Public records

Public records in Virginia

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.

Public records law in Virginia

Law: Virginia Freedom of Information Act
Citation: Va. Code 2.2-3700 and following
Response deadline: 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).
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Police departments and incidents in Virginia