State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Georgia
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Georgia under the Georgia Open Records Act (est. 1959).
Overview of Public Records in Georgia
Georgia's Open Records Act provides citizens with broad access to public records maintained by state and local government agencies. Originally enacted in 1959, the law has been updated numerous times to strengthen public access provisions. The Georgia Open Records Act declares that the strong public policy of the state is in favor of open government and that public access to records should be encouraged. Georgia courts have generally supported expansive interpretation of the law, and the state has made significant investments in digitizing records for online access.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Georgia
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 3 business days by either providing the records, acknowledging the request and providing a timeline for fulfillment, or denying the request with a cited legal basis.
Fees and Costs
Copying fees are limited to $0.25 per page. Agencies may charge a reasonable hourly rate for search and retrieval time if the request requires more than 15 minutes of staff time.
How to Submit a Request
Requests must be made in writing, which includes email. The request should describe the records sought with enough specificity for the agency to locate them. No reason for the request is required.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file a civil action in superior court. The court may award attorney fees if the agency acted without substantial justification in withholding records. Penalties of up to $1,000 may apply for knowing violations.
Types of Public Records Available in Georgia
Property Records
Property records in Georgia include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Georgia contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Georgia election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Georgia court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Georgia include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Georgia vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Georgia document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Georgia Public Records
To request records in Georgia, you may submit a written request to the records custodian at any state or local agency. Agencies must respond within three business days, making Georgia one of the faster-responding states. You do not need to provide a reason for your request. Fees for copies are limited to 25 cents per page for letter or legal size paper. Georgia's Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority maintains a statewide database for property and court records, and the Georgia Secretary of State provides online access to business filings and professional license records.
Online Access
Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority provides statewide deed and lien records online. The Secretary of State website offers business entity and campaign finance searches. Many counties have online property search tools.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Georgia
While the Georgia Open Records Act establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Georgia.
- Law enforcement investigative files in active cases
- Medical and psychological records
- Records revealing security systems or plans
- Trade secrets and proprietary information
- Sealed adoption records
- Attorney-client privileged communications between government and counsel
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Georgia provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Georgia Open Records Act
Enacted: 1959
The Georgia Open Records Act is codified in Official Code of Georgia Section 50-18-70 through 50-18-77. The act creates a strong presumption of openness and includes over 60 specific exemptions. The law was significantly strengthened in 2012 with increased penalties for violations, including personal liability for government employees who knowingly and willfully violate the law. Georgia also has the Open Meetings Act, codified separately, which governs public access to government meetings.
Key Features of Georgia's Records Law:
- Georgia imposes personal liability on government employees who knowingly violate the Open Records Act
- The state has a three-business-day response deadline
- Georgia's Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority provides a centralized statewide records database
Georgia Public Records Facts
Georgia has 159 counties, the second most of any state after Texas
The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority indexes millions of property and court records
The state has approximately 7.5 million registered voters
Georgia Secretary of State maintains records for over 1.2 million business entities
Search Georgia Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Georgia. Enter a name below to search public records in GA.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Public Records
How quickly must Georgia respond to a records request?
How do I search Georgia property records?
Can I access Georgia criminal records?
How do I obtain a Georgia birth certificate?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Georgia Open Records Act. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Georgia or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.