Find Public Records in Northampton County
Northampton County public records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk and county offices based in Eastville, Virginia. As the southernmost county on Virginia's Eastern Shore, Northampton is served by the 2nd Judicial Circuit. This page explains how to search court case records online, access land records through the state system, get vital records from the Department of Health, and submit public records requests under Virginia FOIA. Whether you need a deed, a court filing, or a certified vital record, this guide covers the main steps and sources.
Northampton County Overview
Northampton County Circuit Court
The Northampton County Circuit Court Clerk in Eastville maintains all official court records for the county. This includes civil case filings, criminal cases, judgments, and land records. The office is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit, which also serves Accomack County on the Eastern Shore. Court filings are public records under Virginia Code §§ 16.1-69.54:1 and 17.1-208. You can visit co.northampton.va.us for local office contact information and hours.
Case records from Northampton County's circuit court can be searched through the Virginia Circuit Court Online Case Information System. Select the 2nd Circuit when you start your search. You can look up cases by the name of a party, a case number, or a hearing date. The system shows docket entries and case status. Keep in mind the system shows case information, not full documents. To get copies of actual filings, you go to the clerk's office or contact them by mail or phone.
| Office | Northampton County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347 |
| Judicial Circuit | 2nd Judicial Circuit |
| Online Search | Circuit Court Case Information System |
| County Website | co.northampton.va.us |
Northampton Land and Property Records
Land records for Northampton County are recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk. This includes deeds, deeds of trust, plats, UCC filings, judgments, wills, and marriage licenses. Many of these records are accessible online through the Virginia Secure Remote Access (SRA) system. You need to register for an account to use the system. Records are available from participating jurisdictions with coverage dates varying by county.
The SRA system lets you search by name, document type, date range, or book and page number. It is a useful tool for title searches, property research, and genealogy. Northampton County has some of the oldest land records in Virginia. For records that predate the electronic system, the Library of Virginia holds archived deed books, chancery records, and other historical materials going back centuries. Their digital collections and chancery records database are available online.
The Library of Virginia also manages Virginia's records management program for state and local government. This includes ensuring that older records are preserved and accessible. For Northampton County historical property research, both the clerk's office and the Library of Virginia are important resources.
The SRA system provides remote access to land records from circuit court clerks throughout Virginia, including Northampton County on the Eastern Shore.
FOIA Requests in Northampton County
Virginia's Freedom of Information Act is at § 2.2-3700 of the Code of Virginia. It gives every Virginia citizen the right to inspect or get copies of public records from any public body. All records are presumed open. A public body can only withhold a record if a specific statutory exemption applies, and exemptions must be read narrowly. You do not need to say "FOIA" in your request to invoke these rights.
To request Northampton County administrative records, direct your request to the County Administrator's Office. For court records, go to the Circuit Court Clerk. Requests should describe the records you want with enough specificity for staff to find them. The public body has five working days to respond under § 2.2-3704. If it cannot provide everything in five days, it must notify you and may take up to seven additional working days.
If you have questions about your rights or believe a request was wrongly denied, contact the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council at 804-698-1810 or 1-866-448-4100. The Virginia Coalition for Open Government is a nonprofit that educates citizens about open records laws and helps with difficult requests.
Note: FOIA only applies to existing records. A public body is not required to create a new record or compile data in a way it does not already maintain simply because you ask.Vital Records for Northampton County
The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records handles birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for the entire Commonwealth, including Northampton County. The office is at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call 804-662-6200 for assistance.
Certified copies cost $12 each. You can apply online through the VDH's new fully online system, by mail, or in person. Mail requests go to VDH Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000. Make checks or money orders payable to State Health Department and include a legible copy of your photo ID. The records are governed by Virginia Code §§ 32.1-254 and 32.1-255 and § 32.1-272.
Birth records are available only to immediate family members until 100 years have passed. Death, marriage, and divorce records become public after 25 years. Before those periods, only immediate family or those with a legal interest in the record can obtain certified copies.
The Virginia Department of Health issues certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for all Virginia counties including Northampton.
Criminal History and Court Case Access
Criminal records in Virginia are maintained by the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange. Under § 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia, only certain entities may obtain another person's criminal history. Individuals can request their own record. Mail requests go to Department of State Police, P.O. Box 85076, Richmond, VA 23261-5076. The State Police also maintains the Sex Offender Registry, which is searchable online without a fee.
For court case information, the Virginia courts system provides online access through multiple case information systems. Criminal case details from general district courts and selected circuit courts are available through the statewide OCIS 2.0 system. Northampton County cases can also be searched through the circuit court CJIS system for the 2nd Judicial Circuit.
Business entity records for companies operating in Northampton County can be verified through the State Corporation Commission. The SCC's online Clerks Information System lets you search by business name, entity type, or SCC ID to confirm registration status and find registered agent information.
Nearby Counties
Northampton County is the southernmost county on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Accomack County borders it to the north, and the Chesapeake Bay separates the Eastern Shore from mainland Virginia.