OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
West Virginia Public Records

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

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 55 counties across 31 judicial circuits
  • Federal courts: 2 U.S. District Courts (Northern, Southern)
  • Background checks: West Virginia State Police — Criminal Identification Bureau
  • Records law: West Virginia Freedom of Information Act
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 WV 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

West Virginia has 55 counties across 31 judicial circuits. You can search court cases through the West Virginia Judiciary case search system.

County-level court records include circuit courts and magistrate courts.

Federal Courts

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

  • Northern District — Wheeling, Clarksburg, Martinsburg, Elkins
  • Southern District — Charleston, Huntington, Beckley, Bluefield

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

⚖️ West Virginia Courts — Case Lookup 🏛️ West Virginia Judiciary Website

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

Arrest Records

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

For statewide criminal history, the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau maintains criminal records.

🔍 WV State Police — Criminal Identification Bureau 📋 West Virginia State Police Website

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

Other Public Records

West Virginia operates under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WV Code §29B-1-1). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 5 business 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 West Virginia

Court records are maintained by the West Virginia Judiciary across 31 judicial circuits. Criminal history is centralized through the WV 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 West Virginia

West Virginia has 55 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I search court records in West Virginia for free?
Use the WV Courts case lookup system.
Are arrest records public in West Virginia?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in West Virginia?
The WV State Police CIB provides criminal history records. Visit wvsp.gov for details.
What is the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 5 business days.
How many court systems does West Virginia have?
West Virginia has a multi-level court system: magistrate courts, circuit courts (31 circuits), the Intermediate Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Appeals of West 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