Constituent Services Frequently Asked Questions
- Judicial Inquiries
- Pardons/Clemency
- Legal Issues
- Parole/Department of Corrections
- Local Governments/School Boards
- Employment/Employer Issues
- Police Issues
- Federal Issues
- Contacting Congressional Delegation Members
- Immigration
- Social Security
- Medicare/Medicaid
- Governor's Office Requests
- Scheduling Requests
- Governor-appointed Boards and Commissions
- Child Support
- Consumer Complaints
- Utility Companies
- Banking questions
- Gas Prices
- Licenses, IDs and Other Official Documents
- Hunting/Fishing Licenses
- Drivers License / ID cards
- Vital Records
- Taxes
- Transportation / Eminent Domain
- Other Issues
- Election-related Concerns
- Virginia Lottery
- Higher Education
- Unclaimed Property
- Family Health Insurance Assistance
Judicial Inquiries 
Whom do I contact about concerns with the action of a judge?
You should contact the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission, which is an independent state agency created by the Constitution of Virginia to investigate charges of judicial misconduct or serious mental or physical disability. The Commission investigates complaints of misconduct against all state court judges, members of the State Corporation Commission, and members of the Workers Compensation Commission.
The Commission has seven members consisting of three judges, two lawyers, and two citizen members who are not lawyers. The members are elected by the Virginia General Assembly for four-year terms. Please visit the JIRC Web site for more information. You can write to the JIRC at PO Box 367, Richmond, Virginia, 23218 or call at 804-786-6636.
Whom do I contact about having my rights restored or receiving a pardon?
According to the Constitution of Virginia, all clemency authority is vested solely in the Governor. However, petitions for the restoration of rights and pardons are first processed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, a member of the Governor’s cabinet. Files are reviewed in the order in which completed applications are received and the petitioner is notified by mail as to whether the petition has been granted or denied by the Governor.
Please remember that clemency is not guaranteed, and if a petition is denied, the petitioner has no right of appeal. Visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Clemency pages or call 804-786-2441 for more information.
Whom do I contact if I’ve been wrongfully convicted of a crime?
Due to the separation of powers, the Governor does not have the authority to overrule a conviction ruling by the court. This responsibility falls under the Supreme Court of Virginia. If you have firm proof that wrongdoings occurred during prosecution, you should present that proof through the auspices of a qualified lawyer to the court for its review and consideration.
If you do not have legal counsel to represent you, please contact the Virginia State Bar lawyer referral hotline at 800-552-7977 or your local Legal Aid office.
Whom do I contact with complaints about representation by a Virginia lawyer?
The Governor does not have administrative authority over lawyers practicing in Virginia. To file complaints about representation provided by a Virginia lawyer, please call the Virginia State Bar at 804-775-0500 or explore the disciplinary pages on the VSB Web site.
Are there resources available to assist me after I’ve been convicted of a crime?
There are several available resources to assist you after you have been convicted of a crime:
- The Post Conviction Assistance Project is available to inmates who already have a lawyer. Staff can be reached at 434-924-3034.
- Virginia Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants (VA CURE) can also be reached at 703- 765-7010.
- Prison Family Support Services is also available to assist you and your family. Contact them at 804- 643-2401.
How do I file a complaint against the parole board?
The Virginia Parole Board (which operates within the Department of Corrections) is the sole paroling authority for felony offenders and also provides recommendations to the Governor on clemency matters. If you have a concern or grievance that you wish to express, contact the Parole Board:
Virginia
Parole Board
6900 Atmore Drive
Richmond, Virginia 23225
804-674-3081
How do I file a grievance against the Virginia Department of Corrections?
The Special Investigations Unit of the Office of the Inspector General (also within the Dep't of Corrections) is responsible for conducting investigations of all felony and misdemeanor violations of law committed in and against the DOC; and serious allegations of staff/employee misconduct and administrative violations.
If you have a concern or grievance that you wish to express, contact the Office as per the information provided below::
Office
of the Inspector General
6900 Atmore Drive
Richmond, Virginia 23225
804-674-3081
Can you give me advice about my legal problem?
The Governor is not able to provide legal advice. To find a Virginia lawyer, contact the Virginia State Bar lawyer referral hotline at 800-522-7977 or contact your local Legal Aid office.
Local Issues
How do I get help with a complaint against my local government?
The Governor of Virginia has no administrative authority over local governments. Check the following sources for local government information:
- The Virginia Association of Counties map / Web site listings to get contact and other helpful information.
- The Virginia Municipal League is also a good resource.
Whom should I contact about local ordinances?
Local ordinances
are adopted by your town, county, or city. These ordinances may address
issues such as noise, zoning, special assignments, water rates, or trees and
vegetation in right-of-ways. As a state government official, the Governor
does not hold jurisdiction over local ordinances. If you have concerns
regarding an ordinance in your community, please contact your local officials. You
can search for their contact information on
the VaCo Web site.
I have a problem or complaint with my local school board. Who
can help me?
The Governor has no administrative authority over local school boards. If you have a problem, complaint, concern, or suggestion about your local school board or local school system, you should contact your local board of supervisors or city council.
For a listing of local government Web sites, visit the Virginia Association of Counties Web site / directory. The Virginia Municipal League is also a good resource for local government information.
Employment / Employer Issues
Whom do I contact about any concerns I might have as a state employee?
The Virginia Department of Human Resource Management is the state agency that serves the needs of state employees. Their Web site is a great source of information on employee policies, required forms, the payday and holiday calendar, etc. If you wish to contact their office directly, check out their Contact Us page for specific information.
How do I apply for unemployment benefits?
Please visit the Virginia Employment Commission Web site or call 804-786-1485 to apply for unemployment benefits. The VEC can also help with other questions you may have regarding unemployment and insurance issues, as well as information about obtaining employment with the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Where can I get help finding a job?
Job Seeker Services through the Virginia Employment Commission provides employment assistance and access to thousands of job listings. Resources are also available at your local VEC office.
Whom do I contact about state employee retirement issues?
If you are a current or former state employee, or a retiree, please visit the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Web site. The VRS is responsible for administering all of the Commonwealth’s retirement benefits.
How can I get help with my Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Contact the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission directly if you have questions regarding your claim. The WCC is an independent state agency and does not fall under the administrative authority of the Governor.
The WCC Ombudsman’s Office can help facilitate better communication between all parties involved with a claim. The Ombudsman’s office does not take sides in an issue and can answer questions and provide assistance. You can also call the WCC toll free at 877-664-2566.
Police Issues
How do I report a problem with my local police?
The Governor of Virginia does not have administrative authority over local police offices. If you have a concern with a local police officer, you should contact the Internal Affairs Division of your local police office. You may also contact your local Chief of Police or Sherriff’s Office. You may also contact your local government for assistance.
How do I report a problem with the Virginia State Police?
As a state agency within the Secretariat of Public Safety, the Virginia State Police do come under the authority of the Office of the Governor. However, you may be better assisted by contacting the Secretary of Public Safety’s office, as they have direct administrative oversight of the Virginia State Police. Secretary Marshall and his staff will be happy to assist you. Please visit the Secretary of Public Safety’s Web site or call (804) 786-5351.
Federal Issues
How can I contact my Congressional Representative?
The U.S. House of Representatives site offers a locator and contact service for all representatives. Once you input your zip code information, this service automatically takes you to an e-mail form that will be sent to your Congressperson.
If you would rather call or write a letter, you may get other member information for Virginia's representatives here.
Can the Governor help me file my immigration forms?
Immigration is handled by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The Governor of Virginia has no administrative authority over federal government agencies or programs like immigration.
Can the Governor help me get my Social Security benefits?
Social Security is a program that is administered by the federal government and therefore the Governor of Virginia has no administrative authority over Social Security. You should visit the Social Security Administration Web site for further assistance; if you are having trouble getting assistance from the SSA, contact your Congressional representative.
Where can I get assistance regarding Medicare or Medicaid?
Medicare is a program that is administered by the federal government; the Governor of Virginia has no administrative authority over Medicare. You should visit the Medicare Web site for further assistance; if you are having trouble getting assistance, contact your Congressional representative.
Medicaid is administered by the Commonwealth of Virginia and is under the administrative authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and the Department of Medical Assistance Services. You can find contact information for DMAS here.
Governor's Office Requests
How do I request a meeting with the Governor?
To request a meeting with the Governor, or to request that the Governor attend your event, you must first submit a request to the Governor’s Scheduling Office.
How do I find out about serving the Commonwealth on a Board or Commission?
The Governor has appointment authority to hundreds of advisory, policy, and supervisory boards and commissions. The Governor’s Secretary of the Commonwealth is responsible for the research of qualified individuals for gubernatorial appointments and is always seeking qualified individuals to serve the Commonwealth. Individuals interested in applying for an appointment by the Governor should visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Web site to find out more about the appointments process.
Child Support
Whom do I contact about child support services?
The Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE), within the Department of Social Services, handles all issues relating to child support payments. If you have an issue regarding these matters, please contact the DCSE Division at (800) 468-8894 or (877) 822-4533.
Consumer Complaints
Where can I get help with a concern or complaint against an insurance or utility company in Virginia?
Contact the State Corporation Commission, which acts as one of Virginia’s primary regulatory agencies. The SCC’s authority encompasses utilities, insurance, state-chartered financial institutions, securities, retail franchising, and railroads. You may call the SCC toll-free (Virginia only) at 800-552-7945 or 804-371-9967, or you can visit the SCC’s consumer information Web site.
Where can I get help if I have a problem with my bank?
Contact the State Corporation Commission, which acts as one of Virginia’s primary regulatory agencies. The SCC’s authority encompasses utilities, insurance, state-chartered financial institutions, securities, retail franchising, and railroads. You may call the SCC toll-free (Virginia only) at 800-552-7945 or 804-371-9967, or you can visit the SCC’s consumer information Web site.
Where can I voice my concern about gas prices or gas gouging?
A top priority of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is to assure consumers that gasoline prices in the state are completely fair and represent quality goods. To report suspected gasoline price gouging, please fill out the Gasoline Price Gouging Complaint form on the VDACS Consumer Affairs Complaint Web site.
For additional information on consumer protection, please visit the VDACS Consumer Affairs Web site or contact them by phone at 804-786-2042.
License, IDs and Other
Official Documents
How do I get a hunting or fishing license?
For information on license requirements, fees, and purchasing a hunting and/or fishing license, please visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Web site.
How do I renew my driver’s license?
In order to renew your driver’s license, you must contact or visit the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. You may renew your license in three ways:
- online through the DMV Web site (requires some password authentication; just follow the instructions);
- by calling toll free at 1-866-DMVLINE (1-866-368-5463) or 1-800-435-5137; or
- by visiting a local DMV office. You can find a complete listing of DMV sites here.
How do I obtain a valid Virginia identification card?
To get or renew a valid Virginia identification card, you must visit or contact the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- online through the DMV Web site (requires some password authentication; just follow the instructions);
- by calling toll free at 1-866-DMVLINE (1-866-368-5463) or 1-800-435-5137; or
- by visiting a local DMV office. You can find a complete listing of DMV sites here.
How do I get an authentic birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificate?
The Virginia Division of Vital Records (part of the Virginia Department of Health) handles all birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates. Instructions on how to order copies of vital records can be found on their Web site, or by calling 804-662-6200.
Taxes
I have a question or complaint about my personal property taxes or my home assessment value. Whom do I contact?
If you have problems or concerns relating to your personal property taxes or home assessment value, it is best to contact your local treasurer. (Complaints about the local treasurer office itself should be directed to your local board of supervisors, or your city/town council.)
Check the following sources for local government information:
- The Virginia Association of Counties map / Web site listings to get contact and other helpful information.
- The Virginia Municipal League is also a good resource.
Whom do I contact if I have a question or complaint about my state income taxes?
Problems or concerns relating to your state income taxes should be directed to the Virginia Department of Taxation; you may also call their customer service line at 804-367-8031.
If your concerns are with the Department of Taxation itself, please contact the Office of the Secretary of Finance.
Eminent Domain / Transportation
Who can best address my concerns about eminent domain?
If you have a concern or complaint with an eminent domain issue, it is best to contact the Virginia Department of Transportation. You may also get information on your local VDOT office here.
I have a question about state-maintained roadways in Virginia. Who can help me?
Virginia’s roads are maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation. If you have questions regarding road conditions, road construction or any other issue, please contact the Virginia Department of Transportation. You may also get information on your local VDOT office here.
In addition, you may contact the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, where Secretary Homer and his staff would be happy to assist you.
Other Issues
Whom do I contact about election issues?
The State Board of Elections is responsible for ensuring uniformity, fairness, accuracy, and purity in all elections in the Commonwealth of Virginia. If you any questions or concerns regarding an election, please contact the SBE by calling 800 552-9745 or 804 864-8901.
How do I get information regarding the Virginia Lottery?
For questions regarding the Virginia State Lottery, please peruse the Lottery's Frequently Asked Questions or contact them directly.
How can I get information about the Virginia Prepaid Education Program?
Please contact the Virginia College Savings Plan for information on pre-paying
for college and tuition-related assistance:
Virginia College Savings Plan
PO Box 607
Richmond, Virginia 23218
800-567-0540
Where can I get information on unclaimed property?
The Unclaimed Property Division of the Virginia Department of the Treasury is responsible for returning money, stocks, bonds, dividends, utility deposits, insurance proceeds, and tangible property to the rightful owners. Contact the Unclaimed Property Division for more information. You may also use the division's unclaimed property database search.
My children need health insurance, but I can’t afford it. Am I eligible to receive assistance to insure them?
The Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS) covers Virginia’s at-need children with affordable health insurance. You may contact FAMIS at 866-873-2647, or visit the FAMIS Web site.
If you have concerns regarding FAMIS itself, please contact the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources.