Henrico County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Henrico County?

Public records in Henrico County are official documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential and are generally accessible to citizens. These records are created, maintained, or received by government agencies in Henrico County during their regular business activities. They include property records, court documents, vital records, tax information, and various other official documents that document the actions and decisions of local government entities.

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) governs public access to these records, ensuring transparency in government operations while balancing privacy concerns. Henrico County maintains these records through various departments including the County Clerk's Office (4301 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228), the Circuit Court (4301 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228), and other administrative offices.

Is Henrico County an Open Records County?

Yes, Henrico County is an open records county, operating under Virginia's Freedom of Information Act. This means that most government records are available to the public upon request, with certain exceptions for confidential or sensitive information.

The county government is committed to transparency and provides various methods for citizens to access public information. The Henrico County Administration (4301 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228) oversees compliance with open records laws and facilitates public access to government documents.

However, while Henrico County maintains an open records policy, certain documents may be exempt from disclosure under state law to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, or sensitive information.

How Do I Find Public Records in Henrico County in 2025

Finding public records in Henrico County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

Online Access: Visit the Henrico County Government website where many records are digitized and searchable.
In-Person Requests: Visit the specific department that maintains the records you seek:
- For property records: Henrico County Real Estate Assessment Division (4301 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228)
- For court records: Henrico Circuit Court Clerk's Office (4301 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228)
- For vital records: Henrico Health Department (8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Henrico, VA 23228)
Written Requests: Submit a FOIA request in writing to the appropriate department.
Third-Party Services: Various online services aggregate public records, though these may charge fees.

For the most current information, it's advisable to contact the Henrico County FOIA Officer (P.O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273-0775) who can direct you to the appropriate resources.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Henrico County?

The cost of obtaining public records in Henrico County varies depending on the type of record and the method of delivery:

Standard copying fees typically range from $0.10 to $0.25 per page
Search and retrieval fees may apply for requests requiring extensive staff time (typically after the first 30 minutes)
Electronic records may incur costs for storage media or transmission
Certified copies of vital records have specific fees (typically $12-15 per document)

The Henrico County Department of Finance (4301 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228) oversees the fee structure for public records requests. Under Virginia law, agencies can charge reasonable fees to cover actual costs associated with accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for requested records.

For large or complex requests, the county may provide a cost estimate before proceeding with the request.

Does Henrico County Have Free Public Records?

Henrico County does offer some public records at no cost:

Many online records can be viewed for free through the county's web portal
In-person inspection of records is generally free of charge
Basic information requests that require minimal staff time may be provided without fees
The Henrico County Public Library system (1700 N Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23229) offers free access to certain public records databases

However, even for "free" records, costs may apply for:

Printing or copying physical documents
Requests requiring extensive search time
Certified copies
Specialized formats

The Henrico County Information Technology Department (4301 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228) continues to expand digital access to public records, making more information freely available online.

Who Can Request Public Records In Henrico County?

Under Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, virtually anyone can request public records in Henrico County:

Virginia residents
Non-Virginia residents
Media organizations
Businesses and corporations
Non-profit organizations
Government agencies
Legal representatives

The law does not require requesters to state their purpose or identify themselves, though providing contact information is necessary for the county to respond. The Henrico County Attorney's Office (4301 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228) can provide guidance on the legal aspects of records requests.

While access is broadly granted, certain specialized records may have additional requirements for access based on state or federal regulations.

What Records Are Confidential In Henrico County?

Despite Henrico County's commitment to transparency, certain records remain confidential under Virginia law:

Personal information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information
Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
Ongoing criminal investigation records
Personnel records and employee medical information
Attorney-client privileged communications
Records related to public safety that could jeopardize security
Certain health records protected under HIPAA
Proprietary business information and trade secrets
Scholastic records containing personally identifiable student information

The Henrico County Police Department (7721 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23294) and the Henrico County Department of Social Services (8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Henrico, VA 23228) maintain strict confidentiality protocols for sensitive records under their purview.

Requests for potentially confidential information are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with redactions applied as necessary to protect private information while still providing access to public portions of documents.