Find Georgia Public Records

Is Georgia a Public Records State?

Yes. Georgia’s Open Records Act (OPA) ensures access to a wide array of public records. Residents have the right to see, inspect, or obtain copies of various Georgia public records by submitting a request to the record custodian.

While the OPA provides broad access to government-generated records, it also restricts access to records containing protected or exempted information, such as personnel records or vital records. Government agencies may deny requests for records that include:

Personal details of government employees, such as telephone numbers, home addresses, medical information, or social security numbers.
Private medical information, social security numbers, insurance information, or other private data.
Information on real estate appraisals made by an agency in relation to a future acquisition.
Information whose disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy.
Information deemed confidential or classified by the government.
Information about ongoing investigations managed by law enforcement agencies.
Information that may reveal confidential sources tied to an investigation.
Accident information from the Georgia Uniform Motor Vehicle Accident Reports.
Personal home addresses, names, security codes, or phone numbers connected to fire alarm systems or other security systems.

What is Public Information in Georgia?

Under the OPA, the following records are considered public information in Georgia:

Georgia public sex offender information.
Georgia divorce records.
Georgia public death records.
Georgia public inmate records.
Georgia bankruptcy records.
Georgia public arrest records.
Georgia property records.
Georgia court records.
Georgia vital records.

While these records are accessible under the state's public records act, not all records are available to the public. A public data search is often necessary to check the availability of specific records. This search typically involves accessing official public record databases of government agencies or looking up the various means agencies provide to submit public records act requests.

How Do I Look Up Public Records in Georgia?

The Open Records Act mandates that government agencies provide prompt access to non-confidential records upon request. To obtain copies of a record, the following steps are generally followed:

Identify the Right Record

Expedite your search by correctly identifying the type of record required. Georgia public records fall into various categories, such as criminal records, court records, and vital records. Provide sufficient information to assist with the search, like the name of the registrant or a case number if known.

Identify the Record Custodian

Different government agencies manage different records. For example, superior courts and state courts maintain public civil and criminal court records, while criminal history information can be obtained by contacting the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Vital records are held by county clerks or the vital records department of the county where the record holder resides. Divorce records are held by the circuit court clerk.

Create a Written Request

Most agencies recommend submitting requests in writing to ease the process and create a paper trail. Depending on the type of record, include key information such as:

Method of delivery (addresses and contact details).
Clear description of the record.
Contact details and full name of the requester.
Specified date range for the request.
Any other information that may assist the search.
Type of record.

Additional information may be required for certain records, such as a notarized consent form for certified copies of vital records.

Review and Submit Request

Submit the request either in person or by mail. Some agencies provide an online records request page for added convenience. Custodians typically charge a small fee for photocopying or printing copies of a record. An additional fee may be charged for searches requiring data extraction.

Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Georgia Public Records Obtaining

City Records

Public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These platforms offer intuitive tools for expansive searches. Record seekers may use these tools to search for specific records or multiple records. Users need to provide sufficient information to assist with the search, such as:

Name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile).
Address of the requestor.
Case number or file number (if known).
Location of the document or person involved.
Last known or current address of the registrant.

Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies, so record availability and results may vary.

Public Records

Third-party public records aggregate websites offer search services that are non-geographically limited, making the search results expansive and straightforward. Users need to provide sufficient information to assist with the search, such as:

Name of the subject involved in the record, provided the subject is not a juvenile.
Last known location of the record subject.

These third-party websites are not government-sponsored services, so the availability and accuracy of results can vary.

How To Look Up Public Records in Georgia for Free?

Many agencies and departments in Georgia allow requesters to conduct free public records searches. For example, the Georgia Department of Corrections provides free online access to inmate information. County clerk or recorder offices can also be visited for public records relevant to a locality. Residents can search for offenders by adult name, race, gender, and age. Information on convicted sex offenders is publicly available and free of charge via the state’s sex offender registry. However, residents wishing to obtain copies of a record will likely need to pay a small fee.

Search Public Records in Georgia

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