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Georgia

There are many records you can legally access as an American citizen.

Many government agencies can keep documents, and you could feel like you are running in circles to find the right agency for the record you are trying to obtain.

While having everything online makes it easier to access records, there could be some agencies that don’t offer this option.

Generally, any public forum can be obtained using a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA letter of request submitted to the agency with the record.

Each state has different rules, so it’s essential to know the state’s law before requesting any documents.

What does the Georgia public records law say?

Open records under Uniform Court Rule 21 apply to all three branches of Georgia’s government, including executive, legislative and judicial. However, there are specific exemptions where you can’t ask for public records, including:

  • National historic places
  • Wildlife refuges
  • Security plans or measures that fall under homeland security
  • Sports records of those under the age of 12
  • Certain real estate documents where a government agency is trying to buy or construct on land

In Georgia, officials and agencies have three business days to respond to your FOIA request.

The state is no longer allowed to charge search and retrieval costs because of the 1991 court case Trammell v. Martin.

The copying cost can run $.25 per page, but that is the limit. There could be an exception if there is an unusual time, effort, and cost in searching and retrieval, but the state must let you know in advance of any exceptional circumstances or cost.

If a request is denied, a requester has a few options. You can file a complaint with the Georgia Attorney General or file a civil or criminal case in court to fight the decision.

To learn more, visit the official website of the state, Georgia.gov.

How can a person access public records in Georgia?

Some records are online, while others must be requested using an open records request form. If a formal request is needed, it can be sent via email, mail, or phone to the record-holding department.

Every department is different, so expect some variation to the rules if you’re accessing records from multiple places.

In general, a public records request should include:

  • Your name
  • Contact information
  • The name of the document
  • Details of the document
  • A time frame that you’d like to receive the materials by
  • Document delivery method

Georgia Criminal Records

People may want to see someone’s criminal record for several different types of reasons.

The most common reason is employment as most employers require potential employees to agree to a background check before hiring.

Other reasons could be to check someone out before dating them or because a family member is dating them. It could also be helpful if you are planning to bring someone on as a business partner.

The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) maintains criminal records.

What’s on a Georgia criminal record?

A Georgia criminal history typically features details about every encounter with law enforcement agencies.

  • Aliases
  • Date of arrest
  • Arrest Records
  • Charges
  • Prosecution date
  • Guilty Pleas
  • Convictions
  • Felony or misdemeanor charge

Where can I find Georgia criminal records?

Those seeking criminal records on any individual in Georgia must make an appointment to go to the Georgia Crime Information Center lobby office and speak to someone. This is where record inspections and fingerprint services are offered under the command of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)

Georgia law states that anyone can obtain a criminal history record as long as they provide signed consent of the person being researched.

It must be submitted to an official from the GCIC and must include the person’s full name, address, social security number, and birthdate.

Georgia Crime Information Center
CCH/Identification
P.O. Box 370808
Decatur, Georgia 30037

Georgia Inmate Records

The last published statistics from 2016 show there are 53,064 people in Georgia’s prison system, which puts it relatively high in the nationwide ranking for the number of inmates in house. Its national rate was 512 per 100,000 people who face sentences of more than a year in 2016.

People may want to see an inmate’s record for several reasons, including employment or if they are a crime victim.

What’s on a Georgia inmate record?

States are different in exactly what is on an inmate record, but Georgia is typical as there is certain personal information all states include in this type of public record.

That information is:

  • Personal information like a person’s name, birth date, and gender
  • A mug shot
  • Inmate location
  • Inmate registration number
  • Jail transfer information
  • Custody status
  • Law enforcement office making the arrest, police department, sheriff, state police, etc.

Where can I find Georgia inmate records?

You will use the Department of Corrections Offender Query to access the Georgia inmate record.

To search, you can enter either the person’s name, ID number, or case number. However, someone using the site must agree to its terms of use, including acknowledging that some records may not be complete.

If you request the record, it’s your responsibility to verify the information by writing a request to the Inmate Records and Information office.

PO Box 1529
Forsyth, Georgia 30129

Georgia Court Records

State court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court’s Office can include much information regarding any connection a person has with the courts or a case.

What’s on a Georgia court record?

Court records can be extensive and include a lot of many types of documents.

These documents can include things like:

  • Court minutes
  • Case files
  • Dockets
  • Court orders
  • Judgments
  • Jury records and files
  • Witness documentation

Where can a person find Georgia court records?

This Georgia website consolidates each county’s civil and criminal cases into one place.

You can use the Georgia Courts and Records database to access the record.

You must register for an account at the provider’s link though but registration is free.

State and local court records are stored at the courthouses in each Georgia County, under the specific court that heard the case.

Most are available through the County Clerk’s office, which tends to handle all records. You can call the court clerk in the county where the record may be to arrange a time and method of obtaining court records.

Example – Cobb County
Cobb County Search Judicial Records
100 Cherokee Street
Marietta, GA 30090

Phone number: (770) 528-1000

Georgia Vital Records

The Georgia Department of Public Health maintains public vital records.

Georgia’s vital records include:

  • Birth Certificates
  • Death Certificates
  • Marriage Licenses
  • Divorce Decrees

Georgia vital records requests will vary depending on the document you are attempting to access.

What information do I need to request a Georgia birth certificate?

The Request for Search of Birth form will ask you for specific information:

  • Full name
  • Gender
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Age
  • Ethnicity

Where can I find a Georgia birth certificate?

You can access a certified copy of a Georgia birth record by completing the Request for Search of Birth (Form 3918) and submitting it in person or by mail.

Or, you can request one online using VitalChek.

A certified copy of a birth certificate is $25.

You can purchase two additional copies for $10.

Georgia Department of Public Health
State of Georgia Building
2 Peachtree St UNIT 5
Atlanta, GA 30303

Phone number: 404-679-4702

What information do I need for a death certificate in Georgia?

The Research for Death Record Search form requires specific information:

  • Full name of the deceased at birth
  • Gender
  • Date of death
  • Place of death
  • Age of death
  • Race
  • Name of the funeral home

Where can I find a Georgia death record?

You can obtain a certified copy of a Georgia death record by completing the Request for Search of Death Record Form 3912 and submitting it in person or by mail.

Or, you can request one online using VitalChek.

A certified copy of a death certificate is $25.

You can purchase two additional copies of a death record for $10.

Georgia Department of Public Health
State of Georgia Building
2 Peachtree St UNIT 5
Atlanta, GA 30303

Phone number: 404-679-4702

What information do I need to request a marriage certificate in Georgia?

The Marriage Verification Request form will ask you for specific information:

  • Both spouses’ full names before marriage
  • Date of marriage
  • Place of marriage

Where can I find an existing Georgia marriage record?

You can access a certified copy of a Georgia marriage license by completing the Marriage Verification Request Form and submitting it in person or by mail.

Or, you can request one online using VitalChek.

A certified marriage certificate is $10.

What information do I need to request a divorce certificate in Georgia?

The Clerk of the Superior Court maintains all divorce records in Georgia.

Contact your Court Clerk to inquire about fees, forms, and processes.

Where can I find a Georgia divorce record?

You will need to contact the Clerk of Superior Court where the divorce was granted.

All divorce decrees are public records in Georgia.

Georgia Property Records

Georgia public property records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court Clerks’ offices.

The information on a public property record will differ depending on what information you are attempting to obtain.

  • Residential or commercial purpose
  • Liens
  • Titles
  • Property deeds
  • Mortgages
  • Property tax assessment records
  • Zoning information
  • Probate

What information do I need to request property records in Georgia?

Forms for public property records differ depending on the Superior Court Clerk’s office.

Where can I find a Georgia property record?

You will need to contact your Superior Court Clerk’s Office to inquire about specific forms, fees, and processes.

Example – Fulton County
Fulton County Records and Real Estate Services
Lewis R. Slaton Courthouse
136 Pryor Street
Suite C155
Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Phone number: 404-613-5313

FAQs

Can a request be submitted by non-residents of Georgia?

Whether they live in Atlanta or Denver, any United States citizen can request records. However, this wasn’t always the case. The citizenship requirement was removed from the Georgia Open Records Act in 2012.

Is there a records custodian in Georgia?

Georgia does not have a general records custodian or ombudsman.

What exemptions exist for public records in Georgia?

There are several exemptions to public records access in Georgia, including documentation on national historical places, wildlife refuges, security plans or measures that fall under homeland security, sports records of those under the age of 12, and some real estate documents where a government agency is trying to buy or build.

How long does Georgia have to respond?

In Georgia, a government agency has three days to respond to your FOIA request.

Is there an appeals process in place for public records request in Georgia?

Someone denied an open records request could file a complaint with the Georgia Attorney General’s office or file a civil or criminal action in the court overseeing the records.

In some cases, that could be the Georgia Supreme Court, a federal court, a local superior court for criminal and some civil matters, and a local magistrate court or probate court.

What fees are associated with requesting public records in Georgia?

Changes in Georgia’s laws prevent agencies from charging hefty fees for a public records search. The most that can be charged is $.25 per page copy.

There are some rare cases where a search and retrieval cost is required should the document be hard to find. The agency with the record must notify you of an anticipated cost when they send a response to a FOIA inquiry.

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