Judicial Services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where are the various Arlington courts located and when are they open?
Circuit Court – 17th Judicial District
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700, Arlington, VA 22201
Circuit Court hours of operation are posted on the About the Circuit Court page.
General District Court
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 2500, Arlington, VA 22201
See the General District Court: Court Schedules page for the hours and days of the week for Criminal Court, Trial Court, Traffic Court, and Civil Court.
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court (JDRC)
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 5100, Arlington, VA 22201
The hours of operation for the JDRC Clerk and for the Court Services Unit are displayed on the JDRC main page.
Office of the Magistrate
2020 N. 15th Street, Arlington, VA 22201
The Arlington County Magistrate's Office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
How do I obtain a warrant?
You must have the following information regarding the person you are making the complaint against:
- their full name
- their address
- their date of birth
- a complete physical description including
- height
- weight
- eye
- hair color
- their social security number (desirable, but not mandatory)
If you do not have this information, please contact a police department in your area and request their assistance before coming to see the magistrate. No business for a warrant will be conducted over the phone.
How do I pay (i.e., prepay) a traffic ticket (a.k.a. traffic summons)?
Traffic summons on the original yellow summons, if it is
- payable, and
- before the court date
can be paid by credit card at the Supreme Court of Virginia.
For more information in regards to fees call 703-228-4599.
The Arlington County Clerk's office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday, except for holidays and special occasions. When the Arlington County Clerk's office is closed, the Magistrate's office can accept prepayment. To prepay your ticket at the Magistrate's office, it must be:
- before the court date, and
- you need to have the full amount in
- cash,
- check, or
- credit card.
The on-duty Magistrate does not make change nor accept payment for parking tickets. If you have Arlington County parking ticket questions, please call 703-228-7111.
How do I obtain a restraining order?
Magistrates are not empowered to issue peace bonds or restraining orders. A magistrate may issue Emergency Protective Orders in cases of stalking or domestic violence. Restraining orders can be obtained in the civil side of the Arlington Circuit Court at 1435 North Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA 22201. Information can be obtained by calling 703-228-4370.
How do I get a marriage license? How do I get a certified copy of a marriage license?
Licenses are obtained through the Arlington Circuit Court. Information can be obtained at 703-228-4510.
