By Evan Bevins, The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Circuit court records in all 55 West Virginia counties will be available to search and access online beginning March 10.
The state Supreme Court of Appeals announced this week that the West Virginia Public Access Search System, or WVPASS, will provide online access to all publicly available circuit court documents dating back to 1999 on the court’s website, www.courtswv.gov.
Registration to use the new system is free, as is the search feature. Documents can be downloaded for 25 cents per page, plus a nominal credit/debit card processing fee for regular public users, according to a release from the court. Attorneys will be able to use the new system to access and download files for cases in which they are counsel of record for free.
“The Court is proud to announce the launch of this long-awaited system that will bring county circuit court records into the digital age,” said Chief Justice William R. “Bill” Wooton. “This launch is the culmination of an extended, monumental effort on the part of the Supreme Court’s Administrative Office, our outside vendor and staff from all 55 county courthouses. Online access to court records is an essential public service, and I want to thank all parties involved for their commitment to making this a reality.”
Wood County Circuit Clerk Celeste Ridgway said she and her staff have been working toward the effort since she took office in 2020.
