If you live in Portsmouth, or you own property there that you need to protect, your Virginia homestead deed must be recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office for the City of Portsmouth. Virginia’s homestead exemption rules are strict about form and content, and a deed that isn’t prepared correctly can cost you the protection you’re counting on.
Where to File in Portsmouth
- Clerk of Circuit Court: Cynthia P. Morrison
- Office: Deeds/Land Records, Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
- Address: 1345 Court Street, Suite 101, Portsmouth, VA 23705
- Phone: 757-393-8671
- Recording hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Portsmouth Filing Fee
The base state fee to record a homestead deed of 10 pages or fewer is $23 — combining the clerk’s recording fee (Va. Code § 17.1-275, $18) and the statewide Technology Trust Fund fee (Va. Code § 17.1-279, $5). Portsmouth may add its own local fee on top of this base amount, and filing on paper rather than e-recording typically adds a further $5. Longer documents cost more. Fees can change, so confirm the current total with the Clerk’s Office before you file, or check the Commonwealth’s own Circuit Court Deed Fee Calculator.
Before You File in Portsmouth
Portsmouth accepts e-recording for real estate documents, including through Simplifile, and requires a Virginia Land Records Cover Sheet on every document submitted electronically. Your deed should show the GPIN (tax map/parcel number) in the upper-left corner of the first page. We recommend calling the Clerk’s Office or checking their website before you go, since procedures and fees can change.
Get Your Homestead Deed Prepared Correctly
We prepare Virginia homestead deeds that meet the Commonwealth’s specific format and content requirements, so you can file with confidence at the Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
Not your city or county? See the full list of where to file in Virginia, or prepare your homestead deed online.
Related Reading
Want to understand why Virginia’s homestead exemption applies to garnishments and bank levies in the first place? See our guide, Garnishment & the Homestead Exemption. If you’re weighing a homestead deed against filing for bankruptcy, see Homestead Deed vs. Bankruptcy: Which One Actually Fits Your Situation?