Montgomery County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Montgomery County in 2026
Members of the public seeking property records in Montgomery County, Virginia, may access publicly available information through MontgomeryVARecords.us as well as official county and state government portals. Property records maintained by Montgomery County may include deeds, mortgage documents, tax assessments, liens, plat maps, ownership histories, and recorded encumbrances. Access to these records is subject to applicable Virginia law, and the availability of specific documents may vary depending on the record type and the period in which it was created.
Members of the public may search Montgomery County property records through the following official resources:
- Montgomery County Commissioner of the Revenue – maintains personal property and real estate assessment records
- Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk – maintains recorded land records including deeds, deeds of trust, and liens
- Montgomery County Treasurer – maintains real estate tax payment and delinquency records
- Virginia's Land Records System (VLIS) – provides online access to recorded land instruments statewide
- Library of Virginia – maintains historical microfilm records for Montgomery County
Online Search Methods:
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Montgomery County Commissioner of the Revenue serves as the primary resource for property assessment information in the county.
- Members of the public may access the Montgomery County real estate and property records search portal through the county's official website
- Access is free and does not require registration
- The portal allows searches by property address, owner name, and parcel identification number
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property address and legal description
- Parcel identification number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics including square footage, year built, lot size, and building type
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Taxable value and applicable exemptions
- Sales history and transfer records
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Montgomery County official website
- Select the Real Estate/Property Records Search option
- Choose a search type: address, owner name, or parcel number
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select a specific parcel to view the full property card
- Review ownership details, assessed values, and sales history
- Print or save the information as needed
2. Circuit Court Clerk – Official Land Records
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County maintains all recorded land instruments, including deeds, deeds of trust, releases, and liens, pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-227, which governs the duties of circuit court clerks with respect to land records.
- Recorded documents may be searched through the Virginia Land Records Information System
- Basic search access is available at no charge
- Document images may be subject to per-page fees
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller or borrower)
- Grantee name (buyer or lender)
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
- Document type
- Recording date range
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Deeds of trust and mortgages
- Releases and satisfactions
- Judgment liens and mechanic's liens
- Easements and restrictive covenants
- Subdivision plats and surveys
- Lis pendens notices
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
How to Search:
- Access the Virginia Land Records Information System through the Circuit Court Clerk's portal
- Select the search type appropriate to the available information
- Enter grantor or grantee name, instrument number, or date range
- Review the list of returned instruments
- Select a document to view the recorded image
- Note the book and page or instrument number for reference
- Request certified copies from the Clerk's office if official copies are required
3. Tax Collector – Treasurer's Office
The Montgomery County Treasurer maintains real estate tax records, including current bills, payment history, and delinquency information.
- Free public access is available through the county's online portal
- Search options include property address, owner name, and parcel number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and amount due
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Applicable exemptions
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Delinquent tax status
- Payment options and installment plan status
4. GIS / Mapping System
Montgomery County maintains a geographic information system that provides visual access to parcel boundaries, zoning layers, aerial photography, and flood zone designations.
- The GIS portal is accessible through the county's official website
- Users may navigate the map to a specific location, click on a parcel, and view linked property information
- Multiple map layers are available, including zoning, environmental features, and property boundaries
In-Person Searches:
Commissioner of the Revenue Office
Commissioner of the Revenue – Montgomery County
755 Roanoke Street, Suite 1B
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-5710
Montgomery County Commissioner of the Revenue
Services available in person include access to public terminals, staff assistance with property searches, property cards, and exemption application processing.
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
55 East Main Street
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-5760
Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
Members of the public may inspect official land records, request certified copies of recorded instruments, and access the grantor/grantee index. Staff are available to assist with document retrieval and historical record searches.
Treasurer's Office
Montgomery County Treasurer
755 Roanoke Street, Suite 1B
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-5720
Montgomery County Treasurer
Services include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, delinquency records, and tax certificate searches.
By Mail Requests:
Circuit Court Clerk – Mail Requests
Requests for copies of recorded land instruments may be submitted by mail to the Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk at 55 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073. Requestors should specify the instrument by book and page number, instrument number, or property address and approximate recording date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.
Commissioner of the Revenue – Mail Requests
Requests for property assessment information may be directed by mail to the Commissioner of the Revenue at 755 Roanoke Street, Suite 1B, Christiansburg, VA 24073. Requestors should include the property address or parcel identification number and a return envelope.
Through Professionals:
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and prepare abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests affecting a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties, comparable sales, and property histories as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
- When searching by owner name, attempt both last-name-first and full-name formats, and consider name spelling variations and business entity names
- When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes
- For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the Circuit Court Clerk's office or the Library of Virginia is recommended
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear in online systems due to recording processing delays
- Verify results using the parcel identification number when common names or similar addresses produce multiple results
What Is Montgomery County Property Records
Property records in Montgomery County, Virginia, are official documents related to real property — including land and improvements — maintained by county government offices as permanent public records. These instruments establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and provide the factual basis for property tax assessment. Under Virginia Code § 55.1-300 et seq., the recording of instruments affecting real property provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting real property
- Chain of title documentation
Encumbrance Records
- Deeds of trust and mortgages
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements and restrictive covenants
- Homeowner association documents
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records
- Real property tax assessments conducted by the Commissioner of the Revenue
- Tax bills and payment history maintained by the Treasurer
- Exemptions including homestead, senior, disability, and veteran classifications
- Special assessments and delinquency records
As noted on the Montgomery County reassessment page, "Reassessment is the process of determining the value of property or land for tax purposes. Reassessments are required by law to insure that each property is assessed at fair market value."
Legal Descriptions and Plats
- Subdivision plats and re-plats
- Survey plats and metes-and-bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
- Condominium declarations
Building and Permit Records
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violation records
- Zoning and land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk records and indexes all instruments affecting real property title. The Commissioner of the Revenue maintains property valuation and assessment records. The Treasurer maintains tax billing and payment records. The Building and Planning Department maintains permit and zoning records.
Are Property Records Public Information in Montgomery County?
Property records in Montgomery County are public information accessible to any member of the public without a stated purpose, residency requirement, or ownership interest. Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq., establishes the right of the public to inspect and copy public records maintained by government bodies. The Virginia recording statutes further mandate that all instruments recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk be available for public inspection as a matter of constructive notice.
As stated in the Virginia FOIA statute, "The affairs of government are not intended to be conducted in an atmosphere of secrecy since at all times the public is to be the beneficiary of any action taken at any level of government."
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency in property ownership prevents fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances
- The recording system provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors
- Public access enables real estate transactions, title searches, and title insurance
- Tax assessment transparency supports accountability in property taxation
- Historical and genealogical research depends on permanent public access to land records
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under Virginia law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may qualify for address confidentiality protections under the Virginia Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the Commissioner of the Revenue should be contacted for applicable policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person may access Montgomery County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
Commercial Use:
Commercial aggregation of public property records is legally permissible. Title insurance companies, property valuation services, and data aggregators such as CoreLogic and First American compile public records for subscription-based services. Anti-harassment laws and fair housing statutes continue to apply to the use of publicly obtained information.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Montgomery County?
Current fees for obtaining property records in Montgomery County are governed by Virginia law and the fee schedules established by the Circuit Court Clerk and the Commissioner of the Revenue.
Circuit Court Clerk – Recording and Copy Fees:
| 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 |
| In-person document inspection | No charge |
| Online document viewing (VLIS) | Varies by access tier |
Recording fees for new instruments are governed by Virginia Code § 17.1-275, which establishes the statutory fee schedule for circuit court clerks statewide.
Commissioner of the Revenue – Assessment Records:
- Inspection of assessment records: No charge
- Copies of property cards or assessment data: Standard per-page copying fees apply
Treasurer – Tax Records:
- Inspection of tax records: No charge
- Copies of tax bills: Standard per-page copying fees apply
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check payable to the Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk or applicable office
- Credit and debit cards (availability varies by office)
Fee Waivers:
Virginia FOIA provides that fees may be reduced or waived when the production of records is in the public interest and not primarily for commercial purposes. Requestors seeking a fee waiver must submit a written request stating the basis for the waiver to the applicable custodian.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Online inspection of property assessment data through the county portal
- In-person inspection of recorded instruments at the Circuit Court Clerk's office
- Online search of the grantor/grantee index through the Virginia Land Records Information System
What's Included in a Montgomery County Property Record?
A complete Montgomery County property record encompasses information maintained across multiple county offices, including the Circuit Court Clerk, the Commissioner of the Revenue, and the Treasurer.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners as reflected on the most recently recorded deed, including the ownership type — individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entireties, trust, LLC, or corporation — the acquisition date, and the deed book and page or instrument number. Previous ownership information provides the chain of title, including prior owners' names, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification:
Each parcel is identified by a site address, mailing address, legal description (including lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and metes-and-bounds description where applicable), and a parcel identification number assigned by the Commissioner of the Revenue.
Physical Characteristics:
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, zoning classification, and land use designation. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and additional features such as garage spaces, pools, fireplaces, and HVAC systems.
Valuation Information:
Assessment records reflect the land value, building value, total assessed value, and market value as determined by the Commissioner of the Revenue. Historical assessed values for prior years are available in the property record. Agricultural classification values are reflected where applicable.
Tax Information:
Tax records include the current year tax amount, applicable exemptions, taxable value after exemptions, millage rates by taxing authority, due dates, payment status, and tax payment history. Delinquency history, if any, is reflected in the Treasurer's records.
Sales History:
Sales history reflects recent transfer dates, sale prices, deed types, grantor and grantee names, and documentary stamp amounts. Qualified and unqualified sale designations are noted for assessment purposes.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages and deeds of trust, tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, code enforcement liens, easements, restrictive covenants, and lis pendens notices are reflected in the Circuit Court Clerk's official records index.
What Is Not Typically Included:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted under Virginia law)
- Private agreements not recorded with the Clerk
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Interior photographs
- Confidential exemption application details
How Long Does Montgomery County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Montgomery County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting real property title — including deeds, deeds of trust, releases, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed. The permanent retention of land records is essential to the integrity of the chain of title and is required under Virginia law and the Library of Virginia's records retention schedules, which govern the retention of public records by Virginia localities.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and trustee's deeds, dating back to the county's formation
- All recorded mortgages and deeds of trust, including satisfactions and releases
- All recorded liens, including releases
- All subdivision plats, re-plats, and survey plats
- All easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- All court documents affecting title
- All powers of attorney affecting real property
Format and Storage:
Historical records from the county's earliest period are preserved in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records are available on microfilm. The Montgomery County Microfilm collection at the Library of Virginia includes county administrative records, court records, land records, fiduciary records, and other historical documents. Modern records are maintained in electronic document management systems with scanned images of original instruments and off-site digital backups.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20+ years) | Fully online through VLIS and county portal |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | Microfilm and digital terminals at courthouse |
| Historical (50+ years) | Original books and microfilm at courthouse |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Property Appraiser – Assessment Records:
Assessment rolls and property cards are maintained permanently. Recent years of assessment history are available online through the county portal. Historical assessments are available at the Commissioner of the Revenue's office.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years. Tax deed records are maintained permanently by the Circuit Court Clerk. Delinquency records are maintained for several years by the Treasurer.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking historical land records not available online may contact the Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk at (540) 382-5760 or visit the office at 55 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073. Requestors should specify the property address or legal description, the approximate time period, and the document type. Retrieval time ranges from same-day to several days for records in archive storage. The Library of Virginia in Richmond also maintains historical Montgomery County records on microfilm and is accessible to the public.
Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
55 East Main Street
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-5760
Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 692-3500
Library of Virginia
How To Find Liens on Property in Montgomery County?
Liens on property in Montgomery County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Circuit Court Clerk's official land records index. Any lien that has been properly recorded with the Clerk constitutes constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors under Virginia recording law.
Types of Liens Searchable:
- Judgment liens docketed in the Circuit Court
- Federal and state tax liens recorded with the Clerk
- Mechanic's liens filed pursuant to Virginia Code § 43-1 et seq.
- HOA assessment liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
Search Methods:
Online – Virginia Land Records Information System:
- Access the VLIS portal through the Circuit Court Clerk's office
- Search by grantee name (the property owner against whom the lien is filed) or by grantor name
- Filter results by document type (e.g., lien, judgment lien, mechanic's lien)
- Review the list of returned instruments
- Select a document to view the recorded image
- Note the instrument number, recording date, lien amount, and lienholder
Online – Federal Tax Liens: Federal tax liens are recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk and are searchable through the same VLIS portal. The IRS also maintains a lien search tool through the IRS website for federal tax lien verification.
In-Person – Circuit Court Clerk:
Members of the public may visit the Circuit Court Clerk's office at 55 East Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073, during regular business hours to inspect the grantor/grantee index and request staff assistance with lien searches. Staff can retrieve recorded lien documents and provide copies at the applicable per-page fee.
Judgment Lien Searches:
Judgment liens in Virginia are docketed in the Circuit Court judgment lien docket. A judgment lien attaches to all real property owned by the judgment debtor in the county where the lien is docketed. Members of the public may search the judgment lien docket through the Circuit Court Clerk's office or through the Virginia Judiciary Online case information system.
Title Search:
A comprehensive lien search is conducted as part of a professional title search performed by a title company or real estate attorney. Title professionals search the grantor/grantee index, the judgment lien docket, the federal tax lien index, and other applicable records to identify all encumbrances affecting a specific parcel.
Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
55 East Main Street
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: (540) 382-5760
Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
What Is Property Owner Rule in Montgomery County?
The property owner rule in Montgomery County, Virginia, refers to the body of legal principles governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership under Virginia law.
Ownership Requirements:
Under Virginia law, any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust, or other legal entity may own real property in Montgomery County. There is no residency requirement for property ownership. Foreign nationals and out-of-state entities may hold title to real property in Virginia subject to applicable federal and state regulations.
How Ownership Is Established:
Legal ownership of real property in Montgomery County is established by a recorded deed. A deed must be signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary public, and recorded with the Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk to be effective against subsequent purchasers and creditors. Under Virginia Code § 55.1-407, an unrecorded deed is void as to a subsequent purchaser for valuable consideration without notice whose deed is first recorded.
Types of Ownership:
- Sole ownership – A single individual or entity holds title
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship – Two or more owners hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) take the deceased owner's interest automatically
- Tenancy in common – Two or more owners hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
- Tenancy by the entireties – Available only to married couples in Virginia; provides protection from individual creditors of either spouse
- Trust ownership – A trustee holds title for the benefit of named beneficiaries
- Entity ownership – An LLC, corporation, or partnership holds title
Property Tax Obligations:
All owners of real property in Montgomery County are subject to annual real estate taxation. The Commissioner of the Revenue assesses the value of all real property, and the Treasurer collects taxes based on that assessment. As stated on the Montgomery County reassessment page, "Reassessments are required by law to insure that each property is assessed at fair market value." Property owners who disagree with an assessment may appeal to the Board of Equalization pursuant to Virginia law.
Exemptions Available to Property Owners:
Virginia law provides several exemptions that reduce the taxable value of real property for qualifying owners:
- Homestead exemption for owner-occupied primary residences
- Exemptions for elderly and disabled property owners under Virginia Code § 58.1-3210, which authorizes localities to provide tax relief for qualifying residents
- Exemptions for veterans with service-connected disabilities
- Agricultural and forestal use value assessments for qualifying land
Transfer of Ownership:
Real property in Montgomery County is transferred by recorded deed. The grantor must have legal capacity and authority to convey. The deed must contain an adequate legal description of the property, identify the grantor and grantee, state the consideration, and be properly executed and acknowledged. Virginia imposes a recordation tax on deeds of conveyance based on the consideration paid, collected at the time of recording by the Circuit Court Clerk.
Property Owner Rights:
Property owners in Montgomery County hold the right to use, enjoy, and dispose of their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and other recorded encumbrances. Virginia's property rights protections are grounded in both the Virginia Constitution and the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibit the taking of private property for public use without just compensation.
Lookup Property Records in Montgomery County
- Montgomery County, VA — official county portal for real estate and property records search, personal property taxes, and public services
- Reassessment | Montgomery County, VA — information on the property reassessment process and fair market value determinations
- Montgomery County Microfilm | Library of Virginia — historical county records including land records, court records, and administrative documents available on microfilm