Search DeKalb County Public Records

DeKalb County public records are open to everyone who seeks them. The county seat is Decatur. Over 762,000 people reside here. You can access government documents from many county offices. The Georgia Open Records Act ensures your right to information. O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 guides how agencies respond. You can submit requests online or visit offices in DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Open Records Office

DeKalb County follows the Georgia Open Records Act. Each department has an assigned custodian. You can submit requests through the county website. The system is at dekalbcountyga.gov. You can track your request status online. Email updates keep you informed of progress.

The county must respond within three business days under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70. They can produce records or provide a timeline. Some files take longer if stored off-site. The main county offices are in Decatur. You can also mail requests to the county.

Key departments include the Police Department and Sheriff's Office. The Superior Court Clerk handles court records. The Tax Commissioner manages property records. The Board of Health maintains vital records. Each has its own process for requests. Check which office holds the records you need in DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Court Records Search

DeKalb County court records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court. Civil and criminal cases are on file. Real estate records are also available. You can search these records online or in person. The courthouse is in Decatur.

The GSCCCA portal includes DeKalb County. You can search at gsccca.org. This covers court cases and property records. You can search by name or case number. You can also search by property address. The system is open to all users.

DeKalb County has multiple court divisions. The Superior Court hears felony cases and major civil disputes. The State Court manages misdemeanors and traffic violations. The Magistrate Court handles small claims and evictions. Juvenile Court serves minors. Each court maintains separate records. Request from the correct court in DeKalb County.

Certified copies of court documents cost $2.50 for the first page. Additional pages are 50 cents each. You can pay by cash, check, or money order. Some offices accept credit cards. Call ahead to confirm payment methods. Older cases may require extra time to locate in DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Sheriff and Police Records

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains law enforcement records. They handle incident reports and arrest records. Jail records are also kept here. The main office is in Decatur. You can request records directly from their office.

The DeKalb County Police Department serves the unincorporated areas. They handle police reports for most of the county. You may need to contact them for certain records. Their records division can help with accident reports. Check if your request should go to the city or county in DeKalb County.

Law enforcement follows O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 for public records. Some files are exempt from release. Active investigations remain closed to the public. Completed cases may be released after review. The agency must cite specific exemptions if they deny your request.

DeKalb County Vital Records and Health Documents

Vital records in DeKalb County are handled by multiple offices. The Probate Court issues marriage licenses. They also keep probate records. The Board of Health maintains birth and death certificates. Each office has its own location and hours.

Birth and death certificates are available through the state. The Georgia Department of Public Health has these records. You can order online through their website. The first certified copy costs $25. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $5.

Marriage records in DeKalb County are public documents. You can search them at the Probate Court. Bring the names and date of marriage. Staff can help you locate the record. Certified copies are available for a fee. These documents are often needed for legal purposes.

Probate records include wills and estate files. These become public after a person dies. You can view them at the Probate Court. Some older records are stored on microfilm. The court has records spanning many decades. Call ahead for records from before 1950 in DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Property and Real Estate Records

Property records in DeKalb County are open to the public. You can search deeds and mortgages. Liens and plats are also available. The Superior Court Clerk handles real estate records. You can search online through the GSCCCA portal. Visit gsccca.org to search records.

The GSCCCA lets you search by name or property address. You can also search by instrument number. This helps you find specific documents. The system covers all Georgia counties. You can search DeKalb County records from any location. Subscription plans and pay-per-search options are available.

DeKalb County also participates in the FANS system. FANS stands for Filing Activity Notification System. It is free to use. You can register your property address. You will receive alerts about new filings. This helps protect against fraud. You will know if someone files a lien on your DeKalb County property.

The Tax Commissioner maintains assessment records. These show property ownership and assessed values. You can search these records online. The tax records are public under Georgia law. You do not need to file a formal request to view them in DeKalb County.

State Resources for DeKalb County Records

Several state offices assist with DeKalb County public records. The Governor's Office has an open records portal. This covers state executive branch agencies. The office is at 201 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334.

The Secretary of State maintains business records online. You can search corporations by name or control number. Professional licenses are also searchable. These databases are free to use. They help verify businesses operating in DeKalb County.

The Attorney General's Office publishes open records guides. They explain O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70. They offer sample request forms. They answer common questions about public records access. Their website helps DeKalb County residents understand their rights.

Tips for Requesting DeKalb County Public Records

Be specific when you make a records request. Describe the documents you want clearly. Include dates and names if you know them. Identify the department that holds the records. This helps staff locate your files faster. Vague requests take longer to process in DeKalb County.

You do not need to explain why you want the records. Georgia law does not require a purpose statement. You also do not need to live in DeKalb County. Anyone can request public records here. Keep copies of your requests. Note the date you submitted them. Follow up if you do not receive a response within three days.

Agencies may charge for copies of records. Paper copies cost ten cents per page. This is the standard rate across Georgia. Electronic records cost less to reproduce. Large requests may require prepayment. You will receive an estimate first. You can narrow your request to reduce costs in DeKalb County.

Cities in DeKalb County

DeKalb County includes many cities. Each city maintains its own records. You may need to contact city offices for some requests. The county and city systems follow the same open records laws.

Other cities in DeKalb County include Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Chamblee, Tucker, and Stonecrest. Each maintains public records for its own operations. Contact the correct office for the documents you need.

Nearby Counties

These counties border DeKalb County. Your search may span multiple counties.