Virginia Background Checks

Virginia Criminal Records

To access Virginia criminal records for conducting your Virginia background check, begin your search with the Virginia State police. There are two separate methods for obtaining Virginia criminal records.

The first method is with a Criminal History Records Check (SP-167). This form must be signed and notarized before a Virginia criminal record check will be run. This form is for the use of individuals, the general public, and private companies.

The second method is with a Criminal History Records Check (SP-230). This form does not require notarization, and it is for select non-criminal justice entities. This includes adoption and foster care agencies, hospital pharmacy employees, adult and child care facilities, and more. There is a $15 fee associated with the processing of this form. It takes approximately 12 to 14 days for this form to be processed. If your business is one that requires the submission of fingerprints for Virginia criminal records, then there is an additional cost of $13 for a CCRE search and $24 for an FBI search.

To request criminal records by mail do the following:

Step 1: Fill out one of the Virginia criminal history record request forms. Click Here.
Step 2: Provide payment. Processing fees vary based on the type of criminal record check you request.
Step 3: Mail the completed application and payment to the address indicated on the form.

For additional information regarding the access of Virginia criminal records, you can contact the office using the information below:

Department of State Police
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23261
(804) 674-6718

Resource Links
Virginia Criminal History Records
Request Forms

Virginia Court Records

To review Virginia court records during your Virginia background check, use the web-enabled records management system run by the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. This website is for informational use only, and while the OES strives to update it with current information, some data may be inaccurate or outdated.

There are no guarantees as to the accuracy or reliability of the information, and if you have additional questions regarding the information, you should contact the court where the case was filed. You will be able to research information and print the records from your own browser if desired. In order to start searching, you will need to contact your Circuit Court Clerk’s Office for an account name and password.

To search for court records online do the following:

Step 1: Visit the Virginia Case Status and Information webpage. Click Here.
Step 2: Search case records by Supreme, Appeals or General District Court.
Step 3: Fill out all required information fields and click “Search” to view all available results.

For additional information regarding accessing Virginia court records, you can contact the office using the information listed below:

Office of the Executive Secretary
Supreme Court of Virginia
100 North Ninth Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 786-6455

Resource Links
Virginia Case Status and Information

Virginia Jail Records

To review Virginia jail records, the Virginia Department of Corrections offers an online Offender Locator. This locator allows you to search Virginia jail records by DOC number or name. When searched, the results will yield the inmate’s name, DOC number, inmate number, gender, race, location, and expected release date. Only current inmates can be searched through the system.

To search for jail records online do the following:

Step 1: Visit the Virginia Inmate Search webpage. Click Here.
Step 2: Search by DOC number or Offender name.
Step 3: Click “Submit” to view all available results.

If you need additional information regarding Virginia jail records, then you can contact the office using the information listed below:

Virginia State Police
P.O. Box 27472
Richmond, VA 23261
(804) 674-2000

Resource Links
Virginia Department of Corrections

Virginia Driving Records

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles can help you access Virginia driving records. You will be able to view your own Virginia driving record online or by visiting a customer service center. The charge is $8 for an uncertified copy and $13 for a certified one. Virginia driving record requests for insurance companies will receive a 5-year history, while employers will receive a 7-year history, and parties with an unspecified reason will receive an 11-year history.

To request Virginia driving records on vehicles, you will need your vehicle title number and vehicle identification number. These numbers can be found on your vehicle registration card or your certificate of title. This Virginia driving record will only reflect the time period that you personally have owned the vehicle and costs $8.

If you need additional information regarding Virginia driving records, then you can contact the office using the information below:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Attention: Vehicle (Driver) Records Work Center
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269
(866) 368-5463

Resource Links
Virginia Driving Record Information

Additional Resources

Virginia Sexual Offender Registry
Virginia Attorney General