Contact local agencies regarding Virginia public records

If the potential employee's address is known, when it comes to public records, Virginia clerks or courts at the local level can provide information regarding Virginia criminal records, births, marriages and divorces. This information will be the most up-to-date available.

I recommend: The Virginia State Police website provides information on conducting a check for Virginia criminal records. You can access public records on birth, death, marriage and divorce from the Virginia Department of Health. In Virginia, free public records access exists, but expect to pay a fee if you request copies to be made.

Consult an online service for public records in Virginia

To access Virginia public records, online services can save much time in uncovering information and are usually quicker and easier than contacting the courts. The fee is usually worth the investment. The down side is that not all online services are equal in terms of actual information provided, and those advertising "Virginia free public records" frequently are not free.

I recommend: Check Net Detective, a favorite of law enforcement officials, journalists and employers for Virginia public records. Virginia also is represented at Court Records. Both sites come with a money-back guarantee.

Check on professional connections

Regarding public records, Virginia background checks on companies or professionals with whom you plan to do business can turn up interesting information. For corporations, you can find background information, tax liens and financing statements, as well as Virginia bankruptcy records. For professionals, you can uncover complaint histories and disciplinary actions through public records in Virginia.

I recommend: The Office of the Clerk Virginia State Corporation Commission can provide information on corporations, LLCs and partnerships. The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has background on professionals and any disciplinary actions lodged against them.