Evidence Receiving

Each laboratory contains an Evidence Receiving Section to handle the submission and return of evidence to the Department of Forensic Science.

The Department of Forensic Science Evidence Receiving Sections are open to receive and return evidence Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. 

• Please contact your local laboratory to set up an appointment for evidence submissions (if your agency does not currently have a scheduled time), in order to increase the overall efficiency of the Section and facilitate the time needed for each agency to submit evidence. Submitters with appointments will be served before walk-ins.
• DFS encourages agencies to submit evidence via mail when possible.  Evidence mailing instructions can be found in the Department’s Evidence Handling and Laboratory Capabilities Guide, on p. 6 of the section entitled “General Submission of Evidence,” which can be found on the Department’s website.
  • Please note that the following items of evidence may NOT be mailed: firearms and ammunition, explosives, flammable liquids, petroleum distillates and caustics.  
• DFS requests that agencies submit RFLEs via facsimile or email to the appropriate Evidence Receiving Section the day prior to the evidence being delivered in order to facilitate efficiency during an agency’s submission time.

To Make An Appointment:

CENTRAL (Richmond) Email: central.evidence@dfs.virginia.gov Phone: 804-786-4707

EASTERN (Norfolk) Email: eastern.evidence@dfs.virginia.gov   Phone: 757-683-6387

NORTHERN (Manassas) Email: northern.evidence@dfs.virginia.gov Phone: 703-335-8100

WESTERN (Roanoke) Email: western.evidence@dfs.virginia.gov Phone: 540-561-6600

DIVISION OF TECHNICAL SERVICES (Ellen Spain) Phone: 804.588.4027 Email: Ellen.Spain@dfs.virginia.gov

For information on evidence packaging and submission, please see DFS Policy Notices and the Evidence Handling and Laboratory Capabilities Guide.

For information on forensic kits and order form, please see the Forensic Kit page.