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How to Find Public Records in Carroll County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Carroll County, Virginia may access publicly available information through CarrollVARecords.us, which aggregates data related to court filings, property transactions, and other official records. Carroll County maintains a range of official records through its Circuit Court Clerk's Office, county administrative offices, and the Virginia court system. The records available through official channels may include, but are not limited to:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family court filings)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and land records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Tax and assessment records
- Meeting minutes, agendas, and budget documents
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted by law)
- Land use and zoning records
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by the county and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Online Access:
- The Carroll County Circuit Court records portal provides a Secure Remote Access (SRA) subscription service for deeds and other court documents. Subscribers must complete the Carroll County Circuit Court SRA Agreement Form and pay a $35 monthly fee.
- The Virginia court system's case status and information search allows members of the public to look up civil and criminal case information statewide at no charge.
- Land records, including deeds, are accessible online through the SRA subscription described above.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may inspect records in person at the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, located at 515 North Pine Street, Hillsville, Virginia 24343. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should present a written or verbal description of the records sought; no statement of purpose is required under state law.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at P.O. Box 218, Hillsville, Virginia 24343. Requests should include the requestor's name, contact information, a specific description of the records sought, and the preferred format for response. Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, public bodies must respond to FOIA requests within five working days of receipt.
Phone/Email:
- Phone: (276) 730-3070
- The Carroll County Circuit Court's official page on Virginia's Judicial System provides additional contact and procedural information.
What Are Public Records in Carroll County?
Public records in Carroll County are defined under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), § 2.2-3701 as all writings and recordings — regardless of physical form or characteristics — prepared or owned by a public body or its officers, employees, or agents in the transaction of public business. The following record types are maintained by Carroll County offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, family court records | Circuit Court Clerk's Office |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Circuit Court Clerk's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Virginia Department of Health / Circuit Court |
| Business licenses and permits | County Administrator's Office |
| Property tax and assessment records | Commissioner of the Revenue |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Administrator's Office |
| Budget and financial documents | County Administrator's Office |
| Law enforcement records | Carroll County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Planning and Zoning Department |
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office is the primary custodian of court and land records. Members of the public may access Carroll County land records, including deeds and other instruments, through the court's online subscription service or by visiting the clerk's office in person.
Is Carroll County an Open Records County?
Carroll County operates in full compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which mandates public access to government records. Under Virginia FOIA § 2.2-3700, all public records are presumed to be open and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies. The county's official FOIA procedures page states: "All public records are presumed to be open, and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies."
The policy further affirms that "the purpose of FOIA is to promote an informed citizenry, ensure governmental accountability, and provide for the free flow of information between the government and the people." Carroll County does not impose additional local ordinances that restrict access beyond what state law permits. The county's FOIA Officer is designated to receive and process requests in accordance with state requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Carroll County?
The fee structure for public records in Carroll County is governed by Virginia FOIA and applicable court fee schedules. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.50 per page (up to legal size) |
| Certified copies of court documents | $2.00 per document (plus copy fees) |
| Electronic records (where available) | Actual cost of duplication |
| SRA online subscription (land/court records) | $35.00 per month |
| In-person inspection | No charge |
| Search fees | Not permitted under Virginia FOIA for standard requests |
Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704.1, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for requested records, but may not impose fees that exceed those costs. Fees for certified copies of deeds and other instruments recorded in the Circuit Court are set by the Virginia Code and the State Compensation Board. Accepted payment methods at the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order. Fee waivers are not expressly mandated by Virginia FOIA for standard requests, though public bodies retain discretion to waive fees in appropriate circumstances.
Does Carroll County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Carroll County. Members of the public may examine records at no cost during regular business hours at the Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk's Office without paying any inspection fee. The following resources are available at no charge:
- In-person inspection at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 515 North Pine Street, Hillsville, VA 24343, during regular business hours
- Virginia court case information through the statewide case status and information portal, which provides free online access to civil and criminal case data
- Public access terminals located within the Circuit Court Clerk's Office for on-site record review
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection carries no charge, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the fee schedule described above. Certain records, such as voter registration information provided to candidates and political committees, may be subject to separate statutory provisions.
Who Can Request Public Records in Carroll County?
Any person may request public records in Carroll County, Virginia. Virginia FOIA does not require requestors to be residents of the Commonwealth, to provide identification, or to state the purpose of their request. This applies to individuals, organizations, businesses, and members of the media alike. The right of access extends to non-residents on equal terms with Virginia residents.
Specific record types carry additional requirements. Access to certain sealed court records, juvenile records, and adoption records is restricted by statute and requires a court order or demonstrated legal standing. Individuals requesting their own records — such as personal court filings or vital records — may be required to provide proof of identity to verify entitlement. Requests for law enforcement records, including incident reports, are subject to the exemptions set forth in Virginia FOIA and applicable law enforcement records statutes.
What Records Are Confidential in Carroll County?
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under Virginia law. The following records are not subject to mandatory public access:
- Sealed court records — records sealed by judicial order
- Juvenile records — protected under the Virginia Juvenile Justice Code
- Ongoing criminal investigation records — exempt while investigations are active
- Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account data
- Medical and health records — protected under HIPAA and state law
- Adoption records — sealed by statute
- Child welfare and protective services records — confidential under Virginia Code
- Personnel records — exempt with limited exceptions for public employees
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information — exempt from disclosure
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details — withheld to protect public safety
Virginia FOIA § 2.2-3705 et seq. enumerates specific categories of records that public bodies may withhold. The exemptions are permissive, not mandatory — public bodies retain discretion to release exempt records unless another law prohibits disclosure. Where a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the public body is required to redact the exempt portions and release the remainder.
Carroll County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office serves as the primary recorder of deeds, court filings, and land records in Carroll County.
Carroll County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
515 North Pine Street
Hillsville, VA 24343
(276) 730-3070
Carroll County Circuit Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 218
Hillsville, VA 24343
Additional Offices:
Carroll County Administrator's Office
605 Pine Street
Hillsville, VA 24343
(276) 730-3030
Carroll County Government
Carroll County Commissioner of the Revenue
605 Pine Street, Suite 104
Hillsville, VA 24343
(276) 730-3080
Commissioner of the Revenue
Carroll County Sheriff's Office
605 Pine Street
Hillsville, VA 24343
(276) 728-4146
Carroll County Sheriff