Lexington Background Check Records
Lexington background check records come from the Lexington Police Department and the Rockbridge-Lexington Circuit Court, which serves this small independent city in the Shenandoah Valley alongside Rockbridge County.
Lexington Overview
Lexington Police Department Records
The Lexington Police Department serves this small independent Virginia city. Lexington is separate from Rockbridge County and maintains its own police force and records. The city's official website is at lexingtonva.gov. To request police records, contact the police department or city hall in writing. Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 requires a response within five working days.
Lexington is a small city with Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University within its boundaries. Because of the college population, the police department handles a mix of local incidents and university-area matters. Records held by city police cover only incidents within city limits. Campus police at VMI and Washington and Lee also maintain separate records for incidents that occur on their respective properties.
Active criminal investigations, juvenile records, and personnel files are not subject to public disclosure under Virginia FOIA. For resolved cases and past arrests, basic incident information is available with standard copy fees. The first 30 minutes of staff time is typically free. For a complete Virginia criminal history search, use the Virginia State Police CCRE, which covers all jurisdictions in the state including Lexington.
VINELink provides free inmate custody searches for people held in local facilities or transferred to state corrections. You can register for free custody change notifications at no cost through that system.
| Office | Lexington Police Department |
|---|---|
| City Website | lexingtonva.gov |
| FOIA Response | 5 working days (up to 12 for complex requests) |
| City Status | Independent city, not part of Rockbridge County |
Lexington Circuit Court Criminal Records
Lexington is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Rockbridge County, Alleghany County, Bath County, and the City of Buena Vista and City of Covington. The Rockbridge-Lexington Circuit Court shares facilities and staff with the broader circuit. The court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters, appeals from district court, land records, and marriage licenses. For certified copies of documents, contact the Circuit Court Clerk. Standard copies cost $0.50 per page plus a certification fee.
Case information is available at no cost through the statewide Virginia Judiciary Case Information system. Search by name or case number to see case status, charges, hearing dates, and docket entries. No account needed. This covers both circuit court and general district court records for Lexington and Rockbridge County.
The General District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and small civil claims. District court case records are also searchable through the same portal. For FOIA requests directed at city government, contact Lexington City Hall. Marriage records, deed records, and probate records are maintained at the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
| Judicial Circuit | 25th Judicial Circuit |
|---|---|
| Circuit Includes | Rockbridge, Alleghany, Bath counties; Cities of Buena Vista, Covington, Lexington |
| Case Search | vacourts.gov |
| Copies | $0.50 per page plus certification fee |
Online Resources for Lexington Background Checks
The free starting point is the Virginia Judiciary Case Information system. Search Circuit and General District Court cases by name or case number at no cost. No registration needed.
For full statewide criminal history, use Form SP-167 from the VSP forms page for a $15 name-based CCRE check. Mail to CARE at 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235. This covers all Virginia counties and cities including Lexington.
The Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry is free and searchable by name, zip code, or address. Results include photos, current addresses, and conviction details for registered offenders in the Lexington area and across Virginia.
Virginia FOIA and Background Check Laws
Virginia FOIA at Title 2.2, Chapter 37 governs public records access in Lexington. Criminal history statutes at Title 19.2, Chapter 23 govern the CCRE. Virginia's record sealing law at § 19.2-392.12 takes effect July 1, 2026. Contact the FOIA Advisory Council at (804) 698-1810 with questions about Virginia public records.
Nearby Virginia Cities
These independent Virginia cities are near Lexington in the Shenandoah Valley region.