About Virginia Public Records

Virginia public records are governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq.) and the Virginia Public Records Act (§ 42.1-76 et seq.), which together establish open access to records of public bodies in the Commonwealth. The Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange administers statewide criminal history under § 9.1-101, Circuit Court Clerks hold land records under Title 17.1, and the Office of the Executive Secretary runs the statewide Online Case Information System.

Virginia Public Records

Court Records

Court Records | Chancery Index
Official Free
Search this Library of Virginia database of pre 1913 chancery reocords that were filed in circuit county clerk offices. Chancery causes include estate records, divorces, business partnership settlements, and resolution of land disputes.
🌐 lva.virginia.gov

Criminal Records

Criminal Histories
Official Free
Information from the Virginia State Police on how to order criminal history records. The state has two methods of obtaining criminal historie and the form used depends on who does the search.
🌐 vsp.virginia.gov
Most Wanted | Escapees
Official Free
Wanted offenders who have escaped from Virginia Department of Corrections facilities.
🌐
Registered Offenders
Official Free
Use this Virginia State Police service to search the statewide registry of offenders in Virginia by zip code or view photos & information about wanted offenders.
🌐 vspsor.com

Property Records

Administrative Code
Official Free
Search the Administrative Code of Virginia by key word or phrase. Database provided by the Virginia General Assembly and consists of regulations published in The Virginia Register of Regulations.
🌐 law.lis.virginia.gov
Companies and Corporations
Official Free
Virginia State Corporation Commission records. Search registered corporations, business trusts, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and limited liability partnerships.
🌐 cis.scc.virginia.gov
Lobbyists
Official Free
Commonwealth of Virginia lobbyist registration records. Find lobbyists by name, principals by organization name, or search disclosure reports.
🌐 commonwealth.virginia.gov
Religious Petitions
Official Free
Library of Congress index of early Virginia religious petitions submitted to the Virginia legislature between 1774 and 1802.
🌐 lva.virginia.gov
Trademarks
Official Free
Virginia State Corporations Commission records of registered trademarks and service marks.
🌐 scc.virginia.gov
Unclaimed Property
Official Free
Search the VA Commonwealth's database for unclaimed property by name. You can submit an inquiry form to determine if any property you find may be yours.
🌐 vamoneysearch.gov

Vital Records

Licenses

Business

Uniform Commercial Code
Official Free
Use this Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission service to search for Uniform Commercial Code or tax lien records by debtor, taxpayer, or document number.
🌐 cis.scc.virginia.gov

Civic

Code
Official Free
Search the Code of Virginia by key word or phrase. Database provided by the Virginia General Assembly.
🌐 law.lis.virginia.gov

Other

Military Records
Official Free
Library of Virginia military record databases such as Revolutionary and Civil War records, the Confederate Navy Index, Confederate Rosters, Mexican War Soldiers, Korean War, Persian Gulf War, and the Virginia Military Dead database.
🌐 lva-virginia.libguides.com
Missing Children
Official Free
Search the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Missing Kids database for Virginia missing children.
🌐 missingkids.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What public records are available in Virginia?

Virginia provides public access to court records, criminal histories, vital records (birth/death/marriage), property records, professional licenses, voter registration, and business filings. Each record type has its own page on SearchSystems.net.

Are Virginia public records free?

Most online lookups — court calendars, property assessor portals, license verification, voter status — are free. Certified copies and fingerprint-based criminal-history checks typically carry a state fee.

What law governs public records in Virginia?

Virginia public records are governed by Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 et seq. (Virginia Freedom of Information Act), which presumes records of every public body are open for inspection unless specifically exempted.

How do I request a record not available online?

File a written records request with the state or local agency that maintains the record. Most Virginia agencies must respond within a fixed statutory window (typically 3–15 business days).