Fauquier County Property Records
What Is Fauquier County Property Records
Property records in Fauquier County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout Fauquier County, Virginia. The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to establish clear chains of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Pursuant to Code of Virginia § 55.1-600, all deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, and other instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded in the clerk's office of the circuit court where the property is located. This statutory requirement ensures that property ownership and interests are properly documented and accessible to the public.
Property records in Fauquier County include:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens and judgments
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Plats and surveys
- Tax assessment records
The Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains the official land records for the county, while the Commissioner of Revenue and Treasurer's offices maintain property tax and assessment records.
Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
29 Ashby Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8100
Fauquier County Circuit Court
Are Property Records Public Information In Fauquier County?
Property records in Fauquier County are indeed public information, accessible to all citizens under Virginia law. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700) establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Property records are not among the exempted categories.
Additionally, the Virginia Land Records Act specifically mandates public access to property records. The legal basis for this public access rests on several important principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property development
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy supports the integrity of the real estate market and protects property rights by ensuring that ownership claims and encumbrances are transparent and verifiable.
The Fauquier County Commissioner of Revenue maintains assessment records that are publicly accessible, while the Circuit Court Clerk maintains the official land records.
Fauquier County Commissioner of Revenue
10 Hotel Street, Suite 115
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-422-8160
Fauquier County Commissioner of Revenue
How To Search Property Records in Fauquier County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Fauquier County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides both in-person and online options for conducting property record searches.
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Request assistance from the clerk to access the public terminals
- Provide the property address, owner name, or parcel identification number
- Review the available records and request copies as needed (fees may apply)
For online searches through the county's tax assessment system:
- Navigate to the Fauquier County Tax Assessment website
- Select the appropriate search option (property address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria and submit the query
- Review the property information displayed, including assessment values and tax data
For official land records:
- Access the Virginia Court System's Secure Remote Access portal
- Register for an account if you don't already have one (subscription fees apply)
- Select Fauquier County from the jurisdiction list
- Search by name, property address, or instrument number
- View and print available documents
Certified copies of property records may be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk's Office for a fee established by state law. Pursuant to Code of Virginia § 17.1-275, the clerk may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records.
How To Find Property Records in Fauquier County Online?
Fauquier County offers several online resources for accessing property records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient access to property information without requiring a visit to county offices.
The primary online resources for property records include:
-
Fauquier County Tax Assessment Database
- Visit the Fauquier County Tax Assessment website
- No login required for basic property information
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- Access assessment values, property characteristics, and tax information
- For more detailed inquiries, public users may log in using:
- Email: PublicInquiry@fauquiercounty.gov
- Password: Fauquier2!
-
Virginia Court System's Secure Remote Access (SRA)
- Access the SRA portal
- Create a subscriber account (fees apply)
- Search land records, judgments, and liens
- View and print official documents
-
Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping
- Visit the Fauquier County GIS Portal
- Search properties by location on interactive maps
- View parcel boundaries, zoning, and other geographic data
- Link to property assessment information
When using these online systems, users should note that while basic property information is freely available, access to complete document images through the SRA system requires a paid subscription. Additionally, some older records may not be available in digital format and might require an in-person visit to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
How To Look Up Fauquier County Property Records for Free?
Fauquier County provides several options for residents and interested parties to access property records at no cost. These free resources offer basic property information without requiring paid subscriptions or service fees.
Free property record search options include:
-
Fauquier County Tax Assessment Website
- The county tax assessment portal provides free access to basic property information
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- View assessment values, property characteristics, and tax status
- No registration or fees required for basic searches
-
In-Person Terminal Access
- Visit the public terminals at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- Access the computerized index of land records at no charge
- Staff assistance is available for navigating the system
- While terminal access is free, printing copies incurs standard fees
-
Fauquier County GIS Mapping System
- The county's Geographic Information System provides free access to property maps
- View parcel boundaries, dimensions, and zoning information
- Link to basic assessment data
- No registration required
-
Public Library Resources
- The Fauquier County Public Library provides free internet access
- Use library computers to access the county's online property databases
- Library staff may provide assistance with navigating county websites
While these free options provide access to basic property information, users should be aware that certain limitations apply. Detailed document images, historical records, and certified copies typically require either a paid subscription to the SRA system or payment of copy fees at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Additionally, as noted in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the county tax website, some specialized property information may require specific authorization or additional steps to access.
What's Included in a Fauquier County Property Record?
Property records in Fauquier County contain comprehensive information about real estate within the county boundaries. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets like vehicles and equipment), with different county offices maintaining each type of record.
A typical Fauquier County property record includes:
-
Ownership Information
- Current owner's name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Purchase price or consideration
-
Property Identification
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description
- Property address
- Tax map reference
-
Physical Characteristics
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building size and specifications
- Number of rooms/bedrooms/bathrooms
- Construction details and year built
- Improvements and additions
-
Valuation and Assessment
- Current assessed value (land and improvements)
- Assessment history
- Tax rate and annual tax amount
- Special assessments or exemptions
-
Encumbrances and Restrictions
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Zoning restrictions
Pursuant to Code of Virginia § 58.1-3301, the Commissioner of Revenue is responsible for maintaining assessment records for taxation purposes, while the Circuit Court Clerk maintains the official land records documenting ownership and encumbrances as required by Code of Virginia § 17.1-223.
Different property record types are maintained by specific county offices:
- Circuit Court Clerk: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, easements
- Commissioner of Revenue: Property assessments, tax maps, exemptions
- Treasurer: Tax payments, delinquencies, tax sales
- Planning and Zoning: Zoning classifications, permits, violations
How Long Does Fauquier County Keep Property Records?
Fauquier County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Library of Virginia under the Virginia Public Records Act. These schedules ensure that vital property information is preserved for appropriate periods based on legal requirements and historical significance.
The retention periods for various property records include:
- Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Deeds of Trust: Permanent retention
- Tax Assessment Records: Permanent retention for annual assessment books; supporting documentation maintained for 3-5 years after audit
- Building Permits: Life of the structure plus 3 years
- Zoning Decisions: Permanent retention
- Property Tax Payment Records: 5 years after audit
- Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
The Library of Virginia's Records Retention and Disposition Schedule governs these retention periods pursuant to Code of Virginia § 42.1-86, which mandates that no public records may be destroyed without a retention schedule approved by the State Library Board.
Historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1759 are preserved in the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Many older records have been digitized for preservation and easier access, though some very early records may only be available in their original format or on microfilm.
The county's commitment to records preservation ensures that the chain of title for properties can be traced through generations of ownership, supporting property rights and facilitating real estate transactions throughout the county.
How To Find Liens on Property In Fauquier County?
Liens on property in Fauquier County are public records that can be searched through several official channels. These encumbrances represent claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold, making lien searches an essential part of due diligence in real estate transactions.
To search for liens on Fauquier County property:
-
Circuit Court Clerk's Office Records
- Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in person
- Request a lien search for the specific property
- Search by property owner's name or property address
- Review judgment lien books, tax lien records, and mechanic's liens
- Staff can assist with navigating the records system
-
Online Court Records
- Access the Virginia Judiciary's Online Case Information System
- Search for civil judgments against the property owner
- Note that not all liens may appear in this system
-
Secure Remote Access System
- Subscribe to the Virginia Court System's SRA portal
- Search land records for the specific property
- Review documents for liens, including:
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Homeowners association liens
-
Tax Records Search
- Check the Fauquier County Treasurer's Office for tax delinquencies
- Search by property address or owner name
- Unpaid taxes constitute a lien against the property
-
Title Company Services
- Engage a professional title company to conduct a comprehensive lien search
- Title companies have expertise in identifying all recorded liens
- This option provides the most thorough search but involves professional fees
Different types of liens have different priority levels and expiration timeframes under Virginia law. For example, pursuant to Code of Virginia § 58.1-3340, tax liens have priority over most other liens and encumbrances. Judgment liens generally expire after 20 years unless renewed, while mechanic's liens must be enforced through lawsuit within 6 months of filing.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Fauquier County?
The Property Owner Rule in Fauquier County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, rights, and responsibilities within the county. These rules are derived from Virginia state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
-
Recording Requirements
- All property transfers must be properly recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk
- Unrecorded deeds are valid between parties but may not protect against third-party claims
- Documents must meet formatting standards specified in Code of Virginia § 17.1-227
- Recording establishes constructive notice to the world of ownership claims
-
Property Tax Obligations
- Property owners must pay annual real estate taxes
- Tax rates are set by the Board of Supervisors
- Failure to pay taxes results in liens and potential tax sales
- Some exemptions exist for elderly, disabled, veterans, and agricultural properties
-
Ownership Forms
- Properties may be held individually, jointly, in trusts, or by business entities
- Virginia recognizes tenancy in common, joint tenancy with right of survivorship, and tenancy by the entirety
- Each form of ownership has different legal implications for inheritance and creditor claims
-
Land Use Restrictions
- Property use is subject to zoning ordinances and building codes
- Historic district properties may have additional restrictions
- Agricultural and forestal districts have special provisions
- Conservation easements may limit development rights
-
Riparian Rights
- Properties adjoining waterways have specific water rights
- These rights are subject to state environmental regulations
- Riparian owners must comply with Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act requirements
-
Adverse Possession
- Under Virginia law, open and hostile possession of property for 15 years may establish ownership
- Strict requirements must be met to claim property through adverse possession
- Tax payment alone is insufficient to establish adverse possession claims
Property owners in Fauquier County should familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to protect their property rights. The Fauquier County Land Use Valuation Program provides specific guidance for agricultural, horticultural, forest, and open space properties that may qualify for tax relief under special assessment programs.
Lookup Property Records in Fauquier County
Fauquier County Tax Assessment Database
Frequently Asked Questions about Property Records