Virginia public records and people search guide
In Virginia, the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Va. Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.) governs access to government records. Court cases are generally public at the court where they were filed. Searching public records for personal reasons is legal; using them to screen tenants or employees requires an FCRA-compliant report.
At a glance
What is usually public in Virginia
- Court records: civil, criminal, small claims and most probate filings, unless sealed or confidential by law.
- Property records: owner of record, deeds and tax assessments, from the county assessor and recorder. See how to find a property owner.
- Business filings: companies registered with the Virginia Secretary of State (or equivalent office).
- Professional licenses: through Virginia's licensing boards. See how to verify a license.
- Sex offender registry: Virginia's registry is included in the national search at NSOPW.gov.
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce): access rules vary; many are restricted to the people named or their families. Contact the Virginia vital records office or the county.
How to request records from a Virginia agency
- Identify the agency that holds the record (city, county or state).
- Send a written request that describes the records as specifically as you can, citing the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Many agencies have an online portal.
- Expect a response within the statutory period: 5 working days, extendable by 7 more working days.
- Ask about copy fees up front.
- If denied, ask for the specific exemption relied on. You can appeal to the Virginia FOIA Council (advisory).
Detailed, maintained legal summary: Reporters Committee Open Government Guide: Virginia.
Searching Virginia court records
- Virginia Judicial Branch: court directory, forms and access policies.
- The Judicial System website offers free online case information for General District and most Circuit Courts.
- Federal cases in Virginia: PACER.
Reading results: an arrest is not a conviction, and similar names are easy to confuse. Match the date of birth and county. See how to check criminal records legally.
Public profiles, photos and phone data. Private: nobody is notified.
Virginia area codes
Questions
Are court records public in Virginia?
Most Virginia court records are open to the public unless sealed, expunged or confidential by law (for example juvenile and many family matters). Start at the Virginia Judicial Branch website or the clerk of the court where the case was filed.
What is Virginia's public records law?
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Va. Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.) gives the public a right to inspect and copy government records, with exemptions set by law. Response time: 5 working days, extendable by 7 more working days.
Can I run a background check on someone in Virginia?
You can search public records yourself for personal reasons. For hiring, renting, lending or insurance decisions, federal law (the FCRA) requires a consumer reporting agency and the person's permission, and Virginia may add its own rules.
How do I look up a Virginia phone number?
Enter it in a reverse phone lookup. Virginia area codes include 276, 434, 540, 571, 703, 757 and more.
Updated 2026-10-28. Links checked 2026-10-28. General information, not legal advice; statutes change, so confirm details with the agency or the Reporters Committee guide.
TrueSearch is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use TrueSearch or anything on this page to make decisions about employment, housing or tenant screening, credit, insurance, or any other FCRA-covered purpose. Results come from publicly available information and licensed telecom data and may be incomplete or out of date.