State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Virginia
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Virginia under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) (est. 1968).
Overview of Public Records in Virginia
Virginia's Freedom of Information Act provides a comprehensive framework for public access to government records and meetings. The VFOIA establishes a strong presumption that all official records are open to inspection and copying. Virginia has a particularly well-developed enforcement system, with the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council providing free advisory opinions, training, and mediation services. The council, established in 2000, has become a national model for administrative resolution of open records disputes.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Virginia
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 5 business days. They may invoke a single extension of up to 7 additional business days by providing written notice to the requester explaining the delay.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying, search time, and supplies. Standard copy fees cannot exceed $0.50 per page. The first two hours of search time are free for most records requests.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing, including by email. The requester is not required to state a reason for the request or provide identification to the agency.
Appeal Process
The Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council provides written advisory opinions at no charge. Requesters may also file a petition in general district or circuit court to compel disclosure.
Types of Public Records Available in Virginia
Property Records
Property records in Virginia include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Virginia contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Virginia election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Virginia court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Virginia include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Virginia vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Virginia document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Virginia Public Records
To request records under the VFOIA, submit a request to the relevant public body. While written requests are recommended, any method of communication is acceptable. Agencies must respond within five working days. If a request is denied, you can seek guidance from the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council, which provides free advisory opinions. You can also appeal to the appropriate court. Virginia's circuit court clerks maintain property and court records, and the Virginia Judicial System provides online case searches through its case information system.
Online Access
Virginia courts offer online case information through the Supreme Court's website and individual circuit court clerk websites. The State Corporation Commission provides online business entity searches.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Virginia
While the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Virginia.
- Personnel records containing identifiable personal information
- Records related to active criminal investigations
- Trade secrets and proprietary information submitted to government
- Attorney-client privileged records involving government counsel
- Records whose disclosure would endanger the safety of individuals
- Scholastic records of students
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Virginia provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA)
Enacted: 1968
Virginia's Freedom of Information Act is codified in Virginia Code Sections 2.2-3700 through 2.2-3715. The act creates a presumption that all public records are open and places the burden on the government to justify withholding. The FOIA Advisory Council provides guidance, training, and non-binding advisory opinions. The law was updated in 2022 to address issues related to electronic meetings and in 2023 to modify provisions about law enforcement records.
Key Features of Virginia's Records Law:
- Virginia's FOIA Advisory Council provides free advisory opinions and mediation services
- The council has become a national model for administrative resolution of records disputes
- Virginia has a five-working-day response requirement
- The law allows recovery of attorney fees and costs for prevailing requesters
Virginia Public Records Facts
Virginia has 95 counties and 38 independent cities maintaining separate local records
The FOIA Advisory Council handles hundreds of inquiries per year
The state has approximately 6.1 million registered voters
Virginia State Corporation Commission maintains records for over 800,000 business entities
Search Virginia Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Virginia. Enter a name below to search public records in VA.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Public Records
What is the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council?
How do I access Virginia court records?
How long does Virginia have to respond to FOIA requests?
How do I search Virginia property records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Virginia or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.