Find Court Records in Arlington County

Arlington County court records are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court at the courthouse on North Courthouse Road in Arlington, Virginia. You can search case records online using the Virginia statewide case lookup tools or visit the clerk's office in person during business hours. Arlington is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit and handles a large volume of civil, criminal, and land record filings each year. Public access is available for most case types under Virginia law.

Arlington Circuit Court Clerk

The Clerk of Circuit Court is the official keeper of court records in Arlington County. The office handles civil and criminal case files, land records, wills and probate matters, marriage licenses, and judgments. Arlington sees a high volume of filings compared to most Virginia counties, and the clerk's office is well-staffed to handle public requests. You can search records, get certified copies, and file new documents at the clerk's counter.

The current Clerk of Court is Hon. Paul F. Ferguson. The circuit court office is located in Suite 6700 of the courthouse complex at 1425 North Courthouse Road. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Civil document requests can also be submitted by email to civil-docrequest@arlingtonva.us. This is useful if you don't want to visit in person or if you need to follow up on a pending request.

The Arlington Circuit Court page on vacourts.gov lists current contact information, local court rules, and links to the online case search tools.

This screenshot shows the Arlington Circuit Court page on the Virginia courts website, where you can find clerk contact details and access case search tools.

Search Arlington County Court Records Online

Two online tools give you access to Arlington County court records at no cost. The Circuit Court Case Information System covers civil and criminal cases filed in the Arlington County Circuit Court. Choose "Arlington County Circuit" from the court dropdown and search by name, case number, or hearing date. The system pulls live data directly from the clerk's office and shows party names, docket entries, motions, and orders.

For General District Court matters, including traffic violations, misdemeanors, and small civil claims, use the General District Court Online Case Information portal. The General District Court in Arlington is reached at (703) 228-7900. That system also lets you pay certain prepayable fines online. Both tools are free and do not require an account or registration.

Arlington County also operates the Arlington Public Land Records Search at arlington.va.publicsearch.us. This portal gives you access to deeds, mortgages, plats, and other property records maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk. It is a good starting point if you need land records rather than case files.

This screenshot shows a court records search resource page for Arlington County, summarizing the available online access points for case information.

Arlington General District Court Records

The Arlington County General District Court is part of the 17th Judicial District. It handles traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal charges, civil claims up to $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Small claims cases up to $5,000 can also be filed here. The General District Court phone number is (703) 228-7900, and the court is located at the same courthouse complex as the Circuit Court on North Courthouse Road.

Case records from the General District Court are searchable through the GDC Online Case Information portal at no cost. Appeals from General District Court decisions go to the Circuit Court, and you must file a notice of appeal within ten days of the judgment. Arlington handles a high volume of traffic and civil cases at the district level each year.

Note: Court schedules and session times can change. Call (703) 228-7900 before visiting to confirm the date and time for your matter.

Types of Court Records in Arlington County

Arlington County court records cover a wide range of case types held by the Circuit Court Clerk. Civil records include lawsuit filings, motions, orders, judgments, divorce decrees, and custody orders. Criminal records show charges filed, arrest warrants, indictments, plea agreements, and sentencing orders. Probate records include wills submitted to the court, estate inventories, and related orders. Land records include deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easement agreements.

Each case file held by the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk contains the initial complaint or petition, all documents filed by both sides, notices served on parties, orders entered by the judge, and the final judgment or disposition. The clerk's office is also responsible for recording land documents, so property records are housed in the same location as court case files.

Most Arlington County court records are open to the public under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Va. Code § 2.2-3700. Sealed records, juvenile files, and adoption documents are not accessible without a court order. Some financial records filed in civil cases may also be restricted from public view.

The Arlington public land records portal offers direct access to recorded property documents online, which is separate from the case search system and specifically designed for real estate and land record research.

This screenshot shows the Arlington public land records search portal, where you can look up deeds, mortgages, and other property documents recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk.

Getting Copies of Arlington Court Records

Copies of court records from the Arlington County Clerk's office cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies carry an additional $2.00 fee per document, which covers the deputy clerk's signature and seal. Triple-seal copies, authenticated by both the Clerk and a judge, cost an extra $2.50 per document. These fees apply to case records, land documents, and other official files.

Mail requests are accepted. Include the case number or the year filed, the full names of all parties, and a certified check or money order payable to the Clerk of the Arlington Circuit Court. You can also email civil-docrequest@arlingtonva.us to ask about document availability before submitting a formal request. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with any mail request so the office can return the copies to you. In-person requests are typically processed the same day.

Public Records Access and FOIA in Arlington

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, at Va. Code § 2.2-3700, gives Virginia residents the right to inspect and copy public records held by government bodies, including courts. The Arlington Circuit Court Clerk is required to respond to records requests within five business days. You do not need to state a reason for your request.

Exempt records include sealed cases, active criminal investigations, adoption files, juvenile court records, and some mental health documents. Virginia's FOIA law applies to state residents and qualifying media organizations. Full details about the law are at nfoic.org/virginia-foia-laws.

Legal Help in Arlington County

Several free resources help people navigate court records and the legal system in Arlington County. The Virginia Courts Self-Help website provides guides on finding a case, filing in small claims court, and responding to civil lawsuits. The site explains how court records are structured and what each type of document contains.

The Virginia State Bar offers a lawyer referral service for people who need legal representation. Legal aid organizations in the Northern Virginia area serve low-income residents with civil legal matters. Call or visit your nearest legal aid office to ask about services and eligibility.

Nearby Counties

Arlington County is surrounded by other Northern Virginia jurisdictions. Each has its own Circuit Court Clerk and court records system.