Arlington County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Arlington County?

Public records in Arlington County are defined according to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically under § 2.2-3701, as "all writings and recordings that consist of letters, words or numbers, or their equivalent... prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees or agents in the transaction of public business." These records document the activities and operations of government agencies serving Arlington County residents.

Arlington County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, traffic, and family court cases processed through the Arlington General District Court
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments, and property transfers
• Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations
• Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County Board meetings, advisory commissions, and other public bodies
• Budget and Financial Documents: County expenditures, financial reports, and audits
• Law Enforcement Records: Police reports, arrest logs, and incident reports (with statutory limitations)
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land use plans

The Arlington County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains court records, land records, and marriage licenses. The Arlington County Department of Real Estate Assessments maintains property assessment records. The Arlington County Treasurer's Office maintains tax payment records. The Arlington County Police Department maintains law enforcement records, subject to exemptions under § 2.2-3706 of the Virginia FOIA.

Is Arlington County an Open Records County?

Arlington County fully complies with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), codified under § 2.2-3700 through § 2.2-3714 of the Code of Virginia. This comprehensive state law governs public access to government records throughout Virginia, including Arlington County.

Under § 2.2-3700(B) of the Virginia FOIA, the law explicitly states that "all public records shall be open to citizens of the Commonwealth, representatives of newspapers and magazines with circulation in the Commonwealth, and representatives of radio and television stations broadcasting in or into the Commonwealth during the regular office hours of the custodian of such records." The law further emphasizes that its provisions "shall be liberally construed to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities and afford every opportunity to citizens to witness the operations of government."

Arlington County has implemented specific procedures to facilitate public access to records in accordance with state law. The Arlington County FOIA Policy outlines the county's commitment to transparency and provides guidance on how to request public records.

The county also adheres to Virginia's open meetings laws, often referred to as "sunshine laws," which require that meetings of public bodies be open to the public, with limited exceptions for closed sessions as permitted by § 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia.

How to Find Public Records in Arlington County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Arlington County may follow these procedures to access various types of public information:

1. Identify the Appropriate Department: Determine which county department or agency maintains the records you seek. For court records, contact the Arlington General District Court. For property records, contact the Arlington County Clerk of Circuit Court.

2. Submit a FOIA Request: For most county records, submit a formal FOIA request through the Arlington County FOIA Portal. Requests must include:

   • Requestor's name and contact information
   • A clear description of the records sought
   • Preferred format for receiving records (electronic or paper)

3. Access Online Resources: Many records are available through online portals:

   • Court case information through the Virginia Judicial System Case Information portal
   • Property assessment data through the Arlington County Real Estate Database
   • County Board meeting minutes and videos through the Arlington County website

4. Visit In Person: Records may be inspected in person at the appropriate office during regular business hours:

   • Arlington County Clerk of Circuit Court for land records and court files
   • Arlington County Government Center for most administrative records

5. Check Response Timeframes: Under Virginia FOIA § 2.2-3704(B), agencies must respond to requests within five working days, either by providing the records, denying the request with specific exemption citations, or requesting an additional seven working days if more time is needed.

6. Appeal If Necessary: If a request is denied, requestors may petition the appropriate circuit court for a writ of mandamus as provided under § 2.2-3713 of the Virginia FOIA.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Arlington County?

Arlington County assesses fees for public records in accordance with § 2.2-3704(F) of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which permits agencies to make "reasonable charges not to exceed the actual cost of accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for the requested records."

Current standard fees for public records in Arlington County include:

• Photocopies: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
• Color Copies: $0.50 per page
• Electronic Records: No charge for emailed documents; $5.00 for records provided on CD/DVD
• Certified Copies: Additional $2.00 per document for certification
• Staff Time: For requests requiring extensive staff time (over 30 minutes), $25.00 per hour for research and compilation

Specific record types may have statutorily set fees:

• Court Records: $0.50 per page for court case copies through the Arlington General District Court
• Land Records: $3.00 per page for certified deed copies
• Marriage Licenses: $8.00 per certified copy
• Birth/Death Certificates: $12.00 per certified copy (through Virginia Department of Health)

Arlington County accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and major credit cards. Online payments may be made through the county's secure payment portal for certain record types.

Under § 2.2-3704(H) of the Virginia FOIA, agencies may require advance payment before processing requests when estimated costs exceed $200. Fee waivers may be granted when the release of records primarily benefits the general public, at the discretion of the records custodian.

Does Arlington County Have Free Public Records?

Arlington County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with Virginia law. Under § 2.2-3704(A) of the Virginia FOIA, all public records must be open for inspection at no charge during regular business hours of the custodian agency.

Free public records resources in Arlington County include:

• In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may inspect any non-exempt public records at no cost by visiting the appropriate county office during regular business hours. No fees may be charged for viewing records, though advance appointments may be required for voluminous records.

• Online Resources: Arlington County provides numerous free online databases:

  • Arlington County Board Documents and Videos
  • Arlington County Code of Ordinances
  • Arlington County GIS Mapping Center
  • Arlington County Budget Documents

• Public Access Terminals: Free computer terminals are available at the Arlington County Courthouse and Arlington Public Libraries for accessing certain public databases.

• Virginia Judicial System: Basic case information is available at no charge through the Virginia Judicial System's online case information system.

• Inmate Information: Basic information about individuals in custody is available through the Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator.

While inspection is free, fees may still apply for copies or for requests requiring extensive staff time to fulfill, as permitted under § 2.2-3704(F) of the Virginia FOIA.

Who Can Request Public Records in Arlington County?

Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act § 2.2-3700(B), public records in Arlington County are available to "citizens of the Commonwealth, representatives of newspapers and magazines with circulation in the Commonwealth, and representatives of radio and television stations broadcasting in or into the Commonwealth."

Eligibility requirements for requesting public records include:

• Residency: Virginia residency is required for most FOIA requests. Requestors may be asked to provide proof of Virginia residency, such as a Virginia driver's license or utility bill.

• Identification: While identification is not required for viewing most public records, certain sensitive records may require verification of identity, particularly when requesting one's own records.

• Purpose Statement: Generally, requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request or how they intend to use the records. Under § 2.2-3705.1(10), agencies may not inquire about the purpose of a request except in limited circumstances.

Non-Virginia residents do not have statutory rights under the Virginia FOIA but may still access:

• Court records through the Virginia Courts Case Information system
• Land records through the Arlington County Clerk's Office (subject to applicable fees)
• Records made publicly available online

For requests concerning one's own records versus others' records:

• Personal records (such as one's own court records) generally require proof of identity
• Records containing others' personal information may be redacted pursuant to § 2.2-3705.1(1) to protect privacy
• Certain records (such as adoption records or juvenile court records) have additional statutory restrictions

Government agencies, law enforcement, and authorized researchers may have expanded access rights to certain records under specific statutory provisions.

What Records Are Confidential in Arlington County?

Arlington County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with exemptions specified in the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, particularly under § 2.2-3705.1 through § 2.2-3705.7. These exemptions protect privacy, security, and other important interests while balancing the public's right to information.

Records that are generally exempt from disclosure include:

• Personal Information: Records containing personally identifying information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and personal medical information are protected under § 2.2-3705.1(1)

• Law Enforcement Records: Ongoing criminal investigation records, confidential informant information, and tactical plans are exempt under § 2.2-3706

• Juvenile Records: Court records involving minors are confidential pursuant to § 16.1-305 of the Code of Virginia

• Health and Medical Records: Individual medical records are protected under both HIPAA and § 2.2-3705.5

• Social Services Records: Child welfare investigations, protective services records, and adoption records are confidential under § 63.2-104

• Personnel Records: Employee personnel information is generally exempt under § 2.2-3705.1(1), though certain information about public employees (position, salary) remains public

• Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product for the county is protected under § 2.2-3705.1(2)

• Security Information: Records related to public safety, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity plans, and emergency response protocols are exempt under § 2.2-3705.2

• Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information and trade secrets submitted to government agencies are protected under § 2.2-3705.6

• Scholastic Records: Student records are generally confidential under both FERPA and § 2.2-3705.4

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, Arlington County agencies will redact the exempt information and provide the remainder, as required by § 2.2-3704.01 of the Virginia FOIA.

Arlington County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Arlington County Clerk of Circuit Court
1425 North Courthouse Road, Suite 6700
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7010
Arlington County Clerk of Circuit Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays

The Clerk of Circuit Court serves as the recorder of deeds and maintains land records, marriage licenses, fictitious name certificates, financing statements, and court records.

Arlington County Department of Real Estate Assessments
2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 611
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-3920
Arlington County Department of Real Estate Assessments

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Arlington General District Court
1425 North Courthouse Road, Suite 2400
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7900
Arlington General District Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays

Arlington County FOIA Officer
2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 302
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-3130
Arlington County FOIA

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Lookup Public Records in Arlington County

Arlington General District Court

Virginia Judicial System Case Information

Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Locator