Virginia Background Check

Conduct a thorough criminal background check in Virginia by searching criminal history, Virginia court records, find current past addresses, check Virginia prison, jail inmate records, and Virginia department of corrections records. Also check Virginia professional licenses and other credentials.



Free Background Check in Virginia

Criminal Background Check

There are two methods of obtaining criminal history record name searches pursuant to §19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia.

Criminal History Check

Criminal history background check is governed by Section 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia.

Requests for criminal record searches must be requested by the submission of a signed and notarized “Criminal Record Name Search” form SP-167.

Examples of entities/individuals eligible to use this form are:

  • Individuals
  • General Public
  • Private Companies


Criminal History Background Check

Criminal history record dissemination submitted on the SP-230 is governed by Section 19.2-389 of the Code of Virginia. Pursuant to this section, the following non-criminal justice entities are empowered to receive criminal record name searches using the SP-230 form. This form does not require notarization.

  • Adoptions & Foster Care Agencies
  • Hospital Employees
  • Pharmacy Employees
  • Home Care Facilities
  • Homes for Adults
  • Adult Day Care Centers
  • Licensed Child Care Centers
  • Unlicensed Child Care Centers
  • Cities/Counties Under a Duly Enacted Ordinance

Submit an SP-230 form in conjunction with a $15.00 company check or money order to:

Department of State Police
P. O. Box 85076
Richmond, VA 23261-5076

Please allow 12-14 business days for processing.

What Is an Virginia Background Check?

An Virginia Background Check offers a comprehensive search in public records for:

  • Vital records, like births, deaths, marriages, and divorces
  • Current contact information and previous addresses
  • Criminal records, convictions and prison records or sex offender registration
  • Civil court filings, like civil judgments
  • Tax liens and bankruptcies
  • Records of real estate ownership and registered assets
  • Professional and business licenses

Virginia background check is available through the state or through premium data aggregation services who conduct public record data searches and provide you with a report.. Each state, and sometimes each county, has different rules on how much information is available and who can access background check data. Therefore a background check may still not contain every record about a person, however in most cases it is very thorough. Most premium background check services use multiple databases of public records in order to provide you with their background reports.



Learn More About Background Checks