Find Public Records in Botetourt County

Botetourt County public records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk, Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer, and county administration offices in Fincastle, Virginia. You can search court cases and land documents online through Virginia's statewide systems, or contact county offices directly for tax records, FOIA requests, and other documents. This page covers the main sources for Botetourt County records, how to access them, and what you can expect to find.

Botetourt County Circuit Court Records

The Circuit Court Clerk in Fincastle holds civil and criminal court records, land records, probate filings, and marriage licenses. This office is where you go for most court-based public records in Botetourt County. Staff can assist with in-person requests and certified copies during normal business hours.

Virginia's online case search tool covers Botetourt County circuit court cases. Use the Virginia Judicial System circuit court case search to look up cases by name or case number. You can see case status, filed documents, and party information without visiting the courthouse. The system covers both civil and criminal dockets.

The Virginia courts website lists contact information and hours for all courts across the state, including Botetourt County's circuit and general district courts. Check there for the most current hours and any closures.

Land and Property Records

Land records for Botetourt County are available through the Virginia Secure Remote Access system. This free online tool lets you search recorded deeds, deeds of trust, plats, and other instruments filed with the Circuit Court Clerk. You can search by party name or instrument type and view documents directly through the system.

Property ownership and assessment records are maintained by the Commissioner of the Revenue. The office assesses real estate and personal property values each year. Assessment information is useful for verifying ownership, checking assessed value, or finding parcel details. Property owners can also appeal assessments through this office.

Real estate tax payment history is kept by the Botetourt County Treasurer. The treasurer's office has received recent scam alerts about fake messages claiming unpaid balances. Check the official Botetourt County website for any notices about fraud attempts targeting property owners. Always verify any payment demands directly with the county before paying.

Note: Copies of recorded land documents carry a per-page fee under Virginia Code § 17.1-208.

Botetourt County Records Offices

The Botetourt County government website serves residents from the Administrative Center at 57 S. Center Dr., Daleville, VA 24083, and provides access to department contacts and online services.

The county handles a wide range of public records requests through its various departments, all accessible from the main county portal.

The Commissioner of the Revenue office manages real estate and personal property assessments, giving the public a way to look up property values across the county.

Assessment records include ownership information and parcel data that can be viewed by any member of the public.

The Botetourt County FOIA page explains how to submit records requests and where to direct them based on the type of record you need.

The Treasurer's page provides tax payment information and warns about recent scam attempts involving fake payment demands.

FOIA Requests in Botetourt County

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act covers all public bodies in the state, including Botetourt County departments. The law is codified at Virginia Code § 2.2-3700. Any person can request access to records without giving a reason or showing any special interest in the documents.

Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, county offices must respond to FOIA requests within five working days. The response must either provide the records, deny the request with legal justification, or ask for a short extension. Botetourt County has a dedicated FOIA page at botetourtva.gov/foia to guide residents through the process.

If you are unsure where to send your request, the Virginia FOIA Council provides guidance on which office handles which type of record. The Council also resolves disputes about denied requests and publishes advisory opinions on common questions. Using their resources before you submit can save time.

Vital Records for Botetourt County

Birth and death records for events in Botetourt County are held by the Virginia Department of Health. The state vital records office issues certified copies for $12 each. You can order online, by mail, or by phone at 804-662-6200. Proof of identity and your relationship to the person on the record are required.

Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk in Fincastle. The clerk keeps local marriage records going back many years. For older records not in the state system, the Library of Virginia maintains archives that may include historical Botetourt County birth, death, and marriage documents dating back generations.

Under Virginia Code § 32.1-272, vital records are restricted to certain eligible requesters. Relatives and legal representatives can generally obtain certified copies. Genealogy researchers may be able to access older records that are no longer restricted.

Criminal Records and Court Filings

Criminal case records in Botetourt County are held by the Circuit Court Clerk and the General District Court. The circuit court handles felony charges and major civil matters. The general district court handles traffic, minor criminal cases, and small claims up to $25,000.

Search both courts through the Virginia court case search. For statewide criminal history checks used in official background screening, contact the Virginia State Police. Those checks are governed by Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and typically require the subject's written consent for third-party requests.

Court records at both the circuit and district level are generally public under Virginia law. Virginia Code § 16.1-69.54:1 spells out what general district court records are open to the public. Full case files require an in-person visit to the courthouse or a formal records request.

Business and Tax Records

Business entities registered in Virginia can be searched through the State Corporation Commission. The SCC database covers corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other registered business types. You can look up Botetourt County businesses by name or registered agent.

Local business licenses and personal property filings are held by the Commissioner of the Revenue. The county's FY26 revenue budget totals $98.8 million, with a significant portion tied to property taxes collected through these assessment and billing processes. Tax payment records are maintained by the Treasurer's office.

Nearby Counties

Botetourt County is part of the Roanoke Valley region. These surrounding counties also maintain public records offices.