Georgia PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

Georgia State Public Records Search Online

The Georgia Open Records Act was enacted on February 27, 1959, under the federal Freedom of Information Act. Under this act, individuals can use public records to support their rights in legal matters.

In legal contexts, public records provide necessary evidence for personal injury claims and other cases, with lawyers frequently accessing 911 transcripts, police reports, and bodycam footage to support their arguments.

Additionally, these records are used to verify the legitimacy of businesses and professionals, verifying that consumers and other businesses engage with credible entities. While the act allows exemptions for confidential documents and personal privacy concerns, it mandates reasonable fees for search and retrieval to keep access affordable.

What Records are Public in Georgia?

In Georgia, state records are open to public inspection and copying, and agencies are required to respond within three business days of receiving a request. However, certain exemptions apply for sensitive information, such as ongoing investigations and personal privacy concerns.

What is Considered Public Information in Georgia?

In Georgia, public information includes documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, emails, and other materials generated or received by public offices or agencies during public service. Among the requestable public records in Georgia include:

• Criminal history records
• Court documents
• Bankruptcy filings
• Business and corporation records
• Sex offender registries
• Public birth records
• Property and tax records
• Public divorce records
• Inmate information
• Arrest records

Georgia Public Records Laws

The Georgia Open Records Act, the Georgia Open Meetings Act, and the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) establish the legislative framework for access to public records in Georgia.

What is the Georgia Public Records Act?

The Georgia Public Records Act, also known as the Georgia Open Records Act, is codified in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 50-18-70. It is part of Georgia's broader "sunshine laws", which also include the Open Meetings Act ( Georgia Code Section 50-14-1).

The act requires state and local government agencies to make their records available for public inspection and copying within a reasonable timeframe, typically three business days.

The law defines what constitutes a public record and outlines specific exemptions to disclosure. It also sets guidelines for fees that agencies can charge for record retrieval and copying. The act aims to foster transparency, allow public evaluation of government activities, and promote confidence in government institutions. Violations can result in civil or criminal penalties.

What is the Georgia Open Meetings Act?

The Georgia Open Meetings Act requires that state and local agencies' meetings be open to the public, with certain exceptions, and mandates that public notice be given in advance. The act also allows the public to record open meetings and requires agencies to make meeting minutes available for inspection. Violations of the act can result in penalties, including fines.

What is the FOIA in Georgia?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) grants the public the right to access records from any federal agency. It operates on the principle of disclosure, meaning federal agencies must release requested records unless they are protected by specific exemptions.

Under the FOIA, federal agencies can withhold information through nine exemptions, commonly covering:

• Classified information
• Internal rules
• Statutory exemptions
• Confidential business information
• Privileged communications
• Personal privacy
• Law enforcement
• Financial institutions
• Geological data

Who Can Access Public Records in Georgia?

Accessing public records is a public right, meaning anyone can request access. This right is not limited by the requester's identity, residency, or citizenship and applies equally to all individuals, including news organizations and private citizens.

Initially, only Georgia residents could request public records, but this requirement has been removed, allowing non-residents to make requests as well. Requesters do not need to state a purpose for their request, and there are no restrictions on how the records can be used.

Georgia Public Records Search

Requesters of public records in Georgia can submit their requests through various methods, including mail, fax, phone, online, or in-person, offering flexibility in how they access public records.

Some public records systems in Georgia offer real-time updates, particularly for legislative and court records. Many counties and state agencies provide online portals where individuals can search for and access public records.

The process of searching public records in Georgia may vary based on the record custodian, but generally, they have three business days to respond to a request and are required to provide at least 15 minutes of free search and retrieval time.

How To Find Georgia Public Records Online

In Georgia, individuals can access public records online through two primary methods: by using the official databases provided by the agencies that maintain the records or by utilizing third-party services.

To access records using the official databases or online tools offered by a government agency, follow the steps below:

• Identify the appropriate government agency that maintains the needed records.
• Visit the agency's official website.
• Locate the public records section, often found under headings like "Records", "Public Records", or "Services".
• Use the provided search tools to enter relevant information, such as names, dates, or case numbers.
• Review the search results and select the record they wish to access.
• Follow the instructions to download, view, or request copies of the records. Some records may require a fee for full access.

Meanwhile, when using third-party services, the process may vary but generally includes the following steps:

• Choose a reputable third-party service that provides access to public records in Georgia.
• Create an account or log in to the service if required.
• Enter the necessary details (e.g., names, dates) into the search fields.
• Browse the search results provided by the third-party service.
• Select the record of interest and follow the steps to view or obtain a copy. Note that third-party services may charge a fee for access.

How To Find Georgia Public Records Offline

Georgia public records can be accessed offline using several methods, including in-person visits to government offices, phone calls, and mail-in requests.

For in-person requests, the following steps can be taken:

• Determine which government office holds the records needed.
• Before visiting, make sure to have all the required information, such as the case number, names of individuals involved, and dates.
• Go to the identified office during its business hours.
• Prepare to show a valid form of identification, as some records may require proof of identity to access.
• Fill out the necessary forms from the clerk and pay the applicable fees.
• Once receive the records, review them on-site to verify that they meet needs. If necessary, request additional copies or information.

Alternatively, individuals can request records by fax or phone. They should first identify the specific records needed and determine which agency maintains them. Then, they should contact the agency directly, either by calling their public records office or faxing a formal written request. Follow-up may be necessary to confirm receipt and discuss fees.

Types of Public Records in Georgia

Georgia's public records are organized into various categories, each serving a distinct purpose. Some of the key types of public records in Georgia include:

State of Georgia Public Court Records

In Georgia, public court records provide a comprehensive account of court cases, detailing events, activities, and outcomes. According to Georgia Code Section 50-18-91, these records contain materials generated or possessed under legal provisions during court cases.

A Georgia court records search reveals a variety of information, including:

• Case information
• Dockets
• Briefs and pleadings
• Court orders and judgments
• Transcripts
• Exhibits and evidence

To obtain court records in Georgia, the first step is to determine the courthouse where the case was filed or heard. Typically, the courthouse maintains the case's official documents and provides access in hard copy or electronic format upon request.

There are two main ways to access court records in Georgia: in-person requests and online requests. However, some online case management systems do not grant access to official documents, and county clerks do not guarantee accurate findings on those databases.

Georgia Public Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy records in Georgia include documents and information related to the filing and proceedings of a bankruptcy case. These records typically contain:

• Bankruptcy petition: The initial filing document that starts the bankruptcy process
• Schedules of assets and liabilities: Lists of the debtor's assets, liabilities, income, and expenses
• Statement of financial affairs: Detailed information about the debtor's financial history
• Court proceedings: Records of hearings and decisions made by the bankruptcy court

While these records are public, certain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, full birthdates, and the names of minor children, is redacted to protect privacy.

Access to Georgia public bankruptcy records can be obtained through several methods. Individuals can access public records through the federal courts in Georgia, which are divided into three districts:

• Middle District of Georgia
• Southern District of Georgia
• Northern District of Georgia

Public computer terminals are available in the clerk's office of each bankruptcy court division for those preferring in-person access. Photocopies can be requested in person for a $0.50 per page fee, and certified copies are available for an additional charge.

For an online method, interested individuals can use the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. It is a widely used electronic service that provides case and docket information from federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts.

Alternatively, the Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (MCVCIS) offers a free telephone service that provides case information, including debtor name, case number, judge, filing date, and case status. The service is available 24/7 by calling toll-free at 866-222-8029.

County Court Records in Georgia

Georgia's court system comprises several types of trial-level courts, each maintaining specific records. Each court type handles different cases and maintains specific records.

Superior Courts, found in every county, keep records of major criminal cases, civil disputes, and family law matters. State Courts handle misdemeanors and civil cases. Probate Courts maintain wills, estate records, and marriage licenses. Magistrate Courts deal with small claims and minor criminal offenses. Juvenile Courts keep records related to cases involving minors.

To contact a specific court, individuals can start by visiting the Georgia Courts website. There, they can find contact information for each county's courts. Alternatively, one can call the county courthouse directly or visit in person.

For records requests, it is often helpful to contact the court clerk's office, which typically manages court records and can provide guidance on the request process.

Georgia Criminal Records

In Georgia, a criminal record is a document that details the criminal activity of a person who has been convicted of a crime. Georgia criminal records are accessible to the public for personal or professional reasons.

However, certain records, such as those involving juveniles or cases that have been sealed or expunged, are not available to the general public, as mandated in Georgia Code Section 35-3-37.

The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) is a primary repository for criminal records, and individuals can request their criminal history from this agency. The records in Georgia typically include the following information:

• Personal information: Name, date of birth, Social Security number, sex, race, height, and weight
• Arrest information: Arresting agency, date of arrest, and charges
• Prosecutor information: Details from the prosecutor's office, including formal charges brought
• Court information: Disposition of charges, sentences received, and court dates.
• Mugshots: Photographs taken at the time of arrest, though these are not publicly available until a conviction occurs

Individuals should schedule an appointment with the GCIC Lobby Office for record inspections and fingerprint services to obtain a criminal history record. Alternatively, they can request a copy by mailing their request to:

Georgia Public Arrest Records

Arrest reports, often part of criminal records, are generally public records in Georgia and are managed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) through its GCIC. These reports provide a detailed account of an arrest, including the date, time, location, arresting officer's name, and charges.

When requesting arrest records, specific details such as the arrested person's full name, date of birth, or case ID are typically required to facilitate the search. Many county sheriff's offices in Georgia provide online search tools to access recent arrest records and inmate information.

For instance, Fulton County offers an inmate record system where individuals can view recent arrests by entering details such as full names or booking information. Meanwhile, Gwinnett County provides access to recent arrest records through its Sheriff's Office search tool, which includes information on inmates and persons booked in the last 24 hours.

Georgia Vital Records

Vital records in Georgia contain important information about life events such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. According to Georgia Code Section 31-10-25, the disclosure of this information is regulated to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of these records.

While some records, such as indexes of marriage licenses and divorce records, are publicly accessible, others, like detailed birth and death records, may have restrictions on who can access them. To secure compliance with privacy regulations, access to certain records may require proof of relationship or legal interest.

Individuals can request vital records in person, by mail, or online. When making a request, they must provide valid identification and pay any required fees. To find the nearest location for in-person requests, individuals can use the " Find a Vital Records Office" page or the " Map of Vital Records Offices" provided by the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH).

Georgia Public Birth Records

Georgia public birth records provide details about births occurring within the state. Access to these records is restricted to specific individuals, including those named on the certificate, their parents, grandparents, siblings, legal guardians, or spouses.

Birth records in Georgia are maintained by the GDPH Vital Records and are available from January 1919 to the present.

To find Georgia birth records, individuals can use the Request Official Vital Event Records (ROVER) service. It is an online tool developed by the GDPH with the Georgia Technology Authority. Additionally, Georgia has approved third-party vendors such as GO Certificates and VitalChek that process online birth record requests.

For those who prefer to obtain birth records by mail, the process involves completing a " Request for Search of Birth" (Form 3918). A photocopy of a valid photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and the appropriate fee must accompany the form. Mail requests can be sent to the address below:

For genealogical research, birth records older than 100 years are public and can be accessed through the Georgia Archives or county probate courts. The Georgia Archives has some birth records from before 1919, but they are only complete for certain dates.

Georgia Public Death Records

Georgia public death records record the details surrounding an individual's death, including the cause, date, and place of death.

Death records are considered public documents and become accessible 100 years after death. However, access to certified copies is restricted to individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the deceased.

The Georgia Archives offers an extensive database known as Georgia's Virtual Vault, which includes indexed death records from 1825-1930 and death certificates from 1914 to early 1919. For more recent records, from 1944 to the present, the online service ROVER (Request Official Vital Event Records) provides access to death certificates.

For requests by mail, download and complete the " Request for Search of Death Record (Form 3912)". Include a valid copy of your government-issued photo ID and a stamped, self-addressed envelope and mail all documents to:

For walk-in requests, visit a vital records office with a written request that includes adequate information about the decedent, such as their name, sex, age at the time of death, and the date and location of death.

Georgia Public Marriage Records

Georgia public marriage records document the legal union of couples within the state. These records typically include marriage licenses and certificates, which contain essential information such as the couple's names, the date of the marriage, and the location where the marriage took place.

To obtain Georgia marriage records, individuals can contact the GDPH (Georgia Department of Public Health), which maintains records from June 1952 to August 1996. Individuals must complete the " Marriage Verification Request Form" and submit it by mail with the required fee. The cost is $10 for a search, with an additional $5 for each certified copy requested.

Online requests can be made through the GDPH Vital Records or third-party websites, while in-person requests require a visit to the office during business hours.

Georgia Public Divorce Records

Georgia regulates the disclosure of divorce records to ensure their integrity and confidentiality. Divorce records typically include the names of the parties involved, the date of filing, the court where the case was filed, and the grounds for divorce. However, sensitive information, such as custody arrangements and child support, may be sealed by the court to protect privacy.

To obtain Georgia divorce records, individuals can contact the clerk of the superior court in the county where the divorce was finalized. Individuals can refer to the " Superior Court Clerks Directory" tool to find the address and the clerk assigned.

For divorces finalized between June 1952 and August 1996, requests can be made through the State Office of Vital Records by completing a divorce verification request form and providing a valid photo ID.

Alternatively, individuals can request records by mail by sending the completed form along with the required fees to:

Georgia Property Records

Property records in Georgia are considered public information accessible to anyone interested in obtaining details about a property. These records include a variety of documents such as property deeds, survey maps, tax records, mortgage reports, and building sketches.

In Georgia, property records are typically maintained by county offices, such as the county clerk's or tax assessor's offices.

Remote searches for these records can be conducted through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) real estate index. The tool offers comprehensive access to deeds, tax records, and other property-related documents for all 159 counties in Georgia.

Aside from GSCCCA, many counties in Georgia have developed online portals to access property records. For instance, counties like Cobb, Forsyth, Cherokee, and Douglas provide independent services that can be found by contacting the county's clerk of superior court.

Third-party aggregate websites also offer access to property records. These services provide a convenient way to view records, but the consistency of the information may vary since they are not affiliated with the government.

Georgia Inmate Records

Georgia operates a three-tiered system of prisons and jails, which includes state prisons managed by the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), county jails operated by individual counties, and federal prisons under the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Inmate records are considered public information and accessible through governmental agencies.

Georgia inmate records provide detailed information about individuals, including:

• Biodata
• Mugshot
• Name of the prison facility
• Offense committed
• Sentence status
• Dates of incarceration and release

To obtain Georgia inmate records, individuals can use the GDC " Find An Offender" online search tool, which allows searches by name, ID or case number, age, and other identifying details. Alternatively, residents can submit a public records request to the department by mailing at:

For inmates in county jails, most sheriff's offices provide a full list of current inmates, while some offer an online inmate search tool. For example, Union County posts a list of its current inmates online, whereas Fulton County Jail offers an online search portal.

For federal inmates, the BOP offers an online " Find An Inmate" tool that allows the public to search for inmates in federal facilities. Search results from the BOP locator include key details such as the name, register number, age, race, gender, release date, and location.

Georgia Traffic Records

Traffic records are managed by various state agencies, primarily the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS). The DDS maintains driving records, also known as motor vehicle records (MVRs), which include information such as traffic offenses, reported accidents, and license suspensions or revocations.

To obtain a driving record, individuals can request a copy online through the DDS website, in person at a DDS customer service center, or by mail.

Meanwhile, traffic crash reports and related data are maintained by the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety. It provides access to crash data and traffic safety facts through various publications and dashboards. For specific incidents, individuals can request crash-related records from the Georgia DPS Open Records Unit.

License Plate Lookup in Georgia

License plate lookups, which are used to obtain detailed information about a vehicle or its owner, are generally restricted in Georgia. Only certain professionals have access to databases that can provide detailed information from a license plate number, using specialized tools not available to the general public.

While many third-party services are available online, some are unreliable and may not provide accurate information. For alternatives, if individuals need information for legal reasons, such as a hit-and-run incident, contacting local law enforcement is advisable, as they can perform a license plate lookup as part of an investigation.

What Information is Exempt from the Public Records Act in Georgia?

In Georgia, the Public Records Act exempts certain types of information from public access to protect privacy and security. Some key categories of exempt information in Georgia include:

• Trade secrets
• Security plans and procedures
• Juvenile records
• Medical and health records
• Confidential records required by law
• Law enforcement records
• Personal data like Social Security numbers, personal contact information, and similar data
• Academic records
• Attorney-client privileged information
• Pending investigations
• Financial information

Other Public Records in Georgia

The following are the additional types of public records accessible in Georgia:

• Sex Offender Records: The GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) manages the Sex Offender Registry, which is accessible to the public. These records provide information about registered sex offenders in Georgia, including their names, addresses, and offenses.
• Warrant Records: Warrant records are public documents that provide information about individuals subject to arrest warrants. The records are issued by a judge or magistrate, who authorizes law enforcement to detain a person suspected of criminal activities.
• Air Quality Reports: Managed by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, these reports include information on air quality trends, pollutant levels, and violations. They are published regularly to inform the public about the state's air quality status.
• Business Records: Business records can be accessed through the Georgia Corporations Division, which is part of the Secretary of State's office. The agency maintains a comprehensive database of registered businesses and allows public access to entity information.
• Legislative Records: The Georgia General Assembly maintains legislative records, which include bills, resolutions, and calendars for past legislative sessions dating back to 1755.

Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals can review the following to gain further insights into Georgia public records:

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