Public Records Resources for Decatur, Georgia
Official government websites for Decatur, Georgia and the surrounding area. All links point to .gov, .us, or .mil domains.
- Georgia Bureau of InvestigationObtain criminal history record information.
- Search Georgia Criminal RecordsSearch results of fingerprint background check.
- Georgia Felon SearchConduct a search of persons with felonies in Georgia.
- Georgia InmatesFind the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the Georgia Dept. of Corrections.
- Georgia Sex OffendersSearch the GA Bureau of Investigation database of registered offenders by name or location.
- Georgia Department of Public SafetyCapitol police, records, reports and more.
- Georgia Attorney GeneralCivil, criminal and appellate courts.
- Georgia Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the Georgia Secretary of State.
- Professional Licensing BoardFree license verification open to the public with access to Georgia Secretary of State.
- Georgia Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by individual name or business through the GA Dept. of Revenue.
- Georgia Death RowYearly reports about inmates under death sentence (UDS) at the beginning of each calendar year since 2000.
- Georgia Court FormsCourt Forms and Rules
About Decatur County
County Seat
Bainbridge
Established
1823
Named After
naval hero Stephen
- Major landmarks include Lake Seminole, a 37,500-acre reservoir formed by the Jim Woodruff Dam at the confluence of the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers, which provides exceptional fishing and recreational opportunities.
Court Records & Case Information
Decatur County Georgia Court is located at 101 E. Hall Street, Bainbridge, GA 39819. It is a Superior Court that handles civil and criminal cases. It also handles probate, juvenile, and magistrate court cases. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Decatur County Superior Court is located in Bainbridge, Georgia and has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases in Decatur County. The court is located at: the region Courthouse 112 West Water Street Bainbridge, GA 39817
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Written requests should be submitted to the custodian of records at each agency.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are part of the public booking record and can be obtained through direct request to Decatur County Jail or Sheriff's Office.
- Response time is typically within three business days, and fees may apply for copies exceeding the statutory minimum.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process follows Georgia state laws, allowing detainees or their representatives to post bail through the court system to secure temporary release.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Decatur County Probate Court, also located at 112 West Water Street (phone: 229-248-3044), handles wills, estates, guardianships, involuntary commitments, and issues marriage licenses and weapon carry licenses.
- Decatur County Magistrate Court hears civil claims up to $15,000, dispossessory (eviction) proceedings, county ordinance violations, and issues arrest and search warrants.
- Fees for certified copies are established by state law, typically $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- Research fees may apply for extensive searches conducted by court staff.
Property & Public Records
- Recording fees are established by Georgia law and vary based on document type and page count.
- Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by Decatur County Tax Assessor's Office at 112 West Water Street (phone: 229-248-3049).
- Certified copies of recorded instruments require in-person or mail requests to the Clerk of Superior Court with appropriate fees.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Processing time is typically immediate for walk-in requests if the record is on file locally, though records may need to be ordered from the state office for older vital events.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Decatur County Probate Court at 112 West Water Street, Bainbridge (phone: 229-248-3044).
- The fee is approximately $56 with pre-marital education certificate or $76 without.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The Secretary of State provides a free online business entity search tool at www.ecorp.sos.ga.gov where anyyou can look up registered businesses, view filing history, registered agent information, and current status.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and land development permits are processed through Decatur County Building Inspection and Code Enforcement Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Decatur County, Georgia?
To search for someone recently arrested in Decatur County, Georgia, you can contact the Decatur County Jail. The jail provides an inmate lookup service where you can find information about current detainees. You can visit the jail in person at 912 Spring Creek Road, Bainbridge, GA, or call them at (229) 248-3050 for assistance with the inmate search process.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Decatur County, Georgia?
Mugshots or booking photos in Decatur County, Georgia, can be obtained from the Decatur County Sheriff's Office. The office may provide access to these records through their official website or by visiting their location at 912 Spring Creek Road, Bainbridge, GA. For online access, check if the Sheriff's Office has a dedicated portal for public records or contact them directly at (229) 248-3044 for more information.
How do I get a criminal background check in Decatur County, Georgia?
To obtain a criminal background check in Decatur County, Georgia, you should contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The GBI provides statewide criminal history information. Locally, you can also request a background check through the Decatur County Sheriff's Office by visiting their office or calling them at (229) 248-3044 to inquire about the process and any associated fees.
How can I look up sex offenders in Decatur County, Georgia?
To look up sex offenders in Decatur County, Georgia, you can use the Georgia Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and provides a searchable online database. You can access it through the GBI's official website to find information about registered sex offenders in your area.
How do I register to vote in Decatur County, Georgia?
To register to vote in Decatur County, contact the Decatur County Board of Elections and Registration at 1403 East Calhoun Street, Bainbridge, or call (229) 248-3006. You can register online through the Georgia Secretary of State's My Voter Page at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov, or submit a paper application by mail or in person. Registration must be completed at least 29 days before an election. The same portal allows you to request absentee ballots and find your polling location.
How do I look up property records in Decatur County, Georgia?
Property records in Decatur County are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court at 112 West Water Street, Bainbridge (229) 248-3025) for deeds, mortgages, and liens, and by the Tax County Tax Assessor at the same address (229) 248-3049) for assessment and tax records. The Decatur County Tax Assessor provides an online property search tool accessible through the county website where you can search by owner name, address, or parcel number to view tax assessments, property characteristics, and GIS maps. Certified copies of recorded documents require a request to the Clerk's office with applicable fees.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Decatur County, Georgia?
Birth and death certificates can be obtained from the Decatur County Health Department at 1415 West Shotwell Street, Bainbridge (229) 248-3066) for vital events that occurred in Decatur County. The fee is $25 for the first certified copy and $5 for additional copies of the same record. You can also order statewide Georgia vital records through the Georgia Department of State Vital Records Office by visiting their website at www.gdph.georgia.gov or using the VitalChek online ordering service. Valid photo ID and proof of relationship or eligibility are required.
How do I find business license records in Decatur County, Georgia?
For business entity records such as corporations and LLCs, search the Georgia Secretary of State's free online database at www.ecorp.sos.ga.gov. Local business licenses within the City of Bainbridge are issued by city hall, while county occupational tax certificates can be obtained from the Decatur County Tax Commissioner. Trade name (DBA) registrations are filed with the Decatur County Clerk of Superior Court at 112 West Water Street, Bainbridge (229) 248-3025) and are available as public records for inspection or copying.