Find Georgia Vital Records Online
Are Georgia Vital Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Vital records in Georgia are generally accessible to the public, barring any statutory restrictions or court-ordered limitations. These records include birth, marriage, divorce, and death events within the state's jurisdiction. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) manages these records through its Office of Vital Records and at the county level via the County Board of Health, Probate, and Superior Courts.
What Information is Included in Georgia Vital Records?
Georgia vital records contain information on significant life events. These records include:
- Birth details
- Marriage details
- Divorce details
- Death details
These records are used for identification verification, genealogical research, and public health analysis.
How to Access Georgia Vital Records Online?
To access Georgia vital records online, requestors must provide specific information:
- The full name of the individual on the record
- Date and place of the event
- Proof of relationship to the individual on the record
- Purpose of the request (e.g., personal use, legal purposes)
- For birth certificates, the names of the parents
Third-party websites may also offer access to these records, but availability may vary from official channels.
What Do I Need to Access Georgia Vital Records?
The Georgia DPH requires a completed request form to obtain vital records. Requests can be submitted online, in person, or by mail to any county health department. Required information includes:
- Government-issued photo ID (for certified copies)
- Completed request form
- Payment for search and copy fees
Acceptable IDs include:
- State-issued driver’s license
- State ID card
- U.S. passport
- School ID card
- U.S. military ID card
Certified vs. Informational Copies: Key Differences
Certified copies of vital records are official documents used for legal purposes, such as authentication and insurance claims. They are only issued to individuals with a direct and tangible interest, like the person named on the record or immediate family members. Informational copies, however, are non-certified and used for research purposes only.
Are Georgia Birth Records Available to the Public?
Georgia birth records are generally public, but those sealed or rendered confidential by statute or court order are restricted. Access is typically limited to the person named on the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a court order.
How to Access Georgia Birth Records?
To access Georgia birth records, requestors must provide:
- Full name of the individual on the record
- Date and place of birth
- Parents' names
- Completed birth record application form
- Valid identification document
Requests can be made in person, by mail, or online. Birth records from January 1919 to the present are available at the State Vital Records Office, while earlier records can be found at the county's vital records office.
Are Birth Certificates Public in Georgia?
Birth certificates in Georgia are not public records. Access is restricted to individuals named on the record, their immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a court order.
Are Georgia Death Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Death records in Georgia are generally public. Records from 1919 to the present can be accessed at the State Vital Records Office. Older records are available at the County Vital Records Office. Confidential information, such as social security numbers, is redacted.
How to Access Death Records in Georgia?
To access death records, requestors must:
- Complete a death record application form
- Provide a valid identification document
- Pay the applicable fees
Requests can be submitted in person or by mail to the State Office of Vital Records. Third-party websites also offer access to death records, but availability may vary.
Are Georgia Marriage Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Marriage records in Georgia are generally public. However, confidential records are only accessible to authorized requestors. Sensitive information is redacted from public records.
How to Access Marriage Records in Georgia?
Marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996 are available through the Georgia DPH. Records outside this range can be obtained from the County Probate Court where the license was issued. Requestors must:
- Complete a marriage record application form
- Provide necessary details and relevant documents
- Pay the applicable fees
How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Georgia
Marriage certificates can be obtained from the County Probate Court where the license was issued. Requestors must:
- Complete the marriage certificate application form
- Provide valid identification and proof of eligibility
- Pay the applicable fees
Certified marriage certificates are only available to individuals who meet the state's eligibility requirements.
Are Georgia Divorce Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Divorce records in Georgia are public, but sensitive information may be sealed. Authorized requestors include individuals named on the record, their immediate family members, and legal representatives.
How to Get Divorce Records in Georgia?
To obtain divorce records, requestors must:
- Visit the clerk’s office in the county where the divorce was finalized
- Provide the names of the divorcees, divorce dates, and case numbers
- Complete a divorce verification application form
- Provide valid identification and pay the applicable fees
Requests can be made in person or by mail to the State Office of Vital Records.
How to Obtain a Certified Divorce Certificate in Georgia
Certified divorce certificates are available from the County Clerk's office in the jurisdiction where the decree was issued. Requestors must:
- Complete the divorce certificate application form
- Provide valid identification and proof of eligibility
- Pay the applicable fees
Certified copies are only issued to individuals named on the record and those with their consent.