Most offices now use digital systems to track and respond to requests. Fees may apply for copying or mailing, but many basic records are free.
Types of Records Available in Virginia
Virginia keeps many kinds of public records. Vital records include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. These are managed by the Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records. Birth records stay private for 100 years. Death records from 1912 onward can be seen by family members with ID. Court records cover civil lawsuits, criminal cases, probate matters, and appeals. Property records show deeds, mortgages, tax assessments, and zoning. Criminal history checks are run by the Virginia State Police. Licensing records for doctors, lawyers, and accountants are also public. Meeting minutes, budgets, and environmental permits from local governments are open too.
Online Portals for Accessing Records
Virginia offers several official websites where you can search and download public records. The StateRecords.org portal has over 75 million items, including court cases, criminal records, and vital statistics from all 95 counties and 38 independent cities. The Virginia Judiciary website lets you look up circuit court land records, such as deeds and wills, by case number or parcel ID. The Department of Health uses VitalChek for fast delivery of birth and death certificates. The Virginia State Police run a background check system that takes 10 business days for residents. Each site has its own search tools and rules, so check the instructions before you start.
Fees and Processing Times
Most public records in Virginia come with small fees. A certified birth or death certificate costs $12 as of 2024. Genealogical copies cost extra. Criminal background checks are free for basic verification but cost more for full reports. Court records may have copy fees based on page count. Some agencies waive fees for low-income users or educational projects. Processing times vary: simple requests take 5 days, complex ones may take longer. You can often pay online with a credit card. Always ask for a receipt and keep a copy of your request.
Exemptions and Restricted Records
Not every document is open to the public. Virginia law lists specific exemptions. Personal information like Social Security numbers, medical data, and student records are protected. Ongoing police investigations cannot be shared. Trade secrets from businesses are private. Adoption files and juvenile court records are sealed. Some older records were lost in fires, like the 1910 fire that destroyed early birth and death files. Even when records are public, you may need to show ID or get a court order. Always check with the agency to see if your desired record is available.
Historical Records and Archives
Virginia has one of the oldest record systems in the U.S. The first statewide census was in 1810. The Library of Virginia holds historical newspapers, land maps, letters, and marriage licenses from the colonial era. Many old court dockets from the 1990s onward are now digitized. Researchers can access microfilm copies of marriage licenses issued before 1970. Unclaimed property reports go back decades and list bank accounts, insurance payouts, and utility deposits. These archives help historians, genealogists, and legal experts trace family or property history.
Property and Land Records
Property records in Virginia are kept by each county’s clerk of the circuit court. You can search for deeds, mortgages, liens, and tax assessments online through county GIS portals. The Virginia Geographic Information Network (VGIN) offers parcel maps with ownership history dating to 1978. Zoning classifications and building permits are also public. The Department of Taxation publishes delinquent tax lists each year. These can be matched with unclaimed property databases to find refunds. Always verify details with the local clerk’s office.
Criminal and Court Records
Criminal records in Virginia include felony convictions, misdemeanors, and pending warrants. The Virginia State Police manage the Criminal History Information System (CHIS), which goes back to 1975. Only authorized agencies can access full reports, but individuals can request their own records. Circuit court case files are searchable through VACourts.gov, with over 2 million docket entries from 2000 onward. These include judgments, sentencing notes, and civil suits. Appellate opinions are in the Supreme Court archives. All are free to view online.
Vital Records: Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce
The Department of Health controls vital records in Virginia. Birth certificates are closed for 100 years. After that, anyone can get a copy. Death certificates from 1912 onward are open to immediate family with ID. Marriage licenses before 1970 are on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Modern ones are electronic. Divorce and adoption records from 1975 onward need a court order. You can order certificates by mail, in person in Richmond, or online via VitalChek. Each copy costs $12. Include full names, dates, and notarized forms when needed.
Professional Licensing and Disciplinary Records
Virginia makes professional licenses public. The State Board of Accountancy keeps records for CPAs, showing issue dates, renewals, and any discipline. Similar boards exist for doctors, nurses, real estate agents, and contractors. These files list suspensions, fines, or revocations. You can search by name or license number on each board’s website. This helps employers, clients, and patients verify credentials. All data is updated regularly and available at no cost.
Unclaimed Property in Virginia
The Virginia State Treasurer runs the unclaimed property program. It lists bank accounts, insurance payments, utility deposits, and wages that have been inactive for five years or more. Anyone can search the database for free using a name or business. If you find a match, file a claim with proof of identity. The process takes a few weeks. Funds are returned without fees. This service helps reunite people with lost money safely and legally.
How the Virginia Public Records Act Works
The Virginia Public Records Act is part of state law. It gives the Library of Virginia power to set rules for how agencies store and manage records. Every public office must keep an inventory of its files. They must follow retention schedules and report compliance quarterly. In 2023, the Library launched a cloud system that cut physical storage by 30% and made old files easier to find. The law ensures transparency, accountability, and long-term access for all Virginians.
Marriage Records in Virginia
Marriage licenses in Virginia are issued by local circuit courts and stored by the Department of Health. You can get a certified copy with a photo ID, the original license, and a $12 fee. For research, the Library of Virginia has scanned licenses from 1912 to 1969. The online Marriage License Search tool shows status, officiant name, and lets you request digital copies through VitalChek. Records before 1912 may be incomplete due to fires or lost documents.
Contact Information for Public Records Requests
For help with public records, contact the Office of the Executive Secretary at the Supreme Court of Virginia. Their address is 100 North Ninth Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Phone: (804) 786-6455. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Email requests can be sent through the VACourts website. For vital records, call the Department of Health at (804) 864-7738. Walk-in service is available in Richmond for same-day certificates. Always bring valid ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about how to use Virginia public records. Below are answers to the most common ones. These cover access, fees, restrictions, and special cases. Each answer gives clear, step-by-step guidance based on current state law and official procedures.
Can anyone access Virginia public records?
Yes, any person can request Virginia public records. The law does not require you to be a resident or explain why you want the information. However, some records like medical files, juvenile court cases, and ongoing investigations are exempt. You may need to show ID for vital records or get a court order for sealed files. Most agencies provide online forms to make requests easy and fast.
How much do Virginia public records cost?
Fees vary by record type. A certified birth or death certificate costs $12. Genealogical copies cost more. Criminal background checks are free for basic checks but may cost extra for full reports. Court and property records may charge per page for copies. Some agencies waive fees for students, researchers, or low-income users. Always ask about fees before submitting your request to avoid surprises.
How long does it take to get a public record in Virginia?
Simple requests are answered within five business days. Complex or large requests may take longer, and the agency must tell you if there’s a delay. Vital records ordered online through VitalChek arrive in 1–2 weeks. In-person requests in Richmond can be same-day. Criminal background checks take 10 days for residents and 15 for out-of-state applicants. Keep your confirmation number to track progress.
Are old Virginia records available online?
Many old records are now digitized. Court dockets from the 1990s onward are online. Marriage licenses before 1970 are on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Birth and death records from 1853–1896 and 1912 onward are archived. Some early files were lost in fires, so gaps exist. The StateRecords.org portal has over 75 million items dating back to 1810. Use keyword searches to find what you need.
What if my record request is denied?
If your request is denied, the agency must explain why in writing. Common reasons include privacy laws, ongoing investigations, or missing details in your request. You can appeal the decision to the agency head or file a complaint with the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council. Keep copies of all letters and emails. Legal aid groups may help if the denial seems unfair.
Can I search Virginia property records online?
Yes, property records are searchable online through county GIS portals. Each of Virginia’s 95 counties and 38 cities has its own system. You can find deeds, mortgages, tax assessments, and zoning maps. The Virginia Geographic Information Network (VGIN) offers statewide parcel data. Use the owner’s name or parcel ID to search. Some counties charge small fees for certified copies.
Where do I get a Virginia marriage license copy?
Marriage license copies come from the Department of Health’s Vital Records Section. You can order by mail, online via VitalChek, or in person in Richmond. Bring a photo ID, the license number if known, and pay $12. For licenses issued before 1970, visit the Library of Virginia. Their archives have scanned images searchable by bride and groom names. Processing takes 1–2 weeks unless you pay for rush service.