CLOSINGS:
Our Office will be closed on February 19, 2026, for George Washington Day.
Clerk of the Circuit Court
The clerk of the circuit court is a constitutional office, elected to an eight-year term in each county and city in Virginia and performs varied administrative functions for the judicial branch of the state at the local level in addition to many other duties as outlined in the Code of Virginia.
The office of the clerk of the circuit court dates from 1619. From those early days until the present, the clerk’s duties have changed significantly, but the office remains vitally important to the residents of each county and city.
Responsibilities
The Code of Virginia lists over 800 separate responsibilities for the clerk of the circuit court—many of which are highly complex and challenging. The clerk serves as the recorder of deeds and probate judge, issues marriage licenses and is the official court administrator for all civil and criminal court cases. In this latter capacity, the clerk creates and maintains all court files and records, prepares court orders and jury lists, contacts jurors and issues summons and court processes.
Circuit court clerks in Virginia perform duties that in many states are divided among three or four separate offices. In keeping with tradition, therefore, Virginia has saved its citizens significant tax dollars by combining judicial and administrative functions into a single office.
Circuit Court judges are elected by a majority vote of each house of the general assembly and serve eight-year terms.
Requesting Records
If you would like to request records from our office, please contact our office at 540-775-3322. Our staff will be happy to assist you. You may also view the county's FOIA request page and fill out the online request form to request documents.
Legal Advice
The Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court is committed to public service. We are committed to delivering exceptional customer service to our patrons and are here to assist you with any questions or concerns regarding our policies and procedures.
However, we are prohibited by law from giving legal advice, restating the law or recommending legal action. It is not the intention of our office, nor of this website, to offer legal solutions. Questions regarding the interpretation of the law should be directed to an attorney licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The purpose of this information is to better inform the general public of procedural matters. Nothing contained herein is intended to advise anyone as to legal remedies for a particular circumstance. Circuit Court Clerks and their Deputy Clerks cannot render legal advice.
Portable Electronic Devices
Personal computers, tablet computers, mobile telephones (including cell phones and any form of telephone with cameras and audio and video recording and transmission capabilities), electronic calendars, e-mail book readers, and "smart" watches are not allowed in this courthouse at any time without prior written authorization by a judge of one of the King George Circuit, General District or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts.
If you have no vehicle in which to secure such a device apply to court personnel upon entry.