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1. I am a new resident of Woodstock, what are my responsibilities concerning my driver’s license and my vehicle?

Driver's License:
Virginia law allows a 60 day grace period for new residents before you must obtain a Virginia driver's license.

Vehicle Registration:
Virginia law allows a 30 day grace period for new residents before you must obtain a Virginia registration.

Vehicle Inspection:
Virginia law requires that any vehicle registered in Virginia must be inspected.

Vehicle Insurance:
Proof of insurance or financial responsibility is required for each vehicle registered in Virginia.

Woodstock Vehicle Decals:
Vehicles registered or garaged in Woodstock must pay a vehicle licensing fee. New residents have 30 days in which to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of their new address and that their vehicles are being garaged in the Town of Woodstock. The fee will be added to your personal property tax bill.

Please refer to the Department of Motor Vehicles regarding any questions about antique or farm use vehicles.

2. Does the Police Department have a house or business security check service for residents going away or who have passed away?

Yes, you just need to contact the Police Department to get a paper copy of our Security Check request form, or you may fill out our online request form. The residence/business will be placed on our security checklist and officers will check the house or business while they are on patrol.

3. How can I get a copy of an accident report?

If you were involved in an accident in Woodstock, you can obtain a copy of the accident report by contacting the Woodstock Police Department Administrative Assistant during normal business hours. The Police Department requests a written request and proof of identification before releasing a copy of an accident report. There is a $10.00 fee to the individual involved in the accident, vehicle owner, or insurance companies. It is recommended that you call before coming to the Police Department, to make sure the report is ready.

4. How can I get a copy of a criminal offense report?

If you were the victim of a crime in Woodstock, you can contact the Woodstock Police Department Administrative Assistant during normal business hours and request an Offense Verification Report. The cost is $10.00. The Woodstock Police Department does not release copies of our criminal offense reports or complaints without a court order, because they may contain confidential information.

5. How can I get a copy of a crimal history?

Woodstock Police Department does not release criminal history information to non-law enforcement personnel. However, criminal history information in Virginia can be obtained by visiting the Virginia State Police website. Download and complete VSP form SP-167 and mail it along with a check made payable to 'Virginia State Police' to:

Virginia State Police
Central Criminal Records Exchange - NF
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, Virginia 23261-5076

If you have specific questions you can call (804) 674-6718 or email them to Criminal Record Check at background_checks@vsp.virginia.gov.

6. How can I get a copy of my driving record?

Driver's history records are available from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. You may request a copy of your driving record or vehicle record from DMV. Federal and state laws specify what information DMV keeps, how long it is kept and the circumstances under which it may be released. Inquiries can be made online, by mail or in person. The Woodstock DMV is open Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and is located at:

Woodstock DMV
714-A N. Main Street
Woodstock, Virginia 22664
(540) 459-5185

7. Can I get fingerprinted for employment or criminal justice reasons?

Woodstock Police Department offers fingerprinting services to the public. Persons needing fingerprinting for employment or criminal justice reasons may come by the office during normal business hours. Persons needing to be fingerprinted for a criminal offense or for a sex offender registry or update may do so at the Shenandoah County Jail 24 hours a day.

8. Can I have a vehicle towed from my private property?

The owner, his agent or person in lawful possession of the property may request a vehicle be removed from a property if it does not have permission to be on the property.

9. What do I do if my car is impounded?

The Code of Virginia requires officers to impound vehicles for a variety of reasons. If you are the owner of a vehicle that has been impounded and have questions as to its whereabouts, you can contact the Emergency Communications Center at (540) 459-6101. In some circumstances a vehicle may be released prior to the expiration of the impoundment. You must petition the courts to fulfill this request. More information can be obtained by contacting the General District Court at (540) 459-6130.

10. How do I get my property back from the police department?

Property may be collected for various reasons by the Woodstock Police Department. The main reasons are for evidentiary and safe keeping purposes.

If your property was collected by the department and you wish to have it returned, the owner must come by the police department during normal business hours. Although not required, an appointment is highly recommended unless you have made arrangements with an officer. Property will only be released to its owner. Proper identification must be provided and proof of ownership may be required.

When wanting to retrieve your property, keep in mind that, if the property was collected as evidence, the criminal case must be completely resolved before the property may be released.

* The release of firearms will only occur if the owner is allowed to possess the firearm.

11. What is a protective order?

Protective orders are legal documents issued by a judge or magistrate to protect the health and safety of a person who is alleged to be a victim of any act involving violence, force or threat that results in bodily injury or places that person in fear of death, sexual assault or bodily injury.

In Virginia, there are 3 kinds of Protective Orders that can protect you and others in your family or home:

Emergency Protective Order (expires at the end of the third day following issuance or the next day court is in session, whichever is later)
Preliminary Protective Order (lasts 15 days or until a full hearing)
Protective Order (may last up to 2 years)

Additional information may be obtained by visiting the website of Virginia's Judical System or by contacting our local courts in Shenandoah County. Keep in mind Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles protective orders involving family or household members and juveniles hereas General District Court, generally speaking, handles all other protective order matters.

General District Court
215 Mill Road, Suite 128
Woodstock, Virginia 22664
(540) 459-6130
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
215 Mill Road, Suite 228
Woodstock, Virginia 22664
(540) 459-6135
Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

12. How do I apply to become an officer for the Woodstock Police Department?

If you come by the Police Department during normal business hours, we will have you fill out a form indicating that you are interested in obtaining an application for employment. This form will be kept on file for one year. If during that one-year period, the Police Department advertises for new officers, you will be notified that you can come by the Office and pick up an application. We do not mail out applications because of their size. We will also accept a letter expressing an interest in obtaining an application for employment.

13. What are the requirements to be an officer for the Woodstock Police Department?

To be considered for employment as a police officer for the Town of Woodstock, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:
1. Minimum of 21 years of age.
2. High school graduate or GED equivalent.
3. United States citizen.
4. Must possess or be eligible to obtain a valid Virginia drivers license.
5. Must not have been convicted of, pled guilty to, or no contest to a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in the State of Virginia.

14. What can I expect once I apply to be an officer for the Woodstock Police Department?

The Police Department has an established application process. Applicants may be required to take a written examination, appear before an Applicant Review Board and have an interview with the Chief of Police and/or others. The Police Department will conduct a thorough background investigation and a fingerprint based criminal history check will be performed.

If given a conditional offer of employment, applicants may be required to take a physical examination with drug testing, psychological fitness testing, firearms testing (with training if required) and complete a sixteen (16) week basic police academy.