All land record documents presented for recording are subject to requirements and standards as set forth by the Code of Virginia, the Library of Virginia Standards (statutory authority VA Code §§ 42.1-8 & 42.1-82), local ordinances, and official opinions issued by the office of the Attorney General.

Court personnel cannot provide legal assistance.

All documents must be notarized before being submitted for recording. We do not provide notarial services at the courthouse. 

Fees & Taxes:

All land records documents are subject to fees and taxes as established by Virginia Code (Chapter 8 State Recordation Tax) unless applicable exemption is noted. County-specific fees and taxes can be calculated with Virginia's Judicial System Deed Calculator.

To locate the tax map number, go to Virginia Government Solutions and search by owner name or property address in the search bar. The tax map is shown on the upper right side of the page, titled "Parcel Identification number".

The tax map number must be included on the first page of all land documents submitted for recording. 

Once a deed is recorded with land records, changes to the current deed can only be done by recording a new or corrective deed. Please consult with an attorney or a title company regarding your specific situation or to have a new or corrective deed prepared and recorded.

Yes. However, it is advised that you consult with an attorney. The land records division is unable to confirm that the document is legally correct. Land records division can only confirm if the document meets recording requirements.

Deputy clerks are not attorneys and are unable to provide any legal advice or services.

Virginia exemption codes pertaining to transfer taxes can be viewed on Virginia Legislative Information System page. For any further assistance with exemptions please consult with an attorney.

Virginia's Judicial System provides a limited number of forms as well as instructions on completing forms. Please click on previous link to be taken to the Virginia Judicial System Circuit Court Deed Book Forms page.

If you are unable to locate an appropriate form, please consult with an attorney.

Once the deed of trust or mortgage is paid off, the lender prepares a Certificate and Affidavit of Satisfaction. The lender may record a Certificate and Affidavit of Satisfaction on behalf of the borrower or send the borrower the original to be recorded. Once the Certificate and Affidavit of Satisfaction is recorded, the lien is released of record. A new deed is only required if property is sold or transferred.