James City County Property Records
James City County property records are recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk in Williamsburg, Virginia, who is the official keeper of all land instruments for the county. Deeds, deeds of trust, plats, liens, and related real estate documents are filed and maintained at the clerk's office. You can search GIS parcel maps and assessment data online through the county's Real Estate Assessments Division. In-person access to deed books and title records is available at the courthouse. Mail requests for copies of recorded instruments are accepted. The Commissioner of Revenue handles tax assessments separately. This page covers the key resources for finding James City County property records.
James City County Property Records
James City County Property Information Portal
The James City County Property Information Portal at property.jamescitycountyva.gov/JamesCity provides public access to real estate assessment records. Users can search for properties by address, parcel number, or owner name. The system displays property characteristics, assessed values, sales history, and ownership information. Property cards and detailed assessment data are available for individual parcels. The portal is maintained by the James City County Real Estate Assessments Division.
James City County also provides several other resources for residents to look up property information. The GIS Mapping resources provide interactive maps showing parcels, zoning, and environmental features. Tax payment information and delinquent tax inquiries can be accessed through the Treasurer's office. Land records and deed information are available through the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office.
The Commissioner of the Revenue is a constitutional officer elected by the citizens of James City County. The office is responsible for assessing real estate, personal property, and business property for local taxation. The Commissioner administers tax relief programs for elderly, disabled, and veteran residents. State income tax forms and filing assistance are also provided through this office.
The screenshot below shows the James City County Commissioner of Revenue page, covering real estate, personal property, and business tax assessment responsibilities.
For questions about your assessed value, business license, or tax relief eligibility, contact the Commissioner of the Revenue at the county administration offices.
James City County Circuit Court and Land Records Recording
James City County is served by the Circuit Court Clerk's office, which handles all land record recordings. Land records are recorded from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Clerk's Office accepts e-recordings for deeds through both Simplifile and CSC.
Margin requirements for hard copy documents are: top margin 1-1/4 inch, bottom, left, and right no smaller than 3/4 inch. The last page should have space for a recording sticker. Paper size must be letter or legal (8.5x11 or 8.5x14). Font size must be no smaller than 9. All documents must have original signatures. No photocopies are accepted.
The tax map, parcel ID, or RPC number for respective Williamsburg or James City County documents must be on the first page of each document. A legal description is required and must include the jurisdiction. State either "situated in James City County" or "situated in the City of Williamsburg" within the legal description. The consideration and assessed/actual values must be stated on the first page.
Effective July 1, 2024, the most recent tax assessment is used for "actual value" in determining taxes when recording. This follows Virginia HB574 as passed. The circuit court clerk reviews these values when calculating recording taxes at the time of recording.
All recorded land documents in James City County are governed by Title 55.1 of the Virginia Code. Deeds must be recorded under ยง 55.1-600 to be effective against third parties.
Secure Remote Access for James City County Land Records
The James City County Clerk of Circuit Court offers Secure Remote Access (SRA) for online land records research. Records available through SRA can be accessed 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, including holidays. This is a subscription-based service for title researchers, attorneys, and others who need regular access to land records.
The subscriber fee is $150 per user per quarter or portion of quarter, prepaid, and nonrefundable. Payments are due by December 15, March 15, June 15, and September 15. An application must be completed by each user and approved by the Clerk or Deputy Clerk before the user ID and password will be issued.
If a business wants to become a Corporate Subscriber, a Corporate Subscriber Agreement must be completed for each employee who will have remote access. Modifications to the subscriber's hardware and software may be necessary to access the database. SRA provides access to indexes and document images for recorded land instruments in James City County.
The information accessed through SRA may or may not be the official government record required by law. To assure accuracy for any official purpose, always consult the official governmental record at the clerk's office directly.
James City County GIS Mapping and Property Data
The James City County GIS/Mapping division is responsible for functions and applications relating to mapping and the use of property information. A Geographic Information System is an integrated system of computer hardware, software, and trained personnel linking topographic, demographic, utility, facility, image, and other resource data that is geographically referenced.
Use the GIS Portal to explore and download GIS and mapping data, discover and build apps, and engage with others to solve important issues. Mapping layers can be downloaded from the GIS Portal for free in ESRI Shapefile format, compressed in zip files for faster download. Data is updated nightly. Metadata is available in the GIS Metadata document. GIS Mapping office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The screenshot below shows the James City County GIS data download and mapping portal page.
Use the GIS portal to identify parcel boundaries, get a parcel ID or RPC number, and understand a property's zoning and location before pulling official records from the clerk or assessments office.
How to Search James City County Property Records
James City County provides multiple ways to access property records. The right starting point depends on what you need.
For current ownership and assessed value, start with the Property Information Portal at property.jamescitycountyva.gov/JamesCity. It is free and does not require registration. Search by address, parcel number, or owner name to get property cards, sales history, and assessment data.
For recorded deeds and legal instruments, contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Recording hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on weekdays. SRA subscriptions are available at $150 per user per quarter for online access to deed indexes and images. E-recording is available through Simplifile and CSC for qualified submitters.
For parcel maps and spatial data, use the county GIS Portal. Data layers are downloadable for free in shapefile format. The portal is updated nightly and supports a wide range of mapping and analysis needs.
For tax payment status, contact the Treasurer's Office. Business licenses and tangible personal property tax filings are handled by the Commissioner of Revenue.
Property transfers in James City County are governed by Title 55.1 of the Virginia Code. Note that James City County shares a circuit court with the City of Williamsburg. Legal descriptions must specify which jurisdiction the property is in when recording documents.