Virginia Arrest Records Search: The 100% Official Guide (2026)
If you are typing “Virginia arrest records” into Google, you are probably confused by the hundreds of fake websites asking for your credit card. Stop right there.
I am going to show you how to find official records, mugshots, and court dates using the government portals—mostly for free.
1. Virginia Arrest Records Search (The Official Method)
When you want to do a proper Virginia arrest records search, you cannot rely on private websites. They are often outdated. The “Source of Truth” in Virginia is the Virginia State Police (VSP).
If you need a record for a job, visa, or adoption, this is the only legal way.
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Official Agency: Virginia State Police (CCRE)
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Form: SP-167 (Criminal History Record Request).
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Cost: $15.00 (Certified Check or Money Order).
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Step-by-Step:
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Download the form from
vsp.virginia.gov. -
Notarize it: You must sign it in front of a Notary Public.
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Mail to: P.O. Box 85076, Richmond, VA 23261-5076.
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2. Virginia Arrest Records Free & Virginia Arrest Records Search Free
Many people ask, “Can you look up public records for free?” The answer is YES. You do not need to pay the $15 police fee if you just want information.
To perform a Virginia arrest records search free of cost, you must use the Judiciary System.
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Official Site: Virginia Judiciary OCIS 2.0.
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How to do it:
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Go to the website and click “Accept”.
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Select “Name Search” from the left menu.
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Critical Step: In the “Case Type” box, select “Criminal / Traffic”.
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Enter the name. You will see every arrest that resulted in a court case, completely free.
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3. Virginia Arrest Records Mugshots (The Privacy Rule)
Finding Virginia arrest records mugshots or Virginia arrests public records free mugshots is the hardest part in 2026.
The Reality: Virginia law has changed to protect privacy. Most police departments (like Fairfax or Virginia Beach) have stopped posting mugshots online to prevent “digital shaming.”
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Where to find them: You typically have to visit the Sheriff’s Office or the Clerk of Court in person to see the physical file.
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Exception: If the person is a “Wanted Fugitive,” their photo will be on the VSP Wanted List or the local Crime Solvers page.
4. Virginia Arrest Records Lookup (Local Jails)
For a specific Virginia arrest records lookup—especially if the person was arrested last night—you need to check the local Adult Detention Center (ADC). The state police list takes weeks to update, but the local jail list is instant.
I have verified these numbers for you:
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Fairfax County ADC: 703-246-2100 (Press 1 for Booking).
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Roanoke City Jail: 540-853-6777 (Jail Docket).
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Richmond Justice Center: 804-646-4464.
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Virginia Beach Correctional: 757-385-4493.
5. Virginia Arrests Public Records Free Search by Name
If you want to do a Virginia arrests public records free search by name for someone currently in jail, the best tool is VINE Link.
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Website:
vinelink.com -
Why use it? It is the official notification system. It covers 95% of Virginia jails.
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How: Select “Virginia” -> “Search for Offender” -> Type Name. It gives you their Inmate ID and location instantly.
6. Virginia Public Records vs. Virginia Criminal Records
It is important to understand the difference when searching for Virginia public records or Virginia criminal records.
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Public Records: This includes everything—Arrests, Marriage Licenses, Property Deeds, and Civil Lawsuits. You find these at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
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Criminal Records: These are strictly about crimes (Misdemeanors and Felonies). A “Criminal Record” usually means you were convicted (found guilty). If your case was dismissed, you technically do not have a “conviction,” even if you have an “arrest record.”
7. Are Police Reports Public Record in Virginia?
This is a very common question: “Are police reports public record in Virginia?”
The Answer: Generally, NO.
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Investigative Notes: The notes a police officer takes during an investigation are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). You cannot just ask to see them.
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Car Accident Reports: These are available, but usually only to the people involved (drivers) and their insurance companies.
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Basic Arrest Info: The fact that someone was arrested (Name, Charge, Date) is public, but the detailed “Police Report” narrative is usually confidential until court.
8. Virginia Arrest Records Online (2026 Update)
Searching for Virginia arrest records online is getting easier with new laws.
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The Clean Slate Act (July 2026): Starting this year, Virginia will begin automatically sealing old, low-level misdemeanors if the person has stayed clean for 7 years.
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What this means: If you search for an old record online and can’t find it, it might have been auto-sealed by the state.
Quick Summary Table: Where to Search?
| Keyword Intent | Best Official Source | Cost |
| Search Free / Lookup | OCIS 2.0 (Court System) | Free |
| Current Inmate | VINE Link / Local Sheriff | Free |
| Certified Copy | VSP (Form SP-167) | $15.00 |
| Mugshots | In-Person at Courthouse | Free (View Only) |
