Washington County Records Search

Washington County public records are available to all residents and non-residents alike. The county seat of Sandersville houses many government offices that maintain these documents. You have the right to inspect and copy records under the Georgia Open Records Act. This applies to all agencies in Washington County. You can request court filings, property deeds, and vital records. The process is simple and open to everyone.

Washington County Court Records

The Clerk of Superior Court in Sandersville maintains all court records for Washington County. This office handles civil and criminal cases. You can search for case files, judgments, and liens. The clerk's office also manages real estate records. These include deeds, mortgages, and plats. You can visit the office in person at the courthouse. Many records are also available online through the GSCCCA portal.

Probate Court in Washington County handles vital records. This includes birth and death certificates. You can also get marriage licenses and estate records here. The probate court office is in Sandersville. You may request records in person or by mail. Some records have restricted access. Birth certificates are only available to the person named or immediate family.

Magistrate Court and State Court also serve Washington County. These courts handle smaller civil cases and misdemeanor charges. You can get copies of judgments and warrants. Each court has its own records office. Contact them directly for access. All courts must follow O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 for records requests.

Washington County Property and Tax Records

The Tax Commissioner manages property tax records in Washington County. This office keeps assessments and tax bills. You can search for property values and ownership history. The tax office also handles vehicle tags and mobile home taxes. You can visit their office in Sandersville. Many records are online through the county website.

The Tax Assessor values all property in Washington County. You can appeal your assessment if needed. The assessor's office has maps and property cards. These show lot size, building details, and sales history. You can inspect these records during business hours. Copies cost ten cents per page under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71.

Real estate records are filed with the Superior Court Clerk. You can search deeds, mortgages, and liens. The GSCCCA system covers Washington County records. You can search by name or property address. Subscriptions start at $14.95 per month. This is useful for title searches and property research.

Washington County Sheriff and Police Records

The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains incident reports and arrest records. You can request copies of reports by visiting the records division. The office is in Sandersville. Some reports may have restricted access under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72. Active investigations are exempt from release. The sheriff must cite the specific law when denying access.

Local police departments also serve the county. They handle calls within city limits. You can get accident reports and incident records. Each department has its own records office. You can visit in person or call for their process. Bring photo ID for report pickup.

Washington County Birth and Death Certificates

Vital records in Washington County go through the Probate Court. You can order birth and death certificates. The office is at the courthouse in Sandersville. Bring valid photo ID. Fees vary by record type. Certified copies cost more than plain copies.

The state Department of Public Health also has vital records. You can order online through their portal. This covers births and deaths from 1919 to present. Marriage records go back to 1952. Divorce verifications start in 1952. State fees are $25 for the first copy.

You can reach the DPH Vital Records office by phone or mail. Their website has order forms. Some records require proof of relationship. This protects personal information. The state follows O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. for all requests.

State Resources for Washington County Records

Several state databases cover Washington County. The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority has real estate records. You can search UCC filings and liens. The FANS system alerts you to property filings. This is free for property owners.

The Secretary of State has business records. You can search corporations and LLCs. Professional licenses are also online. This helps you verify businesses in Washington County. The database is free to use.

The Governor's Office Open Records Portal handles state agency requests. This does not cover Washington County local records. But it helps with state-level documents. You can file requests online through the portal managed by the Governor's Office.

For legal help, contact the Attorney General's Office. They have guides on records access. The Georgia Open Records Act text is online. Review O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 through 50-18-74 for details.

Washington County Records Request Process

Agencies in Washington County must respond within three business days. This rule comes from O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70. The clock starts when they get your request. They must provide records or give a timeline. If they deny your request, they must cite the law.

Fees are set by state law. Paper copies cost ten cents per page. Search time is free for the first fifteen minutes. After that, you pay the hourly rate of the lowest-paid staff who can do the search. Large requests may need prepayment. You can narrow your request to save money.

You do not need to live in Washington County to request records. You do not need to explain why you want them. This is your right under Georgia law. Agencies cannot ask for ID for most requests. They can only ask for contact info to send the records.

Nearby County Public Records

Washington County is in Georgia. You may also need records from neighboring counties. Each county has its own records offices. Here are nearby options: