If you need help obtaining Virginia arrest records, criminal history reports, expungement information, or background check status, contacting the correct Virginia State Police support department is important for receiving accurate assistance.
In Virginia, statewide criminal record services are managed by the Virginia State Police (VSP) through specialized units such as the Civil and Applicant Records Exchange (CARE) and the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE). These departments assist residents, employers, attorneys, and researchers who need help with criminal history checks, expungement procedures, or record request inquiries.
Whether you are requesting a Virginia background check, checking the status of a mailed criminal record request, or asking questions about expungement eligibility, the support contacts below can guide you to the appropriate office.
Below is a structured contact directory for Virginia arrest record and criminal history support services.
Virginia State Police Criminal Records Support
| Department | Purpose | Contact Information | Notes |
| Civil & Applicant Records Exchange (CARE) | General background checks, criminal history requests, fingerprint-based record checks | Phone: (804) 674-2000 | Handles most public criminal record requests |
| Background Check Support Team | Status of mailed background check requests or record processing inquiries | Email: [email protected] | Used to check request progress |
| Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) | Questions about criminal history records, record corrections, and expungement guidance | Phone: (804) 674-6723 | Maintains the Virginia criminal history repository |
| Virginia State Police Headquarters | General administrative support and department routing | Phone: (804) 674-2000 | Main contact for VSP services |
Key Updates for 2026 Support Requests
As you finalize this for your website, keep these three “Genuine” 2026 factors in mind for your readers:
Automatic Sealing Inquiries: Due to the “Clean Slate” laws, the CCRE is experiencing higher-than-normal call volumes. It is recommended that users check the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System (VJCIS) first to see if their record has already been marked as “Sealed” before calling.sitory, many criminal record inquiries are processed through these Virginia State Police divisions.
The Digital Transition: As of July 1, 2026, the VSP is launching a new Online Criminal Record Portal. While the phone numbers above remain active for technical support, most users will be redirected to the portal to download their records instantly rather than waiting for mail-in processing.
Fingerprinting for Expungement: If a user is filing an expungement petition (under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2), they must still obtain a physical set of fingerprints. The CCRE unit (804-674-6723) is the correct department to verify if those prints have been received and forwarded to the court.