Hope Cards

Hope Cards for Protective Orders
Protective Order Essential Information
A Hope Card is a durable laminated card, similar in size and shape to a credit card, that contains all the essential information about a civil protective order in a durable, easy-to-read format. The card is a convenient way to carry around the important information found on a protective order on their person at all times. It does not replace the existing protective order. Law enforcement still must verify the order in the Virginia Criminal Information Network when presented with a Hope Card.

The Hope Card includes information such as:

Identifying characteristics of the person being ordered to stay away.
Issue/expiration date of the order
Terms of the order, including possession of residence, etc.
Alert law enforcement if a weapon was involved.
Other protected parties

Apply for a Hope Card
Hope Cards are free and available to anyone with a valid final protective order. Protected persons may download the application here, and submit to the appropriate Court’s Clerk. Printed copies of the application are also available in each Clerk’s Office. Hope cards can be requested for:

General District Court: Final protective orders involving elder abuse, stalking, and dating/sexual violence with a non-family or live-in partner.
Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court: All final orders of protection.
Circuit Court: All final orders of protection.

The Hope Card program coordinator in the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia produces the card and then distributes it directly to the requestor. Hope Cards are mailed within approximately 14 business days of the Clerk entering the request into the system.