West Virginia Public Records Search

What Records Are Public In West Virginia?

In West Virginia, the state's public records law is called the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which is outlined in Chapter 29B of the West Virginia Code. The intent of the law is to allow citizens access to records held by state and local government agencies, boards, commissions, and authorities, with certain exceptions. Under the West Virginia FOIA, public records are defined as any books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, or other documentary materials in the possession of a public body or its officers or employees, regardless of physical form or characteristics, which have been used, created, received, maintained, or held by a public body. Examples of information that can be obtained through a public records request in West Virginia include financial records, contracts, meeting minutes, correspondence, and employee rosters. However, there are some exemptions from disclosure, such as some medical records, certain law enforcement records, and records related to ongoing investigations. It's important to note that the West Virginia FOIA does not require agencies to create new records, but only to provide access to existing records that are not specifically exempted from disclosure. Additionally, agencies may charge fees to cover the cost of copying the records, and may take up to five business days to respond to a public records request. In summary, West Virginia's public records law provides citizens with the right to access most government records, with some exceptions. The law is outlined in Chapter 29B of the West Virginia Code.

Who Do You Contact For Public Records In West Virginia?

In West Virginia, the custodian of public records varies depending on the type of record you are requesting. For vital records such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates, you can contact the Vital Registration Office of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. This office maintains and issues certified copies of vital records. For criminal history records, you can request information from the Criminal Identification Bureau of the West Virginia State Police. This agency is responsible for maintaining criminal records and providing background checks for individuals or organizations. If you are interested in obtaining other public records such as property records or court documents, you will need to contact the specific office or agency that maintains those records. For example, if you want to access property records, you will need to contact the County Clerk's Office in the county where the property is located. It's important to note that some public records may be exempt from disclosure, such as those that are considered confidential by law. Additionally, some records may require a fee or specific forms to be completed before they can be released. You can contact the appropriate agency or office for more information on how to obtain the public records you need in West Virginia.

How Do I Make A Change To Public Records In West Virginia?

In West Virginia, the process for making a change to public records will depend on the type of record you are seeking to update or amend. Here's an overview of the process for the most common types of public records changes: 1. Birth or Death Records: To make a change to a birth or death record in West Virginia, you will need to contact the Vital Registration Office of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. You can request a correction to the record if there is an error, but you will need to provide documentation to support your request, such as a hospital record or a witness statement. You can also request a legal name change through this office. 2. Marriage, Divorce, or Annulment Records: To make a change to a marriage, divorce, or annulment record in West Virginia, you will need to contact the West Virginia Vital Registration Office. Again, you will need to provide documentation to support your request for a correction or change to the record. 3. Property Records: To make a change to a property record in West Virginia, you will need to contact the County Clerk's Office in the county where the property is located. Changes to property records could include adding or removing a name from the ownership title, updating the property address, or correcting a legal description. 4. Criminal Records: To make a change to your criminal record in West Virginia, you will need to contact the West Virginia State Police Criminal Identification Bureau. You may request an expungement of certain criminal charges if you meet certain eligibility requirements, or you may request a correction to the record if there is an error. In general, when requesting a change to public records in West Virginia, it is important to be specific about the change you are requesting and to provide any necessary documentation to support your request. It is also important to note that some changes to public records may require a court order or other legal documentation, so you may want to consult with an attorney if you are unsure about the requirements for making a change.

West Virginia State Resources

• Governor Jim Justice
• Secretary of State
• State Agencies
• State Personnel Directory
• Association of Counties
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Justice
• Department of Rehabilitation
• Judicial Branch
• Legislative Branch
• Census
• DMV

West Virginia State Charities