Georgia public records are documents and information that are made available to the public by the state and local governments. These records can include a wide range of information, such as property records, court records, vital records, and more. The state of Georgia has a long history of providing access to public records, and this access is protected by the Georgia Open Records Act.
Types of Public Records in Georgia
There are many different types of public records that are available in Georgia. Some of the most commonly requested records include:
- Property records: These records include information about real estate ownership, property values, and tax assessments.
- Court records: These records include information about court cases, including criminal and civil cases, as well as bankruptcy and divorce records.
- Vital records: These records include information about births, deaths, marriages, and divorces.
- Business records: These records include information about businesses that are registered in the state, including corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships.
- Professional licenses: These records include information about individuals who are licensed to practice certain professions, such as medicine, law, and engineering.
Accessing Public Records in Georgia
There are several ways to access public records in Georgia. Some records are available online, while others must be requested in person or by mail. The state has a number of different agencies that are responsible for maintaining and providing access to public records, including:
The Georgia Archives: This agency is responsible for maintaining and providing access to historical records, including documents and photographs.
The Georgia Secretary of State: This agency is responsible for maintaining and providing access to business records, including corporation filings and professional licenses.
The Georgia Supreme Court: This agency is responsible for maintaining and providing access to court records, including appellate and trial court records.
| Agency | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Georgia Archives | 5800 Jonesboro Road, Morrow, GA 30260, (678) 364-3710 |
| Georgia Secretary of State | 214 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334, (404) 656-2817 |
| Georgia Supreme Court | 244 Washington Street, Atlanta, GA 30334, (404) 656-3470 |
Georgia Open Records Act
The Georgia Open Records Act is a state law that requires that all public records be made available to the public. The law applies to all state and local government agencies, and it requires that they provide access to public records within a certain timeframe. The law also provides for certain exemptions, such as personnel records and medical records.
The Georgia Open Records Act is based on the principle that the public has a right to know what their government is doing. The law is designed to promote transparency and accountability in government, and it has been instrumental in helping to uncover instances of corruption and wrongdoing.
Requesting Public Records in Georgia
To request public records in Georgia, you will need to contact the agency that maintains the records you are seeking. You can do this by phone, email, or in person. You will need to provide a clear description of the records you are seeking, and you may need to pay a fee for copying and shipping.
Some agencies may also require that you fill out a request form or provide certain identifying information. It’s a good idea to check with the agency ahead of time to find out what their specific procedures are.
What is the Georgia Open Records Act?
+The Georgia Open Records Act is a state law that requires that all public records be made available to the public. The law applies to all state and local government agencies, and it requires that they provide access to public records within a certain timeframe.
How do I request public records in Georgia?
+To request public records in Georgia, you will need to contact the agency that maintains the records you are seeking. You can do this by phone, email, or in person. You will need to provide a clear description of the records you are seeking, and you may need to pay a fee for copying and shipping.
Are all public records available to the public in Georgia?
+No, not all public records are available to the public in Georgia. Some records are exempt from disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act, such as personnel records, medical records, and certain financial information.
