Mathews County Background Check Records
Mathews County background check records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office and the Circuit Court Clerk in Mathews, Virginia. This small coastal county on the Middle Peninsula is part of the 9th Judicial Circuit. To find criminal history, arrest records, or court case files tied to Mathews County, this page explains the offices to contact, what you can access online for free, and how the FOIA process works. Mathews County connects to the Virginia State Police Central Criminal Records Exchange for statewide criminal history searches.
Mathews County Overview
Mathews County Sheriff Background Check Requests
The Mathews County Sheriff's Office handles arrest records, incident reports, and criminal warrants for the county. To request public records, submit a written FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office. Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq. requires the office to respond within five working days. Complex or voluminous requests may extend to twelve working days total. You do not need to explain why you want the records, but you must give your name and contact information.
Active criminal investigations, juvenile records, and personnel files are exempt from public disclosure under Virginia FOIA. For resolved cases and past arrests, basic incident information is generally available through a written request. Copy fees are based on actual cost, and simple requests are often handled with minimal charges. The first 30 minutes of staff time is typically provided at no charge.
For inmate status, VINELink provides a free online search for anyone currently held in Mathews County by name or offender ID. You can also register for custody change notifications at no cost. For people transferred to state custody, the Virginia Department of Corrections offender search is a free tool available online. For statewide criminal history, the Virginia State Police CCRE is the proper channel.
| Office | Mathews County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | Mathews County, VA 23109 |
Mathews County Circuit Court Criminal Records
The Mathews County Circuit Court Clerk is at P.O. Box 463, Mathews, VA 23109, reachable at (804) 725-2550. The office website is at mathewscountyva.gov. This office handles all official court records for criminal and civil cases, including land records, marriage licenses, probate records, court case files, and judgments. The Clerk also administers oaths, issues concealed handgun permits, dockets criminal actions, and processes adoption petitions and civil suits.
An important note on Mathews County historical records: most original records were destroyed in Richmond on April 3, 1865, when they had been moved there for safekeeping during the Civil War. Records that survive from 1803 through 1945 are available at the Library of Virginia. For current and recent court cases, use the statewide Virginia Judiciary Case Information system at no cost. Search by name or case number to see case status, charges, hearing dates, and docket entries. No account is needed.
Land records from December 29, 1995 forward are available through a secure remote access system. The subscription costs $50 per month, with online renewal available. The county also offers a free VADeed Alert notification service that lets property owners know when a document is recorded on their property. For FOIA requests directed at the county, use the NextRequest portal at mathewscountyva.nextrequest.com. Standard Virginia FOIA procedures apply — five-day response window and fees based on actual cost.
| Office | Mathews County Clerk of Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 463, Mathews, VA 23109 |
| Phone | (804) 725-2550 |
| Website | mathewscountyva.gov |
| FOIA Portal | mathewscountyva.nextrequest.com |
Mathews County Circuit Court and FOIA Resources
The Mathews County Circuit Court Clerk page at mathewscountyva.gov provides information on all services, records available, and online access options for land records and court filings.
Through the Clerk's page you can find contact information, services offered, and details about the remote land records access program available for a monthly subscription.
The Mathews County FOIA page at mathewscountyva.gov explains the public records request process and links to the NextRequest online portal where you can submit and track requests electronically.
Use the FOIA page to learn about Mathews County public records procedures, response timelines, and how to submit a formal request for arrest records, incident reports, and other public documents.
Online Resources for Mathews County 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.
The Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry is free and searchable by name, zip code, or address. Community notification alerts are available at no charge.
Virginia FOIA and Background Check Laws
Virginia FOIA at Title 2.2, Chapter 37 governs public records access in Mathews County. Five-day response required. 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.
Nearby Counties
Mathews County is on the Middle Peninsula between the York River and Chesapeake Bay.