Bedford County Court Records Search

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    Bedford County sits within Virginia’s 24th Judicial Circuit and 24th Judicial District, with all of its courts housed in the Bedford County Courthouse at 123 East Main Street in Bedford. Three courts serve the county: the Circuit Court, the General District Court, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, led by the Honorable Judy E. Reynolds, functions as the central repository for land records dating to 1754, probate filings, marriage licenses, and the full range of civil and criminal case files. Virginia’s unified court structure assigns the Clerk of the Circuit Court more than 800 statutory responsibilities—tasks that other states split among multiple offices—making the Clerk’s Office the starting point for most record searches in Bedford County.

    Residents and researchers looking for court case information in Virginia can search through several channels: the clerk’s offices themselves, public-access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the state judiciary. VirginiaStateCourts.us may also assist users in locating publicly available court case information across the Commonwealth.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Bedford County?

    The most direct online method is the Online Case Information System (OCIS 2.0), administered by the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. OCIS 2.0 provides statewide access to adult criminal case data from juvenile and domestic relations district courts, and criminal and traffic case information from general district courts and participating circuit courts. Searches may be conducted by party name, case number, or hearing date.

    For general district court cases specifically, the General District Court Online Case Information System allows users to look up traffic tickets, criminal cases, and civil matters in Bedford’s General District Court.

    To search in person, visit one of the three Bedford County courts during business hours:

    Bedford County Circuit Court — 24th Judicial Circuit
    Address: 123 East Main Street, Suite 201, Bedford, VA 24523
    Phone: (540) 586-7632
    Fax: (540) 586-6197
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (land record recordings stop at 4:15 PM)

    Bedford County General District Court — 24th Judicial District
    Address: 123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523
    Phone: (540) 586-7637
    Fax: (540) 586-7684
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Bedford County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
    Address: 123 East Main Street, Suite 101, Bedford, VA 24523
    Phone: (540) 586-7641
    Fax: (540) 587-9395

    When making requests, it helps to have the party’s full name, the approximate date or year of the filing, and the case number if known. The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office charges $0.50 per page for plain copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies. Records may also be requested by mail or fax; direct written requests to the Clerk at the address above. The Clerk’s Office accepts checks, cash, and Visa/MasterCard (a 4% or $2.00 minimum convenience fee applies to credit card payments).

    For those who need regular remote access to land and other circuit court records, secure remote access is available for $600 per year per subscriber. Users must submit a signed application and user agreement to the Clerk; applications may be emailed to jreynolds@vacourts.gov.

    Are Court Records Public in Bedford County?

    Under Virginia law, most court records maintained by circuit court clerks are open to public inspection. Virginia Code § 17.1-208 establishes that any records maintained by clerks of the circuit courts shall be open to inspection in the clerk’s office by any person, and the clerk shall furnish copies upon request for a reasonable fee set under § 17.1-275. The Virginia Public Records Act provides the broader statutory framework for government records generally, while Titles 16.1 and 17.1 of the Code of Virginia govern court records specifically.

    Records and information categories that are restricted or confidential include:

    • Documents sealed by court order or state statute
    • Expunged criminal records
    • Juvenile case records (access limited under Title 16.1)
    • Adoption records
    • Mental health commitment records
    • Attorney-client privileged communications filed under seal
    • Sensitive personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers
    • Records whose disclosure could compromise an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution
    • Information that could reveal the identity of confidential informants or witnesses in pending investigations

    The Virginia Judiciary’s public records policy clarifies that Part Eleven of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia governs access to records of judicial officers and administrative records, while case records held by clerks follow the access provisions in Titles 16.1 and 17.1. Requesters may be asked to provide their name and address in writing. The clerk must respond within a reasonable period not exceeding 30 days. If fees cannot be determined in advance, the clerk may require a deposit before proceeding.

    Bedford County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Bedford County are divided by severity. Felonies, serious misdemeanor appeals, and cases requiring a jury trial are handled by the Circuit Court. Misdemeanors, preliminary felony hearings, and traffic violations are heard in the General District Court. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court hears criminal matters involving minors.

    Case information for criminal and traffic matters in the General District Court, as well as adult criminal cases from all three court levels, can be searched through OCIS 2.0. Users can subscribe to the free Case Alert Subscription System (CASS) within OCIS to receive email or text notifications about case events.

    Obtaining Official Criminal History Records

    The Virginia State Police (VSP) maintains the Central Criminal Records Exchange, the sole statewide repository for criminal history information. Dissemination of criminal history record data is tightly regulated under Virginia Code § 19.2-389, which limits access to authorized criminal justice agencies, individuals requesting their own records, employers with written consent, and other entities expressly authorized by law.

    To request a name-based criminal history check:

    1. Visit the VSP Criminal Background Check portal to generate the appropriate form — Form SP-167 for individuals, out-of-state agencies, or the general public; Form SP-230 for employers.
    2. Download and complete the form. SP-167 requires notarized signatures.
    3. Submit the completed form with the required fee by mail.
    Request TypeFee
    Name-based criminal history search$15.00
    Search involving sex offender information$20.00
    Fingerprint-based inquiry (in-person at VSP HQ)$10.00

    Fees are payable by check or money order. Mail submissions go to:

    Virginia State Police — CARE
    7700 Midlothian Turnpike
    North Chesterfield, VA 23235
    Phone: (804) 674-2000

    Fingerprint-based inquiries must be done in person at VSP headquarters with a valid photo ID.

    Bedford County Sheriff’s Office

    The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office maintains local arrest records and incident reports. Records are available under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). To make a request, contact the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 586-4800 or submit a request through the Sheriff’s FOIA page. Report fees are:

    • CAD sheet reports: $3.50
    • Full reports: $7.00
    • Additional charges may apply under the Virginia FOIA statute

    Bedford County Civil Court Records

    Civil jurisdiction in Bedford County is split between the Circuit Court and the General District Court. The Circuit Court handles cases involving claims exceeding $4,500 and has exclusive jurisdiction over matters such as equity suits, foreclosures, and appeals from the lower courts. The General District Court adjudicates civil claims of $4,500 or less, including small claims up to $5,000, as well as landlord-tenant disputes and garnishment actions.

    Civil docket hearings in the General District Court take place on Thursdays, with first returns at 9:30 AM, contested matters at 10:30 AM, and afternoon contested cases at 1:30 PM. Circuit Court terms begin the first Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November, with the civil docket called at 10:00 AM on term day.

    Filing Fees

    Civil filing fees vary by court and claim amount. Virginia’s judiciary provides online calculators to estimate costs:

    If a party cannot afford the filing fee, Form CC-1414 may be used to petition the court for a fee waiver.

    Requesting Civil Case Records

    Written requests should identify the records with reasonable specificity and be directed to the originating court. Circuit Court requests go to the Clerk at (540) 586-7632 or jreynolds@vacourts.gov. General District Court requests should be directed to (540) 586-7637. Copy fees at the Circuit Court are $0.50 per page for plain copies and $2.00 per certified page. The Clerk may also provide records on CD for $10.00 per disc.

    Land Records

    The Circuit Court Clerk maintains deeds and land recordings for the County of Bedford and Town of Bedford, including deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, and related instruments. Records from 1754 to present are available for in-person inspection in the land research area on the second floor of the Clerk’s Office during regular hours (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; recordings stop at 4:15 PM). Copies are $0.50 per page. The office also accepts e-recordings through Simplifile and CSC iRecord.

    The Clerk has introduced a free Property Notification Service through Logan Systems, Inc. that emails subscribers when documents are recorded under their registered names—a fraud-prevention measure residents can set up at www.bedfordvacocc.org.

    Bedford County Family Court Records

    Family law matters in Bedford County are divided between the Circuit Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations (JDR) District Court. The Circuit Court handles divorce proceedings, equitable distribution, annulments, separate maintenance actions, and name changes. The JDR Court hears cases involving child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, protective orders, juvenile delinquency, and child abuse or neglect.

    Divorce Records

    All divorce cases are filed in and adjudicated by the Circuit Court. The Clerk’s Office maintains divorce decrees and related filings. Divorce records are classified as vital records under Virginia law and access is restricted—generally limited to the parties involved in the case and individuals with a demonstrated legitimate interest. The Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, also maintains a statewide repository of divorce verifications.

    Marriage Records

    Marriage licenses in Bedford County are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. The fee is $30.00, payable by cash, local check, or credit card (subject to a 4% or $2.00 minimum convenience fee). Marriage records dating back to 1754 are on file with the Clerk. Certified copies are available only to the parties to the marriage, their authorized designees, or other legally eligible individuals. Third parties may receive only written confirmation that a marriage took place. Requests by mail should be sent to:

    Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
    123 E. Main St., Suite 201
    Bedford, VA 24523

    The Clerk’s Office does not perform marriage ceremonies but maintains a list of individuals authorized by the Circuit Court to perform civil ceremonies.

    Protective Orders and Domestic Violence Records

    Emergency and preliminary protective orders may be filed in the JDR District Court or the General District Court. Final protective orders are issued by the Circuit Court. Victim addresses and other identifying information are typically redacted from publicly accessible records.

    Adoption Records

    Adoption proceedings are handled through the Circuit Court, and adoption records are sealed. Access is limited to the parties to the adoption or by court order.

    Birth and Death Records

    Birth and death certificates are classified as vital records and are maintained by the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. They are not held by the courts. The fee is $12.00 per certificate, copy, or search. Birth certificates are confidential and available only to the record subject, their immediate family members (parent, child, spouse, sibling, grandparent), or a legal guardian with proof of custody. A valid photo ID is required for all requests. The Office of Vital Records can be reached at:

    Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records
    2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101
    Richmond, VA 23230
    Phone: (804) 662-6200

    Bedford County Probate Court Records

    Virginia does not have a separate probate court. In Bedford County, the Circuit Court Clerk exercises the authority of a probate judge when a last will and testament is presented for legal probate. The Clerk authenticates the will, conducts a hearing with witnesses, appoints executors or administrators, prepares related orders, and collects applicable estate taxes for the Commonwealth. The Clerk is also responsible for the appointment and qualification of guardians for minors and incapacitated adults.

    Starting the Probate Process

    Probate appointments are required. The Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk’s probate page outlines the step-by-step process:

    1. Complete the probate information form (available on the Clerk’s website) to gather data needed for the appointment.
    2. Locate the original will and a death certificate for the decedent.
    3. Submit the completed form along with copies of the will and death certificate by email, fax at (540) 586-6197, or by mail to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office (123 East Main Street, Suite 201, Bedford, VA 24523).
    4. The Clerk’s Office will contact you to schedule an appointment.

    If the decedent had a will, the named executor(s) should initiate contact. If there is no will, the heirs should decide together who will serve as administrator before contacting the office. If heirs cannot agree, the Clerk’s Office can provide guidance.

    What to Bring to the Probate Appointment

    • The original will (not a copy), if one exists
    • The death certificate (reviewed and returned)
    • Names, addresses, and ages of all heirs (next of kin) for the List of Heirs
    • Payment for probate taxes and clerk’s fees — checks, cash, and Visa/MasterCard accepted (4% or $2.00 minimum surcharge on credit card transactions)

    Probate should take place in the city or county where the decedent resided at the time of death. If the decedent died in a nursing home or similar facility, the residence is presumed to be where the person lived before entering the institution.

    Accessing Probate Records

    Because probate records frequently contain sensitive information about estates, guardianships, financial accounts, and beneficiaries, access may be subject to court regulations and privacy provisions. Many probate filings — such as wills admitted to probate, inventories, and fiduciary accounts — are part of the public court record and can be inspected at the Clerk’s Office. However, certain filings involving minor beneficiaries, mental health commitments, or guardianship evaluations may carry restrictions. The Virginia Judiciary’s guardianship and conservatorship portal provides additional statewide resources. Researchers should contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (540) 586-7632 for specific availability, any restrictions, and applicable fees before visiting.