Lee County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Lee County in 2026
LeeCountyRecords.us provides publicly available information and data related to public records maintained by government agencies in Lee County, Virginia. Members of the public seeking court filings, property documents, vital statistics, or administrative records may find relevant information through this resource. The categories of records that may be accessible include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family matters)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and land records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax and assessment records
- Business licenses and permits
- Meeting minutes, agendas, and budget documents
- Law enforcement records, where permitted by law
Records in Lee County can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access:
- The Lee Circuit Court provides access to court case information through Virginia's Judicial System online portal. Civil and criminal case records may be searched through the Virginia Courts Case Information system at no charge for basic lookups.
- The Library of Virginia's Lee County Microfilm collection offers digitized and microfilmed records including land records, marriage records, court records, and tax documents available for remote research.
- No registration is required to search basic case information through the Virginia Courts online system.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may inspect records in person at the Lee County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, located at 33640 Main Street, Jonesville, VA 24263. Visitors should present a valid photo identification and submit a written or verbal request describing the records sought. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at P.O. Box 367, Jonesville, VA 24263. Requests should include the requester's full name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, public bodies are required to respond to requests within five working days.
Phone/Email:
- Lee County Circuit Court Clerk: (276) 346-7763
- Lee General District Court: (276) 346-7714
- Lee Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court: (276) 346-7701
What Are Public Records in Lee County?
Public records in Lee County are defined under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act as all writings, recordings, and other documentary materials prepared or maintained by a public body in the transaction of public business. Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3701, "public records" encompasses a broad range of documents regardless of physical form or characteristics.
The following record types are currently maintained by Lee County government offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Lee Circuit Court Clerk |
| Probate and estate records | Lee Circuit Court Clerk |
| Property deeds and land records | Lee Circuit Court Clerk |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Virginia Department of Health / Circuit Court Clerk |
| Tax and assessment records | Lee County Commissioner of Revenue |
| Business licenses and permits | Lee County Commissioner of Revenue |
| Juvenile and family court records | Lee JDR District Court |
| General district civil/criminal records | Lee General District Court |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Lee County Board of Supervisors |
| Historical and archival records | Library of Virginia |
The Lee General District Court maintains records for civil claims, traffic matters, and misdemeanor criminal cases within the 30th Judicial District of Virginia. The Lee Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles records related to family matters, juvenile offenses, and domestic relations proceedings.
Is Lee County an Open Records County?
Lee County operates in full compliance with Virginia's open records framework. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), all public bodies in the Commonwealth, including county agencies and courts, are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request.
As stated by the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council, "The provisions of FOIA shall be liberally construed to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities and afford every opportunity to citizens to witness the operations of government." This principle governs how Lee County agencies respond to records requests.
The Act applies to all county departments, the Board of Supervisors, constitutional officers, and courts operating within Lee County. County-specific policies do not supersede state FOIA requirements, and no local ordinance may restrict access to records that are designated as public under state law.
Virginia's Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act further governs how personal data collected by public bodies may be used and disclosed, providing an additional layer of accountability for records management across the county.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Lee County?
The current fee structure for public records in Lee County is governed by state law and individual office schedules. Members of the public are not charged a fee to inspect records in person; fees apply when copies or certified documents are requested.
Standard Copy and Certification Fees:
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (black and white) | $0.50 per page (Circuit Court) |
| Certified copies of court documents | $2.00 per document + $0.50 per page |
| Certified copies of vital records | $12.00 per copy (VDH schedule) |
| Electronic copies | Varies by office; may be provided at no charge |
| Search fees | Not charged for standard requests |
Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704(F), public bodies may charge reasonable fees not to exceed the actual cost incurred in accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for requested records. Fees for staff time may be assessed when a request requires more than thirty minutes of staff effort to fulfill.
Accepted payment methods at the Lee County Circuit Court Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order made payable to the Clerk of Court. Fee waivers are not broadly available under Virginia law, though individual offices may exercise discretion in certain circumstances.
Does Lee County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to all members of the public at Lee County government offices during regular business hours. Virginia law requires that public bodies permit inspection of non-exempt records without charge.
The following resources provide free access to public records:
- Virginia Courts Case Information System: Members of the public may search civil and criminal case records online at no cost through the Virginia Judicial System's public portal.
- Lee Circuit Court Public Access Terminal: An in-person public access terminal is available at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 33640 Main Street, Jonesville, VA 24263, for free on-site record searches.
- Library of Virginia: The Lee County historical records collection is accessible at no charge for research purposes and includes land records, marriage records, and tax documents.
- LENOWISCO District Health Department: Certain vital records information is available through the LENOWISCO Vital Records office at no charge for initial inquiries.
Free inspection differs from free copies. While inspection of records is provided at no cost, obtaining physical or certified copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Lee County?
Any person may request public records in Lee County, Virginia. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, residency within the Commonwealth is not a prerequisite for submitting a records request. Non-residents retain the same rights of access as Virginia residents for records designated as public under state law.
Requesters are not required to:
- Provide identification for most public record requests
- State the purpose of the request
- Demonstrate a personal interest in the records sought
Certain record types carry additional access requirements. Requests for certified copies of vital records — including birth and death certificates — require the requester to demonstrate a qualifying relationship to the subject of the record, as governed by Virginia vital records statutes. The LENOWISCO District Health Department processes vital records requests for Lee County residents and requires appropriate documentation for certified copies.
Individuals requesting their own court records or criminal history may be required to present valid photo identification. Attorneys of record and parties to a case have expanded access rights to sealed or restricted case materials under applicable court rules.
What Records Are Confidential in Lee County?
Not all records maintained by Lee County agencies are subject to public disclosure. Virginia law establishes specific categories of exempt records that public bodies are authorized — and in some cases required — to withhold. The primary exemptions are codified under Virginia Code § 2.2-3705 and its subsections.
The following categories of records are currently exempt from mandatory public disclosure in Lee County:
- Juvenile records: Records maintained by the Lee Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court are confidential by statute and are not available to the general public.
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not accessible without a court order authorizing disclosure.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Law enforcement records compiled as part of an active investigation are exempt until the investigation is closed or charges are filed.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are redacted from publicly disclosed records.
- Medical and health records: Records protected under HIPAA and Virginia health privacy statutes are not subject to public disclosure.
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed under Virginia law.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by child protective services agencies are confidential.
- Personnel records: Employee records are exempt with limited exceptions for certain categories of public employees.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Submitted as part of a licensing or permitting process, such information may be withheld.
- Security and infrastructure plans: Documents detailing critical infrastructure vulnerabilities are exempt from disclosure.
Virginia law applies a balancing framework in certain cases, weighing the public interest in disclosure against the privacy interests of individuals named in the records.
Lee County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Lee County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
33640 Main Street, Jonesville, VA 24263
(276) 346-7763
Lee Circuit Court — Virginia's Judicial System
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 367
Jonesville, VA 24263
Lee General District Court
33640 Main Street, Jonesville, VA 24263
(276) 346-7714
Lee General District Court — 30th Judicial District
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Lee Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
P.O. Box 347, Lee County Courthouse
33640 Main Street, Jonesville, VA 24263
(276) 346-7701
Lee Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
LENOWISCO District Health Department — Vital Records
P.O. Box 1330, Wise, VA 24293
(276) 328-8421
LENOWISCO Vital Records — Virginia Department of Health
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Library of Virginia — Lee County Historical Records
800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 692-3500
Lee County Microfilm Collection — Library of Virginia
Office Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM