About Dekalb County
Population
764,000 residents
County Seat
Decatur
Established
1823
Named After
Baron Johann de
556 North McDonough Street in Decatur. Key administrative offices include Dekalb County Clerk of Superior Court (556 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030 • Phone: (404-371-8176
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- The jail facility processes thousands of bookings annually and maintains 24-hour visitation scheduling and inmate account services.
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information by submitting a written request to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
- Most agencies charge copying fees ranging from $0.10 to $0.25 per page.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal at no charge for current inmates.
- Historical arrest records and mugshots may require an open records request.
4415 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032 • Phone: 404-298-8100
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process in Georgia allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail's administration.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Dekalb County State Court (404-371-2475) handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and civil matters up to $45,000.
- Dekalb County Magistrate Court (404-294-2700) handles civil claims up to $15,000, dispossessory (eviction) actions, county ordinance violations, and conducts preliminary hearings for criminal cases.
- To access court records, visitors may search online through the Clerk of Superior Court's website or visit the courthouse in person.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $2.50 for the first page to $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
556 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030 • Phone: 404-371-2836
Property & Public Records
- Real estate records searches require a subscription fee of approximately $25 per month or $1.50 per document image.
- Dekalb County Tax Commissioner's Office (1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030, telephone: 404-371-8176) maintains property tax payment records, tax sale information, and motor vehicle registration records.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus $2.00 for certification.
- The Clerk's office accepts requests in person, by mail, or through authorized third-party vendors.
- Recording fees for new documents start at $30 for the first page and $3 for each additional page, with additional fees for indexing multiple parties.
556 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030 • Phone: 404-371-2836
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost the same and require similar documentation.
- Processing time for mail requests typically ranges from 4 to 6 weeks, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, which adds convenience fees but provides faster processing (5-10 business days).
- Marriage licenses in Dekalb County are issued by Dekalb County Probate Court at 556 North McDonough Street, Suite 2100, Decatur, GA 30030 (telephone: 404-371-2695).
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- License requirements and fees vary based on business classification, gross receipts, and number of employees.
- Dekalb County Clerk of Superior Court (404-371-2836) accepts filings for trade names and DBA (doing business as) registrations at a cost of approximately $45, which provides public notice of business ownership.
- The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce (www.dekalbchamber.org, telephone: 404-378-8000) is a business resource and networking organization, though it is not a governmental licensing authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Dekalb County, Georgia?
To search for someone recently arrested in Dekalb County, Georgia, you can use the inmate lookup tool provided by the Dekalb County Sheriff's Office. The county Jail, located at 4425 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032, maintains records of current inmates. You can visit the Sheriff's Office website and use their online Inmate Inquiry system to search by name or booking date. For more detailed information, you may also contact the jail directly at their main phone line.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Dekalb County, Georgia?
Mugshots or booking photos in Dekalb County, Georgia, can be accessed through the Dekalb County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office provides an online portal where you can view recent booking photos. This information is typically available on their official website under the inmate inquiry section. For further assistance, you can contact the Sheriff's Office directly at their administrative office in Decatur.
How do I get a criminal background check in Dekalb County, Georgia?
To obtain a criminal background check in Dekalb County, Georgia, you need to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The GBI provides a statewide criminal history record check system. Locally, you can request a background check through the Dekalb County Police Department by visiting their headquarters or using their online services. Fees and identification requirements will apply, so it's advisable to check their website for detailed instructions.
How can I look up sex offenders in Dekalb County, Georgia?
You can look up sex offenders in Dekalb County, Georgia, by accessing the Georgia Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and provides detailed information about registered sex offenders in the state. You can search the registry online by name, address, or proximity to a specific location. The registry is regularly updated to ensure public safety and awareness.
How do I register to vote in DeKalb County, Georgia?
You can register to vote in DeKalb County through the Georgia Secretary of State's online portal at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov, or by submitting a paper application to the DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur, GA 30032 (telephone: 404-298-4020). Voter registration applications must be submitted at least 29 days before an election. You must be a U.S. Citizen, Georgia resident, at least 17.5 years old to register (18 to vote), and not serving a felony sentence. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the My Voter Page or by contacting the Elections Office.
How do I look up property records in DeKalb County, Georgia?
Property records in DeKalb County are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court at 556 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030 (telephone: 404-371-2836). You can search property deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps online through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority at www.gsccca.org, which requires a subscription or per-document fee. For free property tax assessment records, parcel information, sales history, and GIS maps, visit the DeKalb County Tax Assessor's website at www.qpublic.net/ga/dekalb. Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Clerk's office for $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 per additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in DeKalb County, Georgia?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in DeKalb County are issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office, 1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349 (telephone: 404-679-4702). Certified copies cost $25 for the first copy and $5 for additional copies of the same record ordered together. You can order online through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com (with convenience fees and 5-10 business day processing), by mail (4-6 weeks), or in person. You must provide valid photo ID and demonstrate a direct relationship or legal interest in the record as required by Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 31-10-1 et seq.).
How do I find business license records in DeKalb County, Georgia?
Business entity registrations (corporations, LLCs, partnerships) can be searched for free through the Georgia Secretary of State's website at https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov. For local business licenses (Occupational Tax Certificates) in unincorporated DeKalb County, contact the DeKalb County Finance Department at 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030 (telephone: 404-371-2000). Trade name and DBA filings are recorded with the DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court at 404-371-2836. Many cities within DeKalb County, including Decatur, Brookhaven, and Dunwoody, maintain separate business licensing systems through their respective city halls.