How to search West Virginia court records
West Virginia's statewide portal reaches most, but not all, courts. A few jurisdictions run their own separate systems — see the additional lookups below. Cost varies by record type — some searches are free, others require a paid account or a formal records request.
partial varies criminal data
Open the official West Virginia portal →
What's actually there
Limited remote access; most circuit clerk records require a county-level request.
Other official lookups for West Virginia
Federal cases filed in West Virginia
State portals don't cover federal court. If the case you're looking for might be a federal criminal prosecution, civil suit, or bankruptcy, use CourtRecordsFree's live federal search — it queries CourtListener/RECAP directly and isn't limited to any one state.
Search tips
- Try both "Last, First" and "First Last" — courts index names inconsistently.
- Middle initials and suffixes (Jr., III) often matter for common names.
- A date of birth or case number is the only reliable way to confirm you found the right person.
- An arrest or charge shown in a docket is not a conviction — read the disposition.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to search West Virginia court records online?
It depends on what you're looking for. Some record types on West Virginia's portal are free; others require payment or a formal request.
Does this include criminal records?
Yes. West Virginia's portal includes criminal case records alongside civil cases, subject to the sealing and expungement rules described below.
Does one search cover the whole state?
Mostly. West Virginia's statewide portal covers most courts, but a few jurisdictions maintain separate systems — worth checking the additional lookups above if your court isn't listed.
Links move. If the West Virginia portal link above is dead, tell us on the corrections page.