OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Virginia Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Virginia. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 120 independent cities and counties across 31 judicial circuits
  • Federal courts: 2 U.S. District Courts (Eastern, Western)
  • Background checks: Virginia State Police — Criminal History Record
  • Records law: Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA)
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Virginia State Police
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Virginia has a court system spanning 120 independent cities and counties across 31 judicial circuits. You can search court cases using the Virginia Courts Case Information system.

Court records include general district courts, juvenile and domestic relations courts, and circuit courts. Online case search is available statewide.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Virginia are handled by two U.S. District Courts:

  • Eastern District — Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, Newport News
  • Western District — Roanoke, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg, Abingdon, Big Stone Gap, Danville

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Virginia Courts — Case Information 🏛️ Virginia Judiciary Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Virginia are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Virginia State Police maintains criminal history records.

🔍 Virginia State Police — Criminal History Record 📋 Virginia State Police Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Virginia operates under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) (Va. Code §2.2-3700). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 5 working days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Virginia

Court records are maintained by the Virginia Judicial System across 31 judicial circuits. Criminal history is centralized through the Virginia State Police. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Virginia

Virginia has 168 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Virginia state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Virginia for free?
Use the Virginia Courts case information system.
Are arrest records public in Virginia?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA). Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Virginia?
The Virginia State Police provides criminal history records. Visit vsp.virginia.gov for details.
What is the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA)?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 5 working days. The FOIA Council provides guidance.
How many court systems does Virginia have?
Virginia has a multi-level court system: general district courts, juvenile and domestic relations courts, circuit courts (31 circuits), the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Virginia.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026