Getting a Copy of Your Virginia Criminal Record
Which Virginia agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: Virginia State Police (VSP) provide Virginia criminal history record checks. Generate form SP-167 online, print it, have your signature notarized in Section 1, and mail it with payment to Virginia State Police, Civil & Applicant Records Exchange (CARE), 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, N. Virginia State Police, Virginia Criminal History Record Check
| Getting a copy of your criminal record | Virginia State Police (VSP) provide Virginia criminal history record checks. Generate form SP-167 online, print it, have your signature notarized in Section 1, and mail it with payment to Virginia State Police, Civil & Applicant Records Exchange (CARE), 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, N. Chesterfield, Virginia 23235 (one form per request). Normal turnaround is 15 business days after VSP receives it; there is no expedited service. VSP refers to $15 or $20 background checks. A national (FBI) check is a separate request through the FBI. |
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| What relief the state offers | Virginia offers "sealing." Sealed records are closed to public access in court files, the Central Criminal Records Exchange, police and sheriff's offices, and the DMV, though government agencies can still share them for official duties. Sealing happens automatically for some offenses and by petition in circuit court for others. A separate "expungement" law (Code § 19.2-392.2) covers charges that ended in acquittal or dismissal, and records of people whose identity was stolen. The Governor can grant pardons. |
Where to get help in Virginia
More Virginia expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Virginia
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Virginia
- How to File for Expungement in Virginia
- Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Virginia
- All Virginia expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do I check my own criminal record in Virginia?
Virginia State Police (VSP) provide Virginia criminal history record checks. Generate form SP-167 online, print it, have your signature notarized in Section 1, and mail it with payment to Virginia State Police, Civil & Applicant Records Exchange (CARE), 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, N. Chesterfield, Virginia 23235 (one form per request). Normal turnaround is 15 business days after VSP receives it; there is no expedited service. VSP refers to $15 or $20 background checks. A national (FBI) check is a separate request through the FBI.
Can you get a criminal record expunged in Virginia?
Virginia offers "sealing." Sealed records are closed to public access in court files, the Central Criminal Records Exchange, police and sheriff's offices, and the DMV, though government agencies can still share them for official duties. Sealing happens automatically for some offenses and by petition in circuit court for others. A separate "expungement" law (Code § 19.2-392.2) covers charges that ended in acquittal or dismissal, and records of people whose identity was stolen. The Governor can grant pardons.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.