About Clayton County
Population
290,000 residents
County Seat
Jonesboro
Established
1858
Named After
Judge Augustin Smith
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Under the Georgia Open Records Act (§ 50-18-70 et seq.), citizens have the right to request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information from both the Sheriff's Office and municipal police agencies.
- Requests must be made in writing, and agencies typically have three business days to respond, though they may charge reasonable copying fees.
- Mugshots and booking photos are considered public records in Georgia and are often available through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting an open records request.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Clayton County Magistrate Court, also located at the Justice Center, handles small claims cases (up to $15,000), landlord-tenant disputes, warrant applications, and preliminary hearings.
- The Clerk of Superior Court maintains an online case search portal accessible through Clayton County website, though some records require in-person requests.
- Under Georgia law (§ 50-18-70), court records are generally public unless sealed by court order, with fees for copies typically ranging from $0.25 to $1.00 per page plus certification fees of $2.50 per document.
Property & Public Records
- Recording fees vary by document type, with deeds typically costing $50-$60 for the first page and $5 for each additional page.
- Clayton County Tax Assessor's Office at 121 South McDonough Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236 (phone: 770-477-3336) maintains property tax records, assessed values, tax digests, and ownership information.
- The Assessor provides a free online GIS mapping system and property search portal through Clayton County website at claytoncountyga.gov, allowing searches by owner name, address, or parcel identification number.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Clerk's Office for $2.50 per certification plus copying costs, with same-day service typically available for in-person requests.
112 Smith Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236 • Phone: 770-477-3368
121 South McDonough Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236 • Phone: 770-477-3336
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Death certificates cost $25 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional copy, with the same ID requirements and processing timelines.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $56-$76 depending on whether couples complete a premarital education program.
1117 Battlecreek Road, Jonesboro, GA 30236 • Phone: 770-477-3299
9151 Tara Boulevard, Jonesboro, GA 30236
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- Clayton County Chamber of Commerce, located at 2270 Mount Zion Parkway in Jonesboro (claytonchamber.org), provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information for Clayton County.
112 Smith Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236 • Phone: 770-477-3659
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Clayton County, Georgia?
To search for someone recently arrested in Clayton County, Georgia, you can use the Clayton County Jail inmate lookup tool. The jail, officially known as the Jail, provides an online inmate search feature on the Clayton County Sheriff's Office website. You can search by the inmate's name or booking number to find current detainees and their booking information.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Clayton County, Georgia?
Mugshots or booking photos in Clayton County, Georgia, can be found through the Clayton County Sheriff's Office. The office provides access to booking photos on their official website, where you can view recent arrests and associated mugshots. For older records, you may need to visit the Sheriff's Office in person or submit a formal request.
How do I get a criminal background check in Clayton County, Georgia?
To obtain a criminal background check in Clayton County, Georgia, you should contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The GBI provides statewide criminal history information, and you can request a background check through their online portal or by visiting a local law enforcement agency in Clayton County. Fees and identification requirements apply, so check the GBI's website for detailed instructions.
How can I look up sex offenders in Clayton County, Georgia?
You can look up sex offenders in Clayton County, Georgia, by using the Georgia Sex Offender Registry. The registry is maintained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and provides an online search tool to locate registered sex offenders by name, address, or proximity to a specific location. This tool is accessible to the public and provides detailed information about registered offenders.
How do I register to vote in Clayton County, Georgia?
You can register to vote in Clayton County through the Georgia Secretary of State's My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov, by mail, or in person at the Clayton County Board of Elections and Registration at 112 Smith Street, Suite 103, Jonesboro. Registration applications must be received or postmarked at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Once registered, you can request an absentee ballot online through the same My Voter Page portal, with applications due by the Friday before election day.
How do I look up property records in Clayton County, Georgia?
Property records in Clayton County can be searched through the Clayton County Tax County Tax Assessor online portal at claytoncountyga.gov, which provides free access to property ownership, assessed values, tax information, and GIS mapping. For recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) at gsccca.org offers searchable indexes and document images through a paid subscription service. You can also visit the Clayton County Clerk of Superior Court at 112 Smith Street in Jonesboro to access records in person.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Clayton County, Georgia?
Birth and death certificates for events in Clayton County can be obtained from the Clayton County Board of Health at 1117 Battlecreek Road in Jonesboro or through the Georgia Department of Public Health's Vital Records Office. Certified copies cost $25 for the first copy and $5 for additional copies, with processing taking 2-3 weeks by mail or same-day for in-person requests. You must provide valid government-issued photo ID and prove eligibility (immediate family member, legal representative, or court order). Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com with additional expedited processing fees.
How do I find business license records in Clayton County, Georgia?
Business licenses for unincorporated Clayton County are handled by the Clayton County Business License Division at 112 Smith Street in Jonesboro (phone: 770-477-3659), while incorporated cities issue their own licenses. For statewide business entity searches including corporations and LLCs, use the free Georgia Secretary of State business search at ecorp.sos.ga.gov. DBA (Doing Business As) registrations are maintained by the Clayton County Clerk of Superior Court. Contact the specific municipal government office for businesses operating within Jonesboro, Forest Park, Morrow, Riverdale, College Park, or Lake City.