About Clarke County
Area
121 square miles
Established
1991
Named After
Revolutionary War General
301 College Avenue, Athens, GA 30601
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601, operates Clarke County Jail and provides courthouse security, serves civil process, and executes warrants.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written requests to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department's Records Division at 3035 Lexington Road or the Sheriff's Office.
- Requests should include the individual's name, date of birth if known, and approximate arrest date.
- Processing fees typically apply for copies.
3035 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605
325 E. Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process follows Georgia state law, allowing for release upon posting bail, which can be arranged through the court or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- The Athens-Clarke County Magistrate Court handles civil claims up to $15,000, dispossessory (eviction) proceedings, county ordinance violations, and issues arrest and search warrants.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $2.50 to $5.00 per document plus certification fees.
325 E. Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601
Property & Public Records
- The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) provides online access to Clarke County land records through www.gsccca.org.
- Users can search real estate records for free with basic information, but viewing and printing documents requires purchasing credits or establishing an account with associated fees (typically $0.10-$0.25 per page).
325 E. Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks by mail, faster for in-person requests, and 3-5 business days for online orders.
- Eligible requesters include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and persons with court orders.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Clarke County Probate Court with a current fee of $76, no waiting period, and licenses valid for six months from issuance.
- Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court as part of the court case file and can be requested from that office.
325 E. Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- Washington Street, phone, with a current filing fee of approximately $40 for a five-year registration.
- The Secretary of State maintains a free searchable database of all registered business entities, including status, registered agent information, and formation dates.
- Hancock Avenue, Athens, GA 30601, phone, website www.athensga.com, provides business resources, networking, and economic development support but does not issue official licenses or permits.
246 W. Hancock Avenue, Athens, GA 30601
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Clarke County, Georgia?
To search for someone recently arrested in Clarke County, Georgia, you can use the inmate lookup tool provided by the Clarke County Sheriff's Office. The area Jail, located at 3015 Lexington Road, Athens, GA, maintains an online inmate search portal where you can find information about current detainees. You can also contact the jail directly at (706) 613-3270 for assistance with inmate inquiries.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Clarke County, Georgia?
Mugshots or booking photos in Clarke County, Georgia, are typically available through the Clarke County Sheriff's Office. These images can be accessed via the Sheriff's Office website, where they maintain an online portal for recent arrests. For further assistance, you can visit the Sheriff's Office at 325 E Washington St, Athens, GA, or call them at (706) 613-3250.
How do I get a criminal background check in Clarke County, Georgia?
To obtain a criminal background check in Clarke County, Georgia, you can request one through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), which is part of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Locally, you can visit the Clarke County Sheriff's Office to initiate the process. They will guide you on how to submit your fingerprints and complete the necessary forms for the background check.
How can I look up sex offenders in Clarke County, Georgia?
To look up sex offenders in Clarke County, Georgia, you can use the Georgia Sex Offender Registry, which is managed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. This registry provides an online search tool where you can search by name, address, or proximity to a specific location.
How do I register to vote in Clarke County, Georgia?
Voter registration in Clarke County is handled by the Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections and Registration at 155 E. Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601, phone (706) 613-3150. You can register online at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov, in person at the elections office, at any Georgia driver's license office, or by mailing a completed application. The registration deadline is 29 days before any election, and you must be a U.S. Citizen, a legal resident of this jurisdiction, at least 17.5 years old (18 to vote), and not serving a felony sentence. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online or at the elections office starting 180 days before an election.
How do I look up property records in Clarke County, Georgia?
Property records in Clarke County are maintained by two primary offices: the Clerk of Superior Court at 325 E. Washington Street handles recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps, while the Tax County Tax Assessor at the same address maintains assessment and tax records. You can search property records for free online using the Athens-Clarke County GIS system at www.accgov.com/gis by entering an address, owner name, or parcel number to view assessments, sales history, and property characteristics. For official recorded documents like deeds, use the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority website at www.gsccca.org, where searching is free but viewing and printing documents requires purchasing credits at approximately $0.10-$0.25 per page.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Clarke County, Georgia?
Birth and death certificates for Clarke County are available through the Clarke County Probate Court at 325 E. Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601, or directly from the Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office in Atlanta. Certified copies cost $25 for the first birth certificate ($5 each additional) and $25 per death certificate. You can apply in person at the Probate Court, by mail to the state vital records office at 1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, or order online through www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees. Processing takes 2-4 weeks by mail, faster in person, or 3-5 days online; you must provide valid photo ID and prove you have a direct interest in the record as required by Georgia law.
How do I find business license records in Clarke County, Georgia?
Business licenses in Clarke County are issued by the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government Finance Department at 301 College Avenue, Athens, GA 30601, phone (706) 613-3040, and searchable records may be available through the county website at www.accgov.com. For trade name (DBA) registrations, check with the Clarke County Clerk of Superior Court at 325 E. Washington Street, phone (706) 613-3190. To search formal business entities like corporations and LLCs, use the free online database maintained by the Georgia Secretary of State at www.sos.ga.gov/corporations, which provides entity status, registered agent information, and formation dates for all Georgia-registered businesses.