How to Access VA Inmate Records

The Virginia Department of Corrections is responsible for supervising the inmates incarcerated in the various correctional facilities throughout the state. The department has various programs designed to rehabilitate every VA inmate. The Department also maintains a database of inmate records that is accessible by the general public.

The Virginia Department of Corrections Inmate Database

This database releases limited information on the inmates, including their addresses and expected release dates. It contains records on all those currently incarcerated as well as those on active parole. Some specific information is only available when the inmate gives written permission for that information to be released. You may have to pay a nominal fee to conduct the search. To request a search of the inmate records and a copy of the results, send your questions to:

Central Criminal Records Manager
P.O Box 26963
6900 Atmore Drive
Richmond, Virginia 23261-6369.

Please note that the Virginia Department of Corrections does not conduct background checks. To perform such a check, contact the state police.

The Virginia Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate locator, which provides information to the general public about the incarceration locations of inmates. Visit http://www.vadoc.state.va.us/offenders/locator/index.cfm to conduct an online inmate search. You may search either by the inmate's DOC number or by name. The DOC number is a seven-digit number assigned to each inmate by the Department of Corrections. If you are searching by inmate name, you must provide both the first and last name of the offender. The database is updated regularly so that the information available on the website is accurate.

The Victim Services Unit

The Virginia DOC maintains a Victim Services Unit. This division serves the victims of crimes, providing answers to their questions regarding their offenders. Victims may register for notification of any change in an inmate's status. The victims will receive alert messages if their offender is released or moves to their neighborhood. Victims will also receive prior notification about the release dates of the inmates. For toll-free victim support, you may call 1-800-560-4292. This number should be used only by victims of crimes, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Victim Information and Notification Everyday system, or VINE, is a twenty-four hour telephone-based victim service that provides information on offenders to their victims, as well as notifying the victims of changes in the offender's status. VINE can be reached at 1-800-560-4292. The Victim Services Unit's website is located at http://www.vadoc.virginia.gov/victim/. The Unit can be contacted via telephone at 1-800-560-4292 (ext. 1155, 1156, or 1157), via fax at 804-674-3054, and through postal mail at:

Victim Services Unit
Virginia Department of Corrections
P.O. Box 26963
Richmond, VA 23261-6963