Getting Public Records
Va. Code 2.2-3704 — five working days to answer, and no answer counts as a denial
In Virginia, public records are open to citizens of the Commonwealth, and to representatives of media circulating or broadcasting in it, by inspection or copies at the requester's option. A request identifies the records with reasonable specificity and does not have to mention the law.
Five working days, and silence is a denial. The public body provides the records within five working days, or answers in writing that they are withheld in whole or part, citing the specific Code section for each category withheld; that they cannot be found; or that more time is needed, which gives it seven more work days. Failing to respond is deemed a denial and is a violation of the law.
Charges may not exceed the actual cost of accessing, duplicating, supplying or searching for the records. A person denied records can petition the court for mandamus or an injunction, heard within seven days, and a petitioner who substantially prevails recovers reasonable costs and attorney fees unless special circumstances make that unjust.
Sources for this section (2)
- Va. Code 2.2-3704 — Public records to be open to inspection; procedure for requesting records
- Va. Code 2.2-3713 — Proceedings for enforcement of chapter
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.