Dinwiddie County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Dinwiddie County in 2026
DinwiddieRecords.us provides publicly available information and data related to public records maintained by government agencies in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. Members of the public seeking official documentation may access records through multiple channels, including online portals, in-person visits to county offices, written requests, and telephone inquiries. The types of records that may be available include court filings, property documents, vital statistics, tax assessments, business licenses, and law enforcement records, subject to applicable exemptions under state law.
Online Access:
Members of the public may search certain Dinwiddie County records through the following official resources:
- The Virginia Judicial System's online case information portal provides access to civil and criminal case records maintained by the Circuit Court.
- The local rules of court for Dinwiddie County note that "parties are encouraged to use the Virginia Judicial System website to review return of service and OCRA to review all other case file documents."
- Property assessment data may be accessed through the Dinwiddie County Commissioner of the Revenue's office.
- Historical county records, including land records, court records, and vital statistics on microfilm, are accessible through the Library of Virginia's Dinwiddie County collections.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk's Office to inspect and request copies of court records. The office is located at:
Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
14008 Boydton Plank Road, Dinwiddie, VA 23841
(804) 469-4540
Dinwiddie County Circuit Court
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state and federal holidays. Requestors should present a valid government-issued photo identification and specify the records sought by name, case number, or date range where possible.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at the address listed above. Requests should include the requestor's full name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, public bodies are required to respond to written requests within five working days of receipt.
Phone/Email:
- Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk: (804) 469-4540
- Dinwiddie County Administrator's Office: (804) 469-4500
What Are Public Records in Dinwiddie County?
Public records in Dinwiddie County are defined under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), codified at Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq., as all writings and recordings — regardless of physical form or characteristics — prepared or owned by, or in the possession of, a public body or its officers, employees, or agents in the transaction of public business. The following categories of records are maintained by Dinwiddie County government agencies:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Circuit Court Clerk's Office |
| Property deeds, mortgages, and liens | Circuit Court Clerk's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Virginia Department of Health / Circuit Court |
| Business licenses and permits | Commissioner of the Revenue |
| Property tax and assessment records | Commissioner of the Revenue / Treasurer |
| Voting and election records | Dinwiddie County Electoral Board |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Administrator's Office |
| Budget and financial documents | County Administrator's Office |
| Arrest logs and incident reports | Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Planning and Zoning Department |
Historical records, including fiduciary records, free negro and slave records, and military records, are preserved on microfilm and accessible through the Library of Virginia's Dinwiddie County microfilm collection, which covers county administrative records, court records, land records, marriage records, and vital statistics.
Vital records such as birth and death certificates are maintained at the state level by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records, located at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227.
Is Dinwiddie County an Open Records County?
Dinwiddie County fully complies with Virginia's statewide open records framework. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, all public records are presumed open unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The Act states that "the affairs of government are not intended to be conducted in an atmosphere of secrecy since at all times the public is to be the beneficiary of any action taken at any level of government." This principle governs all public bodies within Dinwiddie County, including the Board of Supervisors, constitutional officers, and county departments.
The Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council, established under state law, provides guidance to both public bodies and citizens regarding the proper application of VFOIA. Dinwiddie County does not maintain a separate county-specific open records ordinance; the state statute governs all access requests. Public bodies in the county are required to make reasonable accommodations for inspection of records during regular business hours and to respond to requests within five working days.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Dinwiddie County?
The current fee structure for public records in Dinwiddie County is governed by state law and individual office schedules. Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704(F), public bodies may charge reasonable fees not to exceed the actual cost incurred in accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for requested records.
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (letter/legal size) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copies of court documents | $2.00 per document (plus copy fees) |
| Deed recordation copies | Varies by page count |
| Electronic records | Actual cost of duplication |
| Search fees | Actual staff time, where permitted |
| Vital record certified copies | $12.00 per copy (state fee) |
Accepted payment methods at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card. Fee waivers are not broadly available under Virginia law, though certain indigent requestors may qualify for reduced fees in specific legal proceedings. Fees for vital records obtained through the Virginia Office of Vital Records are set by the Virginia Department of Health and are subject to change by state regulation.
Does Dinwiddie County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to members of the public at Dinwiddie County government offices during regular business hours. Virginia law requires that public bodies permit in-person inspection of non-exempt records at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. The following resources provide free access to certain records:
- In-person inspection at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office allows members of the public to review court filings, deed books, and judgment records without charge.
- Online case information through the Virginia Judicial System website is available at no cost for civil and criminal case data.
- Property assessment data maintained by the Commissioner of the Revenue may be inspected in person at no charge.
- Inmate and supervisee location data for individuals held at the Dinwiddie County Jail or supervised by the Virginia Department of Corrections is available through the Virginia DOC inmate and supervisee locator at no cost.
- Historical microfilm records at the Library of Virginia may be accessed in person at no charge during library hours.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection is free, obtaining physical or electronic copies of records incurs the fees described in the preceding section.
Who Can Request Public Records in Dinwiddie County?
Any person may request public records in Dinwiddie County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Virginia's Freedom of Information Act does not restrict access to Virginia residents; non-residents retain the same rights to inspect and copy public records as residents of the Commonwealth. Requestors are not required to provide identification for most records requests, nor are they required to state the reason for their request.
Certain record types carry additional access requirements:
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) are restricted to qualified applicants, including the subject of the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a demonstrated legal interest, as governed by Virginia Code and administered through the Virginia Office of Vital Records.
- Sealed court records and records subject to protective orders require a court order for access.
- Criminal history records maintained by the Virginia State Police are subject to separate access restrictions under state law.
Members of the public requesting their own records are subject to the same procedures as any other requestor, though certain agencies may require identity verification to protect personal information from unauthorized disclosure.
What Records Are Confidential in Dinwiddie County?
Not all records maintained by Dinwiddie County government agencies are available for public inspection. Virginia law enumerates specific categories of exempt records, and public bodies retain discretion to withhold records that fall within recognized exemptions. The following categories are exempt from mandatory disclosure under Virginia's Freedom of Information Act and related statutes:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records and child welfare records
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
- Personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers and financial account data
- Medical and mental health records protected under HIPAA
- Adoption records
- Personnel records of public employees (with limited exceptions)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details
- Attorney-client privileged communications involving public bodies
As the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council has noted, "the exemptions from mandatory disclosure found in the Virginia FOIA are permissive, not mandatory — a public body may choose to release exempt records unless disclosure is prohibited by law." This means that even where an exemption applies, the public body retains discretion to release the record if no separate prohibition exists.
Dinwiddie County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
14008 Boydton Plank Road
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4540
Dinwiddie County Circuit Court Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Dinwiddie County Administrator's Office
14016 Boydton Plank Road
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4500
Dinwiddie County Government
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Dinwiddie County Commissioner of the Revenue
14010 Boydton Plank Road
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4500
Commissioner of the Revenue
Virginia Department of Health – Office of Vital Records
8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23227
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Virginia Office of Vital Records
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (walk-in customers)
Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office
14101 Boydton Plank Road
Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: (804) 469-4550
Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office