Do I have to live in Virginia to request records?

Yes. Virginia only grants public records rights to its residents, so the agency may legally refuse a request from a non-resident. Include the statement "I am a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia." in your letter. Virginia FOIA rights belong to Virginia citizens and media. State in your request that you are a Virginia resident.

Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Virginia?

Most public records laws, including the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Va. Code 2.2-3700 and following), do not require you to explain why you want most records. Some categories, such as certain criminal justice or investigative records, can involve more agency discretion, so a short description of what you need can help. CopFax is not a law firm; check the statute for details.

What does a public records request cost in Virginia?

Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Va. Code 2.2-3700 and following). Requesting electronic copies usually keeps costs down, and the CopFax letter asks the agency for a fee estimate before costs exceed $25.

Virginia Freedom of Information Act

Police Records Request Letter Generator for Virginia

In Virginia, residents can ask a police department for copies of its records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Va. Code 2.2-3700 and following). The law sets this response timeline: The agency must respond within 5 working days, and may invoke 7 more working days. For criminal investigative files (Va. Code 2.2-3706.1), it may take 60 additional working days. Files from ongoing investigations are exempt, but closed criminal investigative files are generally available. IMPORTANT: FOIA rights belong to Virginia citizens and media that broadcast or circulate in Virginia (Va. Code 2.2-3704).. Use the generator below to write a clear request that cites the law, asks for electronic copies, and asks for a fee estimate first.

Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Statute: Va. Code 2.2-3700 and following (opens in a new tab).

Residents only: Virginia only grants public records rights to its residents. Include the residency statement below or the agency may legally refuse your request.

Virginia FOIA rights belong to Virginia citizens and media. State in your request that you are a Virginia resident.

Write your Virginia request

Virginia police department

Search for the department to start your letter. CopFax is not a law firm and this is not legal advice.

How to send your request

Step 1
Pick the records
Check the kinds of records you want, such as body camera video, incident reports, or use of force reports.
Step 2
Fill in the details
Add the date, location, officer name or badge number, and case number if you have them, plus your name and contact.
Step 3
Send it to the records custodian
Copy, print, or email the letter to the department's records custodian or public records portal, and keep a dated copy.
Step 4
Follow up after the deadline
If you have no response by the legal deadline, follow up in writing, and ask for the specific exemption for anything withheld.

Request specific records in Virginia

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to live in Virginia to request records?: Yes. Virginia only grants public records rights to its residents, so the agency may legally refuse a request from a non-resident. Include the statement "I am a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia." in your letter. Virginia FOIA rights belong to Virginia citizens and media. State in your request that you are a Virginia resident.
Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Virginia?: Most public records laws, including the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Va. Code 2.2-3700 and following), do not require you to explain why you want most records. Some categories, such as certain criminal justice or investigative records, can involve more agency discretion, so a short description of what you need can help. CopFax is not a law firm; check the statute for details.
How long does a Virginia agency have to respond?: Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Va. Code 2.2-3700 and following), the response timeline is: The agency must respond within 5 working days, and may invoke 7 more working days. For criminal investigative files (Va. Code 2.2-3706.1), it may take 60 additional working days. Files from ongoing investigations are exempt, but closed criminal investigative files are generally available. IMPORTANT: FOIA rights belong to Virginia citizens and media that broadcast or circulate in Virginia (Va. Code 2.2-3704).. If you hear nothing by then, follow up in writing and keep a copy.
What does a public records request cost in Virginia?: Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Va. Code 2.2-3700 and following). Requesting electronic copies usually keeps costs down, and the CopFax letter asks the agency for a fee estimate before costs exceed $25.
What if a Virginia police department denies my request?: Ask the agency to cite the specific legal exemption for each record withheld and to release any parts that are not exempt. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Va. Code 2.2-3700 and following) may provide an appeal or court review; check the statute and consider talking to a lawyer or a press freedom group.

Public records law in Virginia Police departments and incidents in Virginia