Access information from historic warrants issued by the Victorian Sheriff's Office from 1838 to 1919.
'What additional information can I find in the original warrants?'
Details like names, dates, and debtors' and defaulters' places of residence and occupations are included in the index. A small number of the original warrants have additional correspondence or maps attached.
'I have found a reference in the index to warrants and now I want to view an original warrant'
Telephone (03) 8664 7009 or speak to a Librarian in person at the Ask A Librarian desk to place a request to view a warrant. You will need to quote the accession number MS 14521, the box and folder number that you found in the index, and any other details listed that identify the individual warrant - for example: name of person, occupation, date and warrant number.
The warrants are part of the Manuscripts Collection and are housed in the Library's Offsite Store. They need to be ordered for use before your visit, and same day requests are not available. For more information about turnaround times, see Using the Library's collections.
Warrants are delivered to and viewed in the Heritage Collections Reading Room at the Library.
'I have placed a request to view an original warrant, and I want to make a copy of the warrant'
Subject to the condition of the material, self-copying of the warrants is allowed in the Heritage Collections Reading Room. To take your own photographic copy of a warrant, you will need to bring your camera or device.
'I am unable to visit the Library. I would like to obtain a copy of a warrant that I have found in the index'
Go to the catalogue record for the Sheriff's Office collection. Click the 'Order A Digital Copy' button to access our online order form. (Copying fees apply). Make sure you quote the surname, date, box and folder number when you place your order. You can find further information about copy ordering services on the Library's Ordering copies of collection items help page.
'I want to access warrants that have not been indexed'
We are unable to provide access to warrants that have not been indexed. Keep checking this website for updates.
'Does the Public Record Office Victoria hold copies of these warrants?'
The Library's records complement the Civil Case Files (VPRS 267) and Civil Action/Cause Books (VPRS 5328) held by the Public Record Office Victoria (PROV).
An index to civil case files is available on microfilm at PROV. This index is not available at State Library Victoria. Residential and occupational details do not appear in PROV's indexes to civil case files, as they do in our index to the Sheriff’s Office records.
This guide relates to historic warrants. For information on outstanding current warrants, contact:
