Virginia Property & Deed Records

In Virginia, deeds and land records are filed with the circuit court clerk in each city or county. Assessors (Commissioner of the Revenue) track ownership and values; treasurers collect taxes. Many courts use the Virginia Judicial System online records (VLRCS) while others contract with local vendors.

Where to Search

• Circuit Court Clerk: Land records (deeds, deeds of trust, plats, liens) searchable by name, instrument #, or GPIN/parcel ID.
• Commissioner of the Revenue/Assessor: Parcel cards with ownership, assessments, and sometimes sales history.
• Treasurer: Tax payment status, due dates, and delinquent lists.

Steps to Locate a Deed

1. Identify the parcel ID/GPIN using the assessor's site or GIS map.
2. Search the circuit court land records by name or GPIN for the latest deed.
3. Download the deed and note the instrument #, recording date, and legal description.
4. Pull the deed of trust, assignments, and releases to see open liens.
5. Verify tax status and any pending foreclosure notices (trustee sales).

Local shortcuts

• Fairfax/Arlington: Local land records portals with name and instrument search; GIS for parcel layers.
• Richmond City: Circuit Court land records online; city assessor for parcel and sales; treasurer for taxes.
• Virginia Beach/Norfolk: Online deed search; GIS/assessor for ownership and permits; treasurer for delinquency.

Document set to pull

• Latest deed and prior deed to confirm chain and vesting.
• Deeds of trust, assignments, substitutions, and certificates of satisfaction.
• HOA/condo liens, judgments, and UCC filings.
• Plat maps tied to the GPIN/parcel for easements and access.

Due diligence checklist

• Check trustee sale notices; foreclosure timelines can be short.
• Verify real estate tax status and any special assessments.
• Search for code enforcement cases with the city/county to avoid surprise liens.
• Confirm zoning and floodplain via the locality GIS before making offers.