OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Georgia Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Georgia. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 159 counties across 49 judicial circuits
  • Federal courts: 3 U.S. District Courts (Northern, Middle, Southern)
  • Background checks: GBI — Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC)
  • Records law: Georgia Open Records Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through GBI
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Georgia has 159 counties across 49 judicial circuits. Court records can be searched through e-Access providers listed on the Georgia Courts website. Select a provider and search by name or case number to find civil, criminal, and family case records.

County-level court records include superior courts, state courts, magistrate courts, and probate courts. Availability varies by county — some have full online records through e-filing vendors, others require an in-person visit or written request to the clerk of superior court.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Georgia are handled by three U.S. District Courts:

  • Northern District — Atlanta, Gainesville, Newnan, Rome
  • Middle District — Macon, Albany, Athens, Columbus, Valdosta
  • Southern District — Savannah, Augusta, Brunswick, Dublin, Statesboro, Waycross

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ E-Access to Court Records — Georgia Courts 🏛️ Georgia Courts Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Georgia are created and held by the agency that made the arrest — either a city police department, county sheriff's office, or state agency. To get a copy of an arrest report, contact the arresting agency directly. Most agencies accept requests in writing, by email, or through a public records portal.

For statewide criminal history, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) operates the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). You can obtain a copy of a Georgia criminal history record from most sheriff's offices or police departments. Contact your local law enforcement agency for specific requirements and fees.

🔍 GBI — Criminal History Information 📋 GBI — Services Overview

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Georgia operates under the Georgia Open Records Act. Any person can request government records in writing. Requests go to the agency that holds the records. Agencies must respond within 3 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Georgia

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's clerk of superior court. Criminal history is centralized through the GBI's Georgia Crime Information Center. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Georgia

Georgia has 159 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Georgia state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Georgia for free?
Use the e-Access to Court Records page on the Georgia Courts website. Select a provider to search by name or case number. Availability varies by county — not all 159 counties are fully online yet.
Are arrest records public in Georgia?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Georgia Open Records Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Georgia?
Georgia criminal history records can be obtained through your local sheriff's office or police department via the GBI's Georgia Crime Information Center. Contact your local law enforcement agency for specific requirements and fees.
What is the Georgia Open Records Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. You can submit a written request to any state or local government body. Agencies must respond within 3 business days. The Georgia Attorney General's office oversees disputes. More info at law.georgia.gov.
How many court systems does Georgia have?
Georgia has a multi-level court system organized into 49 judicial circuits: magistrate courts, probate courts, state courts, superior courts, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court. Each county has a clerk of superior court who maintains records at the local level.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026