Pulaski County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Pulaski County in 2026
PulaskiCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Pulaski County, Virginia. Members of the public may find data pertaining to ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, liens, and encumbrances. Available record categories may include land records, transfer documents, mortgage filings, plat maps, and tax assessment rolls. The completeness and currency of any individual record depends on the originating agency and the date of last update.
Property records in Pulaski County may be searched through several official channels, including online portals, in-person visits to county offices, mail requests, and through licensed professionals such as title companies or real estate attorneys. The primary custodians of these records are the Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, the Commissioner of Revenue, and the Treasurer's Office.
Online Search Methods
1. Virginia Circuit Court Land Records (Secure Remote Access)
The Virginia Court System provides the Secure Remote Access (SRA) to Virginia Land Records, which includes recorded instruments held in Circuit Court Clerk's offices across the Commonwealth. This system allows members of the public to search for deeds, deeds of trust, releases, and other instruments affecting real property in Pulaski County.
- Access is available through the Virginia Courts online portal
- Basic searches are available to the public; some document image retrieval may require a subscription account
- Searchable by grantor name, grantee name, instrument type, and recording date range
- Results include instrument number, recording date, book and page reference, and document type
How to Search:
- Navigate to the SRA portal through the Virginia Court System website
- Select Pulaski County from the jurisdiction list
- Choose a search type (grantor, grantee, or instrument number)
- Enter the relevant name or document reference
- Review the results list and select a record to view details
- Note the book and page or instrument number for certified copy requests
2. Commissioner of Revenue – Property Assessment Records
The Pulaski County Commissioner of Revenue maintains assessment records for all real property within the county. Under § 58.1-3302 of the Virginia Code, the Commissioner of Revenue is specifically directed regarding the assessment and listing of town lots in the Town of Pulaski for taxation purposes. Assessment records are available for public inspection and include current owner information, parcel identification, assessed values, and land use classifications.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID or map reference number
- By subdivision or legal description
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Land and improvement values
- Zoning and land use classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size)
- Exemptions applied
- Sales history
3. Treasurer's Office – Tax Payment Records
The Pulaski County Treasurer's Office maintains records of real property tax bills, payment history, and delinquent accounts. Members of the public may search tax records by property address, owner name, or parcel number.
Information Available:
- Current tax bill amounts
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Millage rates and taxing district breakdowns
- Delinquency status
- Installment plan information
Virginia Tax publishes annual local tax rates for all counties, cities, towns, and districts, which members of the public may consult to verify the applicable real estate tax rates for Pulaski County.
4. GIS and Mapping
The Virginia Flood Risk Information System, maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, provides the Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) for identifying flood zone designations affecting individual parcels. This resource is relevant to property research involving environmental constraints, insurance requirements, and land use planning.
In-Person Searches
Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
143 Third Street NW, Suite 1
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7825
Pulaski County Circuit Court
Pulaski County Commissioner of Revenue
143 Third Street NW
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7750
Pulaski County Government
Pulaski County Treasurer's Office
143 Third Street NW
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7785
Pulaski County Government
By Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for copies of recorded instruments to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Requests should specify the instrument by book and page number or instrument number, the property address, and the approximate recording date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate certification fee.
Through Professionals
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and produce abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests affecting a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership or encumbrance issues. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties and pull comparable sales histories as part of their representation services.
What Is Pulaski County Property Records
Property records in Pulaski County are official documents related to real property — land and any improvements affixed to it — maintained by county government offices as part of the public record. These records serve as the legal foundation for establishing ownership, documenting transfers, recording encumbrances, and assessing property for taxation. Under Virginia law, the recording of instruments affecting real property provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors, a principle codified in § 55.1-407 of the Virginia Code.
Types of Property Records
Ownership Records
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Trustee's deeds and fiduciary deeds
- Life estate deeds and remainder interests
- Transfer-on-death deeds
- Chain of title documentation
Encumbrance Records
- Deeds of trust and mortgages
- Releases and satisfactions of deeds of trust
- Mechanic's liens and releases
- Judgment liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants and declarations
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records
- Annual real property assessments
- Tax bills and payment history
- Homestead and other exemption records
- Special assessments
- Delinquent tax records
Legal Descriptions and Plats
- Subdivision plats
- Re-plats and boundary adjustments
- Condominium declarations and plats
- Survey plats
- Metes and bounds descriptions
Building and Permit Records
- Building permits
- Certificates of occupancy
- Zoning determinations
- Code enforcement records
Who Maintains Property Records
Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
143 Third Street NW, Suite 1
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7825
Virginia Court System
The Circuit Court Clerk records, indexes, and maintains all instruments affecting title to real property, including deeds, deeds of trust, liens, easements, and plats.
Pulaski County Commissioner of Revenue
143 Third Street NW
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7750
Pulaski County Government
The Commissioner of Revenue maintains property assessment records, ownership data, and exemption information.
Pulaski County Treasurer's Office
143 Third Street NW
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7785
Pulaski County Government
The Treasurer's Office maintains tax billing, payment, and delinquency records.
Historical microfilm records for Pulaski County — including land records, court records, fiduciary records, and vital records — are preserved and accessible through the Pulaski County Microfilm collection at the Library of Virginia.
Are Property Records Public Information in Pulaski County?
Property records in Pulaski County are public information. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.), all public records maintained by government bodies are presumptively open to inspection and copying by any member of the public. The recording statutes of the Commonwealth further establish that instruments recorded in the Circuit Court Clerk's office are available for public inspection as a matter of law, providing constructive notice of their contents to all parties.
Why Property Records Are Public
The public nature of property records serves several essential functions:
- Transparency in ownership: The public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns real property within a jurisdiction, supporting accountability in taxation and land use.
- Constructive notice: Recording an instrument in the public record provides legal notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors, protecting the integrity of real estate transactions.
- Title insurance and lending: The real estate finance industry depends on open access to recorded instruments to conduct title searches and issue title insurance.
- Fraud prevention: Public recording deters fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances by making all recorded interests visible to any interested party.
- Historical and genealogical research: Property records constitute a significant portion of the historical documentary record and are widely used for genealogical and historical research.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible
- Current and historical ownership (grantor/grantee indexes)
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates as reflected in recorded deeds
- Mortgage and deed of trust amounts at time of recording
- Lien filings and releases
- Tax assessments and payment status
- Property characteristics maintained by the Commissioner of Revenue
- Plat maps and subdivision records
- GIS mapping data
Privacy Considerations
While property records are public, certain personal information is subject to protection under Virginia law. Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from recorded documents pursuant to state privacy requirements. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under the Virginia Address Confidentiality Program. Exemption applications submitted to the Commissioner of Revenue may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure.
Who May Access Property Records
Any member of the public may inspect and obtain copies of property records in Pulaski County. There is no residency requirement, ownership requirement, or stated purpose requirement. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, investors, researchers, journalists, and genealogists.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Pulaski County?
The fees applicable to property records in Pulaski County are governed by Virginia statutes and local fee schedules established by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office and other custodial agencies.
Circuit Court Clerk's Office – Recorded Document Copies
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of recorded instrument | $0.50 per page + $2.00 certification fee |
| Uncertified copy of recorded instrument | $0.50 per page |
| Plat copies | Varies by size |
| Online document retrieval (SRA) | Subscription or per-image fee may apply |
- Inspection of records in person is available at no charge during regular business hours
- Copies may be requested in person, by mail, or through the SRA online portal
- Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order payable to the Clerk of Circuit Court; some offices accept credit cards
Commissioner of Revenue – Assessment Records
- Inspection of assessment records is available at no charge
- Copies of property cards or assessment data may be subject to standard copying fees
- GIS and mapping data may be available at no charge through online portals
Treasurer's Office – Tax Records
- Inspection of tax records is available at no charge
- Copies of tax bills are subject to standard copying fees
Fee Waivers
Virginia law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Indigent parties in active litigation may petition the court for waiver of certain fees, but this provision does not apply to routine public records requests.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash (in-person)
- Check or money order (in-person or by mail, payable to the Clerk of Circuit Court)
- Credit or debit card (availability varies by office)
What Is Available at No Cost
- In-person inspection of all public property records
- Online viewing of assessment data through the Commissioner of Revenue
- Basic land record searches through the SRA portal (document images may require a fee)
- Flood zone information through the Virginia Flood Risk Information System
What's Included in a Pulaski County Property Record?
A complete property record in Pulaski County draws from multiple custodial agencies and encompasses ownership, physical characteristics, valuation, tax, encumbrance, and legal description information.
Ownership Information
- Current owner name(s) as reflected in the most recently recorded deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entireties, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
- Chain of title reflecting prior owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification
- Site address and mailing address
- Parcel identification number (map reference number)
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, or metes and bounds)
- Tax account number
Physical Characteristics
- Lot size in acres or square feet
- Lot dimensions and frontage
- Land use designation and zoning classification
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Construction type and exterior wall material
- Roof type and foundation type
- Garage, pool, porch, and other accessory features
- Water source and sewer system type
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information
- Assessed land value and improvement value
- Total assessed value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural use value (if applicable)
Tax Information
- Current year tax amount
- Taxable value after exemptions
- Applicable millage rates by taxing district (county, school, town, special districts)
- Payment status and due dates
- Tax payment history
- Exemptions applied (homestead, elderly, disabled, veteran, agricultural)
Sales History
- Sale dates, prices, and deed types for recent transfers
- Grantor and grantee names
- Instrument numbers and recording dates
- Documentary stamp amounts
Encumbrances and Liens
- Recorded deeds of trust and mortgages with original amounts and lender names
- Tax liens (federal, state, local)
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants and declarations
- Lis pendens notices
- HOA documents and assessments
Legal and Regulatory Information
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Future land use designation
- Special taxing district memberships
- Flood zone designation (FEMA) as reflected in the Virginia Flood Risk Information System
- Wetlands and conservation designations
Maps and Visual Information
- GIS map with property boundaries
- Aerial photograph
- Plat map reference
- Property sketch or building footprint
What Is Not Typically Included
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
- Interior photographs
- Private purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Unrecorded agreements or side agreements
- Confidential exemption application financial details
How Long Does Pulaski County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Pulaski County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property — including deeds, deeds of trust, releases, liens, easements, plats, and all other conveyance documents — are never destroyed. This permanent retention requirement reflects both the legal necessity of an unbroken chain of title and the historical significance of land records as a documentary record of the community.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention
Virginia's records retention schedules, administered by the Library of Virginia, designate recorded land instruments as permanent records. The Circuit Court Clerk is required by law to preserve all recorded instruments and to maintain indexes sufficient to allow retrieval by grantor name, grantee name, and instrument type. The Library of Virginia's microfilm preservation program ensures that historical Pulaski County records — including land records dating to the county's formation — are preserved in the Pulaski County Microfilm collection.
Records Kept Permanently
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, fiduciary, and all other conveyance types)
- All recorded deeds of trust and mortgages, including satisfactions and releases
- All recorded liens and releases
- All recorded plats and subdivision declarations
- All recorded easements, restrictions, and covenants
- All recorded lis pendens and court documents affecting title
- Assessment rolls and property cards maintained by the Commissioner of Revenue
- Tax deed records maintained by the Treasurer's Office and Circuit Court Clerk
Format and Storage
Historical records in Pulaski County exist in multiple formats depending on the period of creation:
- Pre-20th century records: Handwritten deed books and index books, preserved in the Circuit Court Clerk's vault and on microfilm at the Library of Virginia
- Early-to-mid 20th century records: Typed or handwritten entries in bound volumes, available on microfilm
- Recent records: Digitally scanned images accessible through the Secure Remote Access system maintained by the Virginia Court System
Online Availability by Time Period
| Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (approx. last 20–30 years) | Online via SRA portal |
| Moderate age (30–60 years) | Microfilm at courthouse or Library of Virginia |
| Historical (60+ years) | Original deed books at courthouse; microfilm at Library of Virginia |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; staff retrieval; Library of Virginia microfilm |
Assessment and Tax Records
The Commissioner of Revenue retains current and historical assessment records permanently. Online access to assessment history varies; recent years are accessible through the county's online systems, while older assessment rolls may require an in-person visit. Tax payment records maintained by the Treasurer's Office are retained for a minimum of seven years for administrative purposes, while tax deed records are permanent.
Accessing Historical Records
Members of the public seeking historical property records may contact the Circuit Court Clerk's Office directly. For very old records, advance notice is helpful to allow staff to retrieve materials from archive storage. The Library of Virginia serves as an additional resource for historical land records on microfilm.
Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
143 Third Street NW, Suite 1
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7825
Virginia Court System
Library of Virginia – Archives and Records Management
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 692-3500
Library of Virginia
How To Find Liens on Property in Pulaski County?
Liens on property in Pulaski County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public land record maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. A lien search requires examining the grantor/grantee indexes and, for certain lien types, separate indexes maintained by the Clerk.
Types of Liens Recorded in Pulaski County
- Deeds of trust and mortgages: Voluntary liens created by the property owner as security for a loan, recorded in the land records
- Mechanic's liens: Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid work or materials furnished to improve real property, pursuant to § 43-3 of the Virginia Code
- Judgment liens: Recorded abstracts of judgment that attach to all real property owned by the judgment debtor in the county where recorded
- Federal tax liens: Filed by the Internal Revenue Service and indexed in the Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- State tax liens: Filed by the Virginia Department of Taxation
- HOA liens: Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
How to Search for Liens
Step 1 – Search the Land Records Index Access the grantor/grantee index through the Secure Remote Access portal. Search the current owner's name as grantor to identify any deeds of trust, mechanic's liens, or other voluntary or involuntary liens recorded against the property.
Step 2 – Search the Judgment Lien Index The Circuit Court Clerk maintains a separate judgment lien docket. Search the property owner's name to identify any recorded abstracts of judgment. Judgment liens attach to all real property owned by the debtor in the county at the time of recording and to property subsequently acquired.
Step 3 – Search Federal Tax Lien Records Federal tax liens filed by the IRS are recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk and indexed separately. Search the property owner's name in the federal tax lien index.
Step 4 – Search State Tax Lien Records Virginia Department of Taxation liens are also recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk. Search the owner's name in the state tax lien index.
Step 5 – Verify Releases and Satisfactions For each lien identified, search for a corresponding release, satisfaction, or discharge. An unreleased lien of record remains an encumbrance on the property regardless of whether the underlying debt has been paid.
Step 6 – In-Person Search at the Clerk's Office For a comprehensive lien search, particularly for older records not yet digitized, members of the public may conduct an in-person search at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Staff can direct researchers to the appropriate indexes and record books.
Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
143 Third Street NW, Suite 1
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7825
Virginia Court System
Title companies and real estate attorneys conduct professional lien searches as part of the title examination process and are equipped to identify all recorded encumbrances, including those that may not be immediately apparent from a basic name search.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Pulaski County?
The property owner rule in Pulaski County, as throughout Virginia, refers to the legal principle that a property owner is competent to testify to the value of their own real property without being qualified as an expert witness. This rule is well established in Virginia jurisprudence and permits owners to offer lay opinion testimony regarding the fair market value of property they own, based on their personal knowledge and familiarity with the property.
Legal Basis
Virginia courts have long recognized that ownership of property provides a sufficient foundation for value testimony. The property owner is presumed to have knowledge of the property's characteristics, condition, location, and the market in which it is situated. This principle applies in condemnation proceedings, tax assessment appeals, and other civil matters in which property value is at issue.
Application in Tax Assessment Appeals
In Pulaski County, property owners who dispute the assessed value of their real property may appeal to the Board of Equalization. During such proceedings, the property owner may present their own opinion of value as evidence. The Board of Equalization reviews assessments to ensure that properties are assessed at fair market value in accordance with Virginia law. The Commissioner of Revenue is responsible for maintaining assessments consistent with the requirements of § 58.1-3302 and related provisions of the Virginia Code governing the assessment of real property for taxation.
Application in Eminent Domain Proceedings
When the government exercises its power of eminent domain to acquire private property in Pulaski County, the property owner has the right to just compensation under both the Virginia Constitution and the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The property owner rule permits the owner to testify as to the value of the property taken without retaining an expert appraiser, though expert appraisal testimony is standard practice in contested condemnation cases.
Ownership Rights and Responsibilities
Property ownership in Pulaski County carries both rights and obligations under Virginia law:
- The right to use, enjoy, and transfer real property subject to applicable zoning, land use, and deed restrictions
- The obligation to pay real property taxes assessed by the Commissioner of Revenue and billed by the Treasurer's Office
- The right to appeal assessments through the Board of Equalization and, if necessary, to the Circuit Court
- The obligation to comply with applicable building codes, zoning ordinances, and environmental regulations
- The right to record instruments affecting title in the Circuit Court Clerk's Office to provide constructive notice of ownership and encumbrances
Pulaski County Board of Equalization
143 Third Street NW
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7750
Pulaski County Government
Lookup Property Records in Pulaski County
- Secure Remote Access to Virginia land records — Virginia Court System
- Pulaski County historical land and court records on microfilm — Library of Virginia
- § 58.1-3302 — Assessment of town lots in Pulaski County — Virginia Law
- Local real estate tax rates by county, city, and town — Virginia Tax
- Virginia Flood Risk Information System — flood zone lookup — Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation