Houston County Public Documents

Houston County public records are open to inspection under the Georgia Open Records Act. Perry is the county seat where most records are housed. You can find court filings, property deeds, and vital records. The law guarantees your right to access. You do not need to be a resident. You do not need to explain your reason.

Houston County Court Records

The Clerk of Superior Court in Perry maintains court records. This office handles civil and criminal cases. Real estate records are also filed here. You can search deeds, mortgages, and liens. The clerk's office is in the courthouse. In-person requests are accepted.

You can also use the GSCCCA portal. It covers Houston County real estate records. You can search by name or property. UCC filings are available. Subscriptions start at $14.95 monthly. This helps with title searches.

State Court and Magistrate Court serve Houston County. State Court handles misdemeanors and civil cases. Magistrate Court does small claims and warrants. Each maintains separate records. Contact the specific court. All follow O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70.

Probate Court manages vital records. The office is in Perry. You can get birth and death certificates. Marriage licenses are also available. The court follows state law. Some records have access limits.

Houston County Property Tax Records

The Tax Commissioner maintains property records. The office is in Perry. You can search assessments and tax bills. Payment history is available. The office also handles vehicle tags. Hours are Monday through Friday.

The Tax Assessor values Houston County property. You can review your property card. It shows land size and building specs. Sales history is included. Appeals must be filed on time. The assessor's office is open to all.

Real estate documents are filed with the Superior Court Clerk. You can search deeds and mortgages. The GSCCCA system covers Houston County. Online searches are available. This is useful for research. Fees apply for copies.

Houston County Sheriff Records

The Houston County Sheriff's Office provides incident reports. You can request these in Perry. The records division is open weekdays. Some reports may be restricted. Active investigations are exempt. The sheriff must cite O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.

Perry Police Department serves the city. They maintain accident reports. You can request copies at the police station. Some records are online. Call for current procedures. Bring ID for pickup.

Warner Robins Police Department serves that area. They maintain their own records. You can request reports from their office. Contact them directly. They follow the same open records laws.

Houston County Vital Records

Vital records go through Probate Court. The office is in Perry. You need valid photo ID. Immediate family can get birth certificates. Death certificates are easier to obtain. Fees vary by document.

The state Department of Public Health also has records. You can order online or by mail. Births and deaths from 1919 are on file. Marriage verifications start in 1952. Divorce verifications also start in 1952. The first copy costs $25.

DPH is in Atlanta. Contact them by phone or online. Forms are on their website. Some orders need notarization. Processing takes several days. The state follows Georgia law.

State Databases for Houston County

The GSCCCA provides online access. Houston County records are included. You can search real estate documents. UCC filings are available. FANS alerts are free.

The Secretary of State has business records. You can search Houston County entities. Lookups are free. Professional licenses are also searchable.

The Governor's Open Records Portal is for state agencies. Local Houston County offices handle their own records. The portal does not cover county requests.

For legal help, see the Attorney General's Office. The Open Records Act is online.

Requesting Records in Houston County

Contact the Houston County agency with your records. Each office has an Open Records Officer. Find contact info on the county website. Written requests are best. They document your request.

Agencies must respond in three business days. This is required by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70. Extensions are allowed with cause. They must explain delays. Denials must cite the exemption.

Fees follow state rules. Copies are ten cents per page. Search time is free for fifteen minutes. Then you pay staff rates. Large requests may need prepayment. Get an estimate first.

Nearby County Records

Houston County is in central Georgia. Neighboring counties include: