Chesterfield County Public Records

Chesterfield County public records are maintained by multiple county departments south of Richmond in central Virginia. The county is one of the largest in Virginia by population, and its records offices handle a high volume of court filings, land transactions, tax records, and FOIA requests. The Circuit Court Clerk, Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer, and County Administration each hold different types of documents. This page explains what each office holds, how to search records online, and how to make a formal records request.

Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk

The Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk's Office is the central source for court-based public records in the county. The clerk maintains civil and criminal court records, land records, marriage licenses, probate records, and business name registrations. These records are open to the public during normal business hours. Staff can help you search files and order copies.

Land records maintained by the clerk include deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, and plats going back to the county's earliest years. Court records cover civil and criminal cases in the 12th Judicial Circuit. Probate records include wills, estate inventories, and administration filings. Marriage licenses in Chesterfield County cost $30.00, and both parties must appear in person with valid identification. Notary oaths and trade name registrations are also handled by the clerk's office.

You can search Chesterfield County circuit court cases online at no charge through the Virginia Judicial System case search. Enter a party name or case number to see docket entries, case status, and hearing dates. This tool covers civil and criminal cases and is updated regularly. For full case files, you will need to visit the courthouse or submit a written request.

Land Records in Chesterfield County

Chesterfield County land records are accessible through the Virginia Secure Remote Access system. This free state tool lets you search recorded deeds, deeds of trust, plats, and other instruments filed with the Circuit Court Clerk. You can search by grantor or grantee name, view documents online, and download many of them without going to the courthouse.

The clerk records a large volume of land documents each year given the county's size and active real estate market. Records cover all types of real property transactions, including residential, commercial, and agricultural land. For older documents that predate the electronic system, you may need to visit the clerk's office or contact the Library of Virginia for archived materials.

Chesterfield County also provides GIS mapping tools through the GIS and Mapping Department. The GIS system gives you online access to property parcel data, zoning maps, and other spatial information. It is a useful tool for identifying parcels, checking zoning, or reviewing property boundaries before submitting a records request to the clerk's office.

Note: Copies of recorded land documents from the clerk's office carry per-page fees under Virginia Code § 17.1-208.

Commissioner of the Revenue

The Commissioner of the Revenue is responsible for assessing real estate, personal property, and business taxes for all of Chesterfield County. Real estate assessments are conducted annually and take effect on January 1 each year. Assessment notices go out to property owners in early spring. If you believe your assessment is too high, you have the right to appeal through the Commissioner of the Revenue or the Board of Equalization.

Personal property taxes apply to vehicles, boats, trailers, and business equipment. The tax is calculated based on ownership and residency as of January 1. Business owners in Chesterfield County must obtain a Business, Professional and Occupational License based on gross receipts. The Commissioner of the Revenue administers that program as well.

Tax relief programs are available for qualifying elderly and disabled residents based on income and asset criteria. If you think you might qualify, contact the Commissioner's office for details and application materials. Property owners can also view assessment data and personal property account details online through the county's web portal at chesterfield.gov.

Chesterfield County Treasurer

The Treasurer's Office collects all taxes and fees due to Chesterfield County. Real estate taxes are billed and paid in two installments each year. The first installment is due June 5 and the second is due December 5. Personal property taxes are due October 5. Late payments result in penalties and interest charges.

The Treasurer accepts payments by cash, check, money order, credit card, or online payment. Online payment options are available through the county website. If real estate taxes go unpaid for an extended period, the property may be sold at a tax sale to satisfy the debt. The Treasurer's office can provide delinquency status on any parcel in Chesterfield County. Dog licenses are also sold through the Treasurer's office and are required for all dogs four months and older.

Tax payment records are public and can be reviewed by any person. If you are researching a property purchase or lien status, the Treasurer can confirm whether taxes are current. Contact the office through the Chesterfield County website for current hours and payment options.

Chesterfield County Records Online

The Chesterfield County government website provides comprehensive access to all county departments, online services, and links to state-level tools for searching public records including court cases and land documents.

Chesterfield County is one of Virginia's largest counties by population, and its online services reflect the high volume of records activity across its courts, property offices, and administrative departments.

FOIA Requests in Chesterfield County

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act applies to all Chesterfield County public bodies under Virginia Code § 2.2-3700. Any person can request to inspect or copy records without giving a reason. This covers court records, administrative documents, tax records, and any other documents created or held by county offices.

The county has a dedicated FOIA page at chesterfield.gov/departments/county-administration/foia-requests. This page explains how to submit a request, where to direct it, and what to expect. Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, county offices must respond within five working days. They must provide the records, deny the request in writing with legal grounds, or ask for a brief extension when the volume of records is large.

Send your FOIA request to the department that holds the records you need. Court records go to the Circuit Court Clerk. Tax and assessment records go to the Commissioner of the Revenue or Treasurer. County administration records go to the County Administrator's Office. The Virginia FOIA Council offers free guidance and can help you understand the process or challenge a denial.

Note: Some records may carry charges for copying, redaction, or research time. The county must disclose estimated costs before charging you for a large records request.

Vital Records for Chesterfield County

Birth and death certificates from Chesterfield County are held by the Virginia Department of Health. Certified copies cost $12 each. You can order online, by mail, or by calling 804-662-6200. Proof of identity and your relationship to the person on the record are required to receive a certified copy.

Marriage licenses are issued by the Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk. The license costs $30.00. Both parties must appear in person and bring valid photo identification. The clerk's office holds all local marriage records. Divorce records are part of the court case file at the Circuit Court and can be searched through the Virginia case lookup tool.

Under Virginia Code § 32.1-272, access to vital records is restricted. Certified copies go to the person on the record, immediate family members, and authorized legal representatives. The Library of Virginia holds historical vital records from Chesterfield County that predate the state's modern vital records system.

Criminal Records and Court Filings

Criminal court records in Chesterfield County are held by the Circuit Court Clerk and the General District Court. Felony cases and serious civil matters go through the 12th Circuit. Misdemeanors, traffic cases, and small civil claims are handled by the Chesterfield County General District Court. Both court levels are regularly updated in the state's online case system.

Search cases at both levels through the Virginia court case lookup. Under Virginia Code § 16.1-69.54:1, general district court records are public with limited exceptions. Full case files require a courthouse visit or a written request to the clerk. The Virginia courts website has contact details and hours for both Chesterfield courts.

For statewide criminal history record checks, contact the Virginia State Police. These formal background checks are separate from the court case search and are governed by Virginia Code § 19.2-389. Most third-party requests require the subject's written consent before a criminal history record is released.

Business Records and Other Sources

Virginia business entities operating in Chesterfield County can be searched at the State Corporation Commission. The SCC database covers all registered corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business types. Search by business name to find registration status, principal officers, and filing history.

Local business licenses in Chesterfield County are issued by the Commissioner of the Revenue under the Business, Professional and Occupational License program. Trade name registrations are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk. Property tax records, including real estate and personal property billings, are held by the Treasurer. All of these offices are accessible through the Chesterfield County website.

The county's GIS portal at chesterfield.gov/departments/planning/gis provides online access to parcel data, zoning layers, and property maps. This is a free public tool and a useful starting point for property research.

Cities Near Chesterfield County

Chesterfield County borders several independent cities in the Richmond metro area. Each city has its own courts and records offices separate from the county system.

Nearby Counties

Chesterfield County is in the Richmond metro region. These surrounding counties all maintain their own public records offices.