The Virginia State Police is the main repository for criminal history records. A request for criminal record history is done by submitting the appropriate form. The form can be downloaded from the Virginia State Police website and must be notarized. It should be submitted to:
Department of State Police
P. O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23261-5076
Payment of $15 should be sent along with the request.
The Virginia State Police also has a section for the Wanted Persons in Virginia. The section has the mug shots and offenses of the fugitives. Also included in the section are links to VSP Fugitive of the Week, Central Virginia Most Wanted Fugitive of the Week, Richmond City Probation and Parole Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, FBI's Most Wanted, and United States Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted.
The Virginia State Police also maintains the online Sex Offender Registry. Searches can be done by zip code, address, name, county, and city. A list of all wanted sex offenders is also available on the website. The list has the name, mug shots, address, city, county, and zip code of the sex offenders.
The Virginia Department of Corrections, meanwhile, provides information on inmates in any facility under the Department of Corrections. In particalur, it has an inmate locator on its website, which allows the public to know the status, location, and release date of inmates. The search can either be conducted by DOC number or by offender name. The information provided, however, might not be 100% accurate, since information on inmates usually changes rather quickly.
The same inmate information can be obtained by calling the Inmate Locator Desk at (804) 674-3131. The inmate's identification number is necessary to get inmate information.
The Virginia Department of Corrections can also provide inmates' criminal records, provided that the inmates concerned express permission in writing. The request for a criminal record must be addressed to:
Central Criminal Records Manager
P. O. Box 26963
6900 Atmore Drive
Richmond, Virginia 23261-6369
Criminal records are released for a certain price.
The Virginia Department of Corrections has a list of fugitives and escapees. It has the offenders' mug shot, date of birth, alias, race, sex, scars/marks/tattoos, offense, and other important information. The department provides information on how to report the fugitives' and escapees' whereabouts.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation offices in Richmond and Norfolk also provide access to criminal records. Criminal background and name checks can be facilitated on the websites. The FBI's Most Wanted Persons in Richmond and Norfolk are also posted.
The Virginia's Judicial System provides the public with general access to court information. The information can be obtained from the Court of Appeals of Virginia, Supreme Court of Virginia, General District Courts, Circuit Courts, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts.
If you are interested in accessing Virginia background checks and criminal records, follow the detailed guidelines below:
Step 1.
Visit the Virginia State Police website in order to download the Virginia Background Check Request Form.
Step 2.
Complete the request form and have it notarized. Include your certified check or money order for $15.
Step 3.
Mail the request form and fee to the Virginia State Police, and they will mail the results in 12 to 14 business days.
If you would like more information or further assistance, contact the Virginia Department of State Police below:
Virginia State Police
PO Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23261
(804) 674-6718
The Virginia Department of Corrections provides Virginia arrest records to the public. To make the search for Virginia arrest records easier, the Department offers an online search option.
To use the online offender locator, you will need to:
Step 1.
Go online to the Virginia Department of Corrections.
Step 2.
Fill in the fields with the DOC number. If you do not know the DOC number, you can search by name. Hit Submit.
Step 3.
Results will be displayed. You can click on the offender's name or DOC number for more information.
For more help finding Virginia arrest records or for help using the online system, you can contact the Department of Corrections using the information below:
Virginia Department of Corrections
P.O. Box 26963
Richmond, VA 23261-6963
(804) 674-3000
Where to Find and Access Virginia Criminal Records
Virginia criminal records are maintained by the Virginia State Police. They accept requests made by individuals filling out a request form and mailing it along with a $15 certified check or money order. The request form must be notarized, whether you're requesting your own criminal record or someone else's Virginia criminal record.
Laws Pertaining to Virginia Criminal Records Access
Virginia allows individuals to request their criminal record, and if you have permission from another person, to request another's criminal record. This is usually for purposes of employment.
How to Challenge Errors on a Criminal Record
If you discover a mistake on your criminal record, contact the Virginia State Police, Criminal Record Check Department, and they will instruct you on how to proceed.
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