Virginia Public Records Key Terms

Searching for public records is easy if you know the basic terms

With the advances in computer related technology, searching public records for information has become an easy process. Most state governments now maintain complete databases on public documents that are either free to the public to use or at a nominal fee.

Public records are accessed to find such information about criminal records, unpaid bills, sex offender's address, professional licenses, birth and death records and unclaimed property. This information may be used to obtain a passport, employment and even for identification purposes.

 

Jail and inmate records

The Virginia Department of Corrections maintains an on-line resource that allows an individual to search for information regarding current custody status of any inmate in any type of Virginia local or regional jails. It also gives crime victims free, confidential and accurate information about a specific inmate's escape, release or transfer. This information is available via phone, Internet or email.
Try: To access the search option for inmate information for Virginia, the VINELink website is available 24 hours a day to all consumers and victims. Further information about the additional services provided can be found on the website as well.

Unclaimed property

Unclaimed property is classified as an asset (financial) that has been abandoned, unclaimed or inactive, by the assets owner. These can include stocks, bonds, insurance proceeds, refunds of credit and bank accounts which have been dormant.
Try: The Virginia Department of the Treasury has an unclaimed property department which holds all of the above referenced property for rightful claim. To perform a search for unclaimed property just access the search page located at the Virginia Department of Treasury's website.

Sex Offender and Crimes against Minors Registry

The Sex Offender and Crimes against Minors Registry is an online resource that permits a search for information regarding inmates such as current custody status, location and convictions through the Virginia Department of Corrections.
Try: To access the search option for inmate information in the state of Virginia, the Virginia State Police website is available to all victim and consumers and had details on the additional services provided in regards to sex offender issues.

Health Regulatory Board

The Health Regulatory Board maintains all license information on healthcare professionals to assure that there is competent and safe delivery of all types of healthcare services. The Board also provides information to both consumers and practitioners on a variety of health related issues and assures compliance with accepted standards of healthcare delivery.
Try: The Virginia Department of Health Professions website lists the different Health Regulatory Boards in Virginia.

The Commonwealth of Virginia's Employment and Resource Center

The Commonwealth of Virginia's Employment and Resource Center maintains information for about all employment opportunities with the state in many different professions. Benefits and compensation are listed as well as current listings of positions available which can be accessed by the general public.
Try: Find detailed information about The Commonwealth of Virginia's Employment and Resource Center at their website.

Delinquent tax payer list

The Department of Taxation maintains a list of the names of businesses that have unresolved tax liabilities. Prior to being included on the list, the business or organization is given an opportunity to resolve the tax liabilities. This list can be accessed by the public for information concerning the business's possible liabilities.
Try: All information provided on the Department of Taxation's website is public information as a result of a Memorandum of Lien being recorded in the Virginia clerks office from the circuit court.

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