About Cobb County
Cobb County is located in the northwestern metropolitan Atlanta region of Georgia, covering approximately 345 square miles. Cobb County Seat is Marietta, a historic city founded in 1834 that is the governmental and judicial center. With a population exceeding 766,000 residents as of recent estimates, Cobb County ranks as the third most populous county in Georgia. Cobb County was created in 1832 from Cherokee County lands and named after Thomas Willis Cobb, a congressman, US senator, and judge.
Cobb County is home to significant landmarks including Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, where a key Civil War battle occurred in 1864, and Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball team since 2017. The SunTrust Park development (now Truist Park) transformed Cobb County's economy and brought the mixed-use Battery Atlanta entertainment district. Cobb County government is headquartered at 100 Cherokee Street in Marietta.
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's office, located at 70 Haynes Street in Marietta, maintains court records and real property records. Cobb County Tax Commissioner, located at 736 Whitlock Avenue in Marietta, handles property tax collections. Cobb County Board of Assessors at 736 Whitlock Avenue manages property assessments and maintains parcel data.
What makes Cobb County unique is its blend of suburban development, corporate headquarters presence, preserved Civil War history, and transition from a traditionally conservative county to a politically competitive battleground in recent elections.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Cobb County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Cobb County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees the operation of Cobb County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. These programs aim to enhance public safety and foster community relations.
Police Departments
Cobb County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Cobb County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Marietta Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, and Kennesaw Police Department. Each city department is responsible for maintaining law and order within its jurisdiction, handling local crime, and providing community policing services. These agencies often collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of a coordinated approach to law enforcement across Cobb County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Cobb County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Craig Owens, is headquartered at 140 North Marietta Parkway in Marietta, Georgia 30060. The detention center can be contacted through the office’s website. inmate information.
- Under the Georgia Open Records Act (§ 50-18-70 et seq.), arrest records are generally considered public information and can be requested from the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office.
- Requests must be made in writing, and agencies must respond within three business days.
- Historical arrest records and booking photos may require a formal open records request.
In addition to the Sheriff's Office, Cobb County contains multiple municipal police departments serving incorporated cities: Marietta Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, Kennesaw Police Department, Acworth Police Department, Powder Springs Police Department, and Austell Police Department. Each county maintains its own arrest records and booking procedures. Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office inmate search portal at no charge for current detainees.
Cobb County Police Department, separate from the Sheriff's Office, patrols unincorporated areas and can be reached at with headquarters at 140 North Marietta Parkway.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Cobb County includes a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal records through the respective law enforcement agency or use the Georgia Felon Search system for statewide checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Cobb County are maintained by Cobb County Sheriff's Office and the various municipal police departments within Cobb County. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications submitted to the respective law enforcement agency. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, charges, booking date, and arresting agency. Under the Georgia Open Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
- The process for obtaining these records involves submitting a written request and, in some cases, paying a nominal fee for processing.
Jail & Inmate Records
Cobb County Adult Detention Center, located in Marietta, is the primary jail facility for Cobb County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Cobb County, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded. The facility provides an online inmate lookup tool that allows the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.
- In Georgia, the bond and bail process involves posting a financial guarantee to ensure the defendant's appearance in court, and this can be arranged through the jail or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
In Cobb County, mugshots are taken and retained by Cobb County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at the detention center. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. While some third-party websites may also provide access to mugshots, the most reliable source is the official county website.
Courts & Case Records
Cobb County courts are headquartered at the Cobb Judicial Center located at 70 Haynes Street, Marietta, Georgia 30090. Cobb County Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $15,000, divorce and family law matters, real property disputes, and appeals from lower courts. The Superior Court Clerk's office maintains all court records and can be contacted through the office’s website. The State Court of Cobb County has jurisdiction over misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, civil claims between $15,000 and $45,000, and other matters.
- Cobb County Magistrate Court handles civil claims under $15,000, dispossessory (eviction) actions, county ordinance violations, and issues arrest warrants.
- Court records can be searched online through the Georgia court e-filing system at www.gsccca.org, which provides access to Superior Court civil and criminal case information for a subscription fee.
- Certified copies of documents cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- Record searches conducted by clerk staff may incur additional research fees at $0.25 per page or actual cost.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Cobb County are maintained by Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's office at 70 Haynes Street, Marietta, Georgia 30090 The Clerk is the de facto Register of Deeds, recording real property deeds, mortgages, security deeds, liens, easements, plat maps, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. The office has digitized records dating back to Cobb County's founding in 1832, with full online access.
- Cobb County Real Estate Records Search is available free of charge at cobbsuperiorcourtclerk.com, allowing users to search by grantor/grantee name, property address, or legal description.
- Recording fees vary by document type: deeds and mortgages cost $15.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Certified copies cost $2.50 for certification plus $1.00 per page.
- The Tax Commissioner's office provides online property tax bill lookup and payment services.
Images of recorded documents can be viewed and printed online. Property tax information is managed separately by Cobb County Tax Commissioner at 736 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, Georgia 30060, phone, website cobbtax.org. Cobb County Board of Assessors, located at the same address, maintains property assessment records, appraisal values, and parcel identification data.
The Assessors' website at cobbassessor.org features a full GIS mapping system allowing users to search parcels by address, owner name, or parcel ID, view property characteristics, sales history, tax digest information, and aerial photography. Access is free and requires no registration.
Vital Records
Vital records in Cobb County, Georgia are managed at both Cobb County and state levels. Cobb County Probate Court, located at 12 East Park Square, Marietta, Georgia 30060, phone, issues marriage licenses for couples planning to marry in Georgia. The fee is $56.00, and there is no waiting period or blood test requirement. Both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification. Georgia does not require witnesses or parental consent for applicants 18 and older. Divorce decrees are maintained by Cobb County Superior Court Clerk at 70 Haynes Street, Marietta, Georgia 30090.
- However, the Cobb & Douglas Public Health Department at 1650 County Services Parkway, Marietta, Georgia 30008, phone, can process birth and death certificate applications as a county health department.
- Birth certificates cost $25.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $25.00 each.
- Processing typically takes 7-10 business days for walk-in requests.
- Expedited service may be available for additional fees.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Cobb County are managed by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Cobb County Clerk of Superior Court at 70 Haynes Street, Marietta, Georgia 30090, phone, records trade name registrations (DBA - doing business as) and fictitious business name filings for businesses operating in Cobb County. These filings cost $40.00 and are public record, searchable at the Clerk's office.
- All businesses operating in unincorporated Cobb County must obtain an occupational tax certificate; fees vary based on business classification and number of employees.
- The Cobb Chamber of Commerce, located at 240 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, website cobbchamber.org, provides business resources and networking.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division. The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search at ecorp.sos.ga.gov where the public can search by business name or registration number to verify entity status, registered agent information, and filing history. Occupational tax certificates (business licenses) are issued by Cobb County Business License Division at 100 Cherokee Street, Suite 220, Marietta, Georgia 30090
Incorporated cities within Cobb County issue their own business licenses. Cobb County Community Development Agency at 1150 Powder Springs Street, Marietta, handles building permits, land disturbance permits, and zoning compliance. Professional licenses including contractors, plumbers, and electricians are regulated by the Georgia Secretary of State Professional Licensing Boards Division.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Cobb County are administered by Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration, located at 736 Whitlock Avenue NW, Suite 200, Marietta, Georgia 30064, phone, website cobbcounty.org/elections. The office manages voter registration, early voting, absentee voting, polling place operations, and election results reporting for all federal, state, and local elections. Voter registration in Georgia requires applicants to be US citizens, residents of Georgia and Cobb County, at least 17.5 years old (18 to vote), and not serving a sentence for a felony conviction.
- Absentee ballots can be requested online through the Georgia Secretary of State absentee ballot portal, by mail, or in person at the elections office.
- Under Georgia law (§ 21-2-386), any registered voter may vote absentee by mail without providing a reason.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Friday before Election Day, and completed ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day.
- In the November 2024 general election, Cobb County saw approximately 78% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting high engagement in the competitive presidential and congressional races.
- Citizens can request these records through the elections office under the Georgia Open Records Act.
Online registration is available at the Georgia Secretary of State website mvp.sos.ga.gov. The registration deadline is 29 days before any election. Voters can check their registration status, find their polling place, and view sample ballots through the Georgia My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
Cobb County operates numerous polling locations on Election Day; the exact location assigned to each voter is based on their residential address and can be found online or by calling the elections office. Early voting is offered at multiple locations throughout Cobb County for approximately three weeks before major elections, including evenings and weekends. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring US House and Senate midterm elections plus Georgia gubernatorial, statewide constitutional offices, and General Assembly races.
Election records that are public under Georgia law include the voter registration list, absentee ballot application records (with certain personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate qualifying information, and campaign finance disclosures filed with the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission.
Economy & Demographics
Cobb County has developed into one of Georgia's most economically prosperous counties with a diverse economy anchored by corporate headquarters, technology, healthcare, and professional services. Cobb County's median household income is approximately $81,000, significantly above the state average.
Major employers include Wellstar Health System, one of Georgia's largest health systems with multiple hospitals in Cobb; The Home Depot corporate headquarters in unincorporated Cobb near the Perimeter; Lockheed Martin's Marietta facility, which has manufactured military aircraft since World War II and remains a major aerospace employer; and the Atlanta Braves organization at Truist Park. The Battery Atlanta mixed-use development surrounding Truist Park has become a major economic driver with retail, dining, entertainment, hotel, and office space generating substantial tax revenue and employment. Other significant employers include Northside Hospital, Georgia Power, and numerous Fortune 500 companies with operations in the Cumberland and Vinings business districts along I-75 and I-285.
Cobb County has attracted technology companies and corporate relocations due to its educated workforce, proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and business-friendly environment. Dobbins Air Reserve Base also contributes economically and employs military and civilian personnel. The unemployment rate typically tracks below state and national averages.
Tourism related to Civil War history at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History contributes to the economy. Commercial and retail development along major corridors including Barrett Parkway, Windy Hill Road, and Cobb Parkway generates significant sales tax revenue. Cobb County has focused economic development efforts on maintaining corporate headquarters and attracting high-wage jobs in technology and professional services sectors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: State Agency Required | Business: Yes: Online (State & County) | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 9/10, Cobb County provides excellent digital access to public records with online portals for property searches, court records, jail rosters, and election information.