Your Comprehensive Guide to Georgia Public Records
Georgia Public Records
Public records in Georgia encompass a wide range of documents and information maintained by state and local government agencies, available to the public by the Georgia Open Records Act. This Act, codified in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 50-18-70 to § 50-18-77, mandates the accessibility of government records, with certain exceptions to ensure privacy and security. Individuals can access the Georgia Open Records Act to understand the specifics.
Are Georgia Records Public?
Yes, records in Georgia are public. The Georgia Open Records Act ensures that most government records are accessible to the public, subject to specific legal exceptions. More information on the accessibility of public records can be found on the Georgia Secretary of State's website.
What do Georgia Public Records Include?
Georgia public records include various types of documents and information:
- Vital Records: Such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce records maintained by the Georgia Department of Public Health. More details can be found at Georgia Vital Records.
- Property Records: Information on property ownership and assessments is available through the county tax commissioner's offices, such as the Fulton County tax commissioner.
- Criminal Records: Managed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, providing criminal history and background checks. Visit Georgia Felon Search.
- Court Records include records from civil and criminal cases, accessible through the Georgia Judicial Gateway. Information can be found at Georgia Judicial Gateway.
- Business Records: The Georgia Secretary of State's office oversees business filings and registrations. Detailed information can be found at the Georgia Corporations Division.
How to Find Public Records in Georgia
To find public records in Georgia, follow these steps:
- Identify the Record Type: First, determine the specific type of record you need, such as a property record or a criminal history report.
- Locate the Appropriate Agency: Different types of records are maintained by different agencies. For example, vital records are held by the Department of Public Health.
- Submit a Records Request: Most agencies have a formal process for requesting records, usually accessible online, in person, or by mail.
- Follow the Agency's Guidelines: Adhere to the specific requirements set by the agency, including completing any necessary forms and providing identification.
- Pay Any Required Fees: Some records may involve fees for processing or copying.
- Wait for Processing: There may be a waiting period for your request to be processed and the records to be available.
For assistance and resources on public records requests, the Georgia State Archives provides additional guidance.
Lookup Public Records in Georgia
Key departments in Georgia related to Public Records include:
- Georgia Department of Public Health: For vital records like birth and death certificates. Visit Georgia Vital Records.
- County Tax Commissioner's Offices: For property records, such as the Fulton County Tax Commissioner.
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation: For criminal records and background checks. More information at Georgia Felon Search.
- Georgia Judicial Gateway: For court records. See Georgia Judicial Gateway.
- Georgia Secretary of State's Corporations Division: For business records. Check out Georgia Corporations Division.