Find Public Records in Henrico County

Henrico County public records cover a wide range of government documents, court filings, property data, and vital records. The county wraps around the city of Richmond on three sides, and its offices handle records for one of the most active jurisdictions in central Virginia. You can search many records online through the Virginia Judicial System or through Henrico's own online portals. Some records, including land records, require a subscription or an in-person visit. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act at § 2.2-3700 governs access to most government documents held by county offices.

Henrico County Circuit Court Records

The Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk maintains court records and land records for the county. The courthouse is at 4301 E Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228. Court case information is available online through the Virginia Judicial System. You can search by name, case number, or hearing date.

Under § 17.1-208 of the Code of Virginia, court records are open to the public. Typical records include case dockets, pleadings, orders, and judgments. You can view civil, criminal, and land records here. For Henrico, the Circuit Court online records page provides direct access to the case information portal. Searches are free and available around the clock.

Access to land records in Henrico works differently than in many other counties. The Circuit Court Clerk uses a service provider called Logan Systems to manage remote access to deeds, deeds of trust, and similar documents. Remote access is by subscription only. The Clerk grants subscriptions on a case-by-case basis. If you do not have a subscription, public access terminals are available at the courthouse for free viewing. Walk in during business hours to use them.

Note: Physical document copies from the Clerk's office carry a per-page fee. Certified copies cost more than plain ones.

Henrico County Government Online

The Henrico County government website provides direct access to departments, services, and online records portals for county residents and researchers.

From this site, you can reach the Commissioner of Revenue, Treasurer, GIS mapping, FOIA request forms, and court record links, all in one place.

FOIA Requests in Henrico County

Henrico County handles FOIA requests through its dedicated FOIA page at henrico.us/foia. You can submit requests online, by mail, or in person. The county must respond within five working days. They will either provide the records, explain why they cannot, or notify you that more time is needed.

Under § 2.2-3704 of the Virginia FOIA statute, public bodies must make records available. Henrico County covers a large range of government functions, from planning and zoning to parks and public safety. Any records created or held by these offices in the course of public business are subject to FOIA unless a specific exemption applies.

The Virginia FOIA Council can provide advisory opinions and guidance. If a request is denied or delayed without a valid reason, the Council is a free resource. You also have the right to go to court to compel access if needed. This is a last resort but it is available under Virginia law.

Board of Supervisors meeting agendas and minutes are available online. These are considered public records and do not require a FOIA request. Check the county website for meeting schedules and posted documents.

Property and Tax Records in Henrico

The Henrico County Commissioner of the Revenue handles property assessments. Real estate values are set annually with an effective date of January 1. The county uses a mass appraisal system. Assessment notices go out each year. If you want to challenge your assessment, file an appeal with the Board of Equalization. The appeal hearing gives you a chance to present your case.

Visit the Commissioner of the Revenue page for information on real estate assessments, personal property taxes, and business taxes. Businesses must file a Business Personal Property return each year. Business license taxes are also managed through this office. Car tax relief up to the state-mandated amount is applied automatically to qualifying vehicles.

Tax payment records are held by the Treasurer. Real estate taxes are due January 14 and June 14. Personal property taxes are due December 5. The Treasurer's Office accepts online payments by credit card, debit card, or e-check. Payment plans may be available for those facing financial difficulty. Contact the office directly to ask.

Henrico offers tax relief programs for elderly and disabled residents. Eligibility is based on income and asset limits set by the county. Applications go through the Commissioner of the Revenue. This is a separate process from the standard appeals and requires its own documentation.

Henrico Circuit Court Online Records

The Henrico Circuit Court online records service gives public access to circuit court case information from the county's own web portal.

This portal connects directly to case management data, letting you look up civil and criminal case status without traveling to the courthouse.

GIS and Mapping Records

Henrico County GIS data is available through the Department of Planning's GIS mapping page. You can search property parcel data, zoning maps, and other spatial records. GIS records are useful for researching land boundaries, ownership histories, and planned uses.

GIS data does not replace official recorded deeds or plats filed with the Circuit Court Clerk. It is a reference tool. For legal descriptions and boundary disputes, always check the recorded documents at the courthouse. The GIS system is updated regularly but may not reflect the very latest changes.

The Virginia State Corporation Commission at scc.virginia.gov maintains business entity records for companies registered in Virginia. If you are researching businesses operating in Henrico County, the SCC database is a good starting point alongside county records.

Vital Records for Henrico County

Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for Henrico County residents are held by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. You do not get these from the county directly. The state office is at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Walk-in hours are 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays.

Certified copies cost $12 each. You can apply online, drop off a request, or mail your application. Under § 32.1-272, vital records are restricted to immediate family members. Birth records become public after 100 years. Death and divorce records become public after 25 years.

Marriage licenses are issued by the Henrico Circuit Court Clerk. Divorce decrees are also on file with the Circuit Court. Both types of records are accessible through the court's standard procedures. You can request certified copies from the Clerk's office in person or by written request. Fees apply per page and for certification.

Cities Near Henrico County

Henrico County surrounds the city of Richmond on three sides. Richmond is an independent city with its own separate records systems, though both jurisdictions share the greater Richmond metro area.

Other communities in Henrico County include Short Pump, Glen Allen, Sandston, and Varina. These areas use Henrico County offices for their public records needs.

Nearby Counties

Henrico County shares borders with several other counties in the central Virginia region. Records for events in those areas are kept by their own respective offices.