About Gwinnett County
Gwinnett County is located in the north-central portion of Georgia, approximately 30 miles northeast of Atlanta. As the second-most populous county in Georgia with over 957,000 residents as of recent estimates, it spans approximately 437 square miles. The county seat is Lawrenceville, which houses the historic courthouse and most major government offices. Gwinnett County was created in 1818 and named after Button Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence who died in a duel in 1777.
Major cities within the county include Duluth, Norcross, Suwanee, Buford, Snellville, Lilburn, and Grayson. The county is known for its diverse population, with significant Korean, Hispanic, and Asian communities making it one of the most multicultural counties in the Southeast. Major landmarks include Stone Mountain (partially in Gwinnett), Lake Lanier Islands, and the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center.
The Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center, located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville, houses many county offices. The Gwinnett County Tax Assessor's Office is located at 750 South Perry Street in Lawrenceville, while the Clerk of Superior Court operates from the Justice Center. The County Recorder functions are performed by the Clerk of Superior Court, maintaining all land and property records.
Gwinnett has transformed from a largely rural county to a major suburban economic hub, with thriving technology, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors driving its growth.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It operates the Gwinnett County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community programs and initiatives aimed at crime prevention and public safety. Notable divisions within the office include the Criminal Investigations Division, which handles major crimes, and the Community Outreach Section, which focuses on building relationships with residents.
Police Departments
Gwinnett County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. Key city police departments include the Lawrenceville Police Department, Duluth Police Department, and Norcross Police Department. Each department is responsible for maintaining law and order within its jurisdiction, while the Sheriff's Office provides support and handles county-wide issues. These agencies often collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives to ensure comprehensive coverage across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 2900 University Parkway NE in Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043, operates the county detention center and provides court security, civil process service, and law enforcement support. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (770) 619-6500, and their official website is www.gwinnettcountysheriff.com. The Gwinnett County Detention Center houses inmates and provides an online inmate lookup tool accessible through the Sheriff's website, allowing the public to search for current inmates by name, booking number, or other identifiers.
- § 50-18-70 et seq.), which requires government agencies to provide access to public records upon request.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written request to the arresting agency or the Gwinnett County Police Department's Records Division.
- Some agencies charge copying fees as permitted by statute.
Booking photos (mugshots) are typically included in the online inmate search results. Major municipal police departments operating within Gwinnett County include the Lawrenceville Police Department, Duluth Police Department, Norcross Police Department, Suwanee Police Department, Buford Police Department, Snellville Police Department, Lilburn Police Department, and Grayson Police Department. The Gwinnett County Police Department serves unincorporated areas and is one of the largest police agencies in Georgia, with headquarters at 770 Hi Hope Road in Lawrenceville.
Arrest records in Georgia are public records under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. Mugshots and booking information are generally available through the Sheriff's Office inmate search system and may also be obtained through formal public records requests to the respective law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Gwinnett County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Gwinnett County Clerk of Court and the Sheriff's Office maintain these records, providing access to residents and legal professionals. Background checks in Georgia can be conducted through the Georgia Crime Information Center, operated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which offers comprehensive criminal history information. The GBI also provides resources for Gwinnett residents to access statewide criminal records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Gwinnett County are maintained by the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency or through the Georgia Open Records Act. A Gwinnett County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, charges, booking date, and arresting agency. The Georgia Open Records Act ensures public access to such records, promoting transparency and accountability.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Gwinnett County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested in Gwinnett County. Inmates can be searched through the online inmate lookup tool provided by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process in Georgia allows for cash bonds or the use of a bail bondsman, and information on recently arrested individuals can be found through the Sheriff's Office website.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Gwinnett County are taken and retained by the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at the detention center. These booking photos can be searched through the Sheriff's Office website, which provides an online database for public access. Georgia does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can request removal from third-party websites under certain conditions. The Sheriff's Office ensures that mugshots are used in accordance with state laws and regulations.
Courts & Case Records
Gwinnett County Superior Court, located at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding certain monetary thresholds, divorce, and land title disputes. The court can be reached at (770) 822-8100. The State Court of Gwinnett County handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil claims up to $45,000, operating from the same Justice Center location.
- The Probate Court of Gwinnett County, also at 75 Langley Drive (phone: 770-822-8200), has jurisdiction over wills, estates, guardianships, involuntary commitments, and issues marriage licenses.
- The Clerk of Superior Court maintains case records and provides public access through their office at the Justice Center.
- Court records can be searched online through the Gwinnett County Superior Court website at www.gwinnettcourts.com, which offers case searches for Superior and State Court.
- The Clerk charges fees for certified copies of documents, typically $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
Magistrate Court, handling small claims, dispossessory (eviction) proceedings, and county ordinance violations, is located at 75 Langley Drive as well. Juvenile Court addresses delinquency, dependency, and family matters involving minors. Under Georgia law, particularly the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A.
§ 50-18-70) and court rules, most civil and criminal court records are public unless sealed by court order. Online access to case information is generally free, though obtaining official copies requires payment. Walk-in searches can be conducted during business hours at the Clerk's office.
Property & Public Records
The Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court serves as the official Recorder of Deeds and maintains all land and property records for the county. The office is located at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, phone (770) 822-8100, with official website at www.gwinnettcourts.com. Available records include warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, security deeds (mortgages), assignments, UCC filings, federal and state tax liens, mechanic's liens, plat maps, easements, and other instruments affecting real property.
- The Clerk's office provides an online real estate records search system accessible through their website, allowing users to search by grantor/grantee name, property address, or book and page numbers.
- Many years of historical records have been digitized and are available for free viewing online, though certified copies require payment.
- Standard fees include $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page for copies, with a $2.00 certification fee for certified documents.
- Their website at www.gwinnettassessor.com provides a free online property search allowing users to look up parcels by owner name, address, or parcel ID.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates in Gwinnett County are maintained by the Georgia Department of Public Health, as Georgia operates vital records at the state level. However, applications can be submitted locally through the Gwinnett County Probate Court at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, phone (770) 822-8200. Birth certificates for births occurring in Georgia cost $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $5 for additional copies. Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com for an additional convenience fee, with expedited processing options available.
- The marriage license fee is $56 if both parties have completed a premarital education program, or $76 without such program, with no waiting period.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 31-10-1 et seq.). Only authorized individuals such as the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, or those who can demonstrate a legal interest may obtain certified copies.
The Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records Office in Atlanta serves as the central repository and can be contacted at (404) 679-4702. Marriage licenses are issued by the Gwinnett County Probate Court and require both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification and social security numbers. Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court where the divorce was granted.
Birth records are confidential for 100 years and death records for 25 years under Georgia statute, with access restricted to authorized persons during those periods.
Business & Licensing
Business licenses in Gwinnett County are issued by individual municipal governments for businesses operating within city limits, and by the Gwinnett County Department of Financial Services for those in unincorporated areas. The county's Business License Division can be reached at (770) 822-7000 and information is available at www.gwinnettcounty.com. Business license requirements vary by location and business type. Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA) are filed with the Clerk of Superior Court at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.
- The filing fee is typically $40 for the first year and includes publication in the legal organ.
- The Georgia Corporations Division maintains a free online business entity search at www.ecorp.sos.ga.gov allowing anyone to look up registered businesses, view officer and agent information, and check entity status.
Business entity registrations including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal entities must be filed with the Georgia Secretary of State. Professional licenses (medical, legal, real estate, contractors, cosmetology, etc.) are issued by Georgia state licensing boards, not at the county level. Sales tax permits and certificates are obtained through the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy are issued by the Gwinnett County Department of Planning and Development, located at 75 Langley Drive (phone: 770-822-7400), or by individual city building departments for properties within city limits. The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, one of Georgia's largest chambers, is located at 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097, and offers business resources, networking, and economic data at www.gwinnettchamber.org.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Gwinnett County are administered by the Gwinnett County Board of Voter Registrations and Elections, located at 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. The office can be reached at (678) 226-7210 and maintains a website at www.gwinnettelections.com. Voter registration in Georgia requires U.S. citizenship, residency in the county, and being at least 17.5 years old (to vote when 18). The registration deadline is 29 days before any election.
- In the November 2024 general election, Gwinnett County experienced approximately 68-70% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting its status as a competitive swing county in state and national elections.
- Absentee ballots in Georgia can be requested online through the Secretary of State's Absentee Ballot Portal or by submitting an application to the Gwinnett County Elections Office.
Online voter registration is available through the Georgia Secretary of State at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov, which also allows voters to check registration status and update information. Georgia offers automatic voter registration through the Department of Driver Services when obtaining or renewing a driver's license. To find your polling place in Gwinnett County, voters can use the My Voter Page on the Secretary of State's website or contact the Elections Office directly.
Gwinnett operates numerous early voting locations during the advance voting period, typically 3-4 weeks before each election. Public election records in Georgia include voter registration lists (which contain names and addresses but not birth dates or driver's license numbers), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Georgia Ethics Commission, candidate qualifying information, and precinct-level election results. These records are accessible under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A.
§ 50-18-70). The next major election is November 3, 2026, which will include midterm elections for the U.S. House of Representatives, one U.S.
Senate seat, Georgia Governor, other statewide constitutional officers, General Assembly seats, and local offices. No excuse is required for absentee voting. Applications must be received by the Friday before the election, and completed ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day.
Gwinnett County provides detailed election results by precinct on their website following each election, and citizens can request additional election-related records through standard open records requests to the Elections Office. The county has implemented modern voting equipment and expanded early voting access in recent years to improve transparency and voter convenience.
Economy & Demographics
Gwinnett County has evolved into a major economic center within the Atlanta metropolitan area, with a diverse economy spanning technology, healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, and professional services. Major employers include Gwinnett County Public Schools (the county's largest employer with over 22,000 employees), NCR Corporation (now NCR Voyix), Mitsubishi Electric, Primerica, and numerous healthcare systems including Gwinnett Medical Center.
- The median household income in Gwinnett County is approximately $72,000, above both state and national averages.
The county hosts significant manufacturing operations from international companies, particularly Korean firms such as NCSOFT and numerous suppliers to the automotive and technology sectors. Key economic sectors include advanced manufacturing, information technology, healthcare and life sciences, logistics and distribution (benefiting from proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport), and professional business services. The county contains no significant agricultural or mining industries, having transitioned almost entirely to suburban and commercial development.
Gas South District (formerly Infinite Energy Center) in Duluth serves as a major convention, sports, and entertainment venue attracting regional events. The Gwinnett Place area and the Sugarloaf corridor represent major commercial centers. Unemployment in Gwinnett typically tracks below state averages, with recent rates around 3.5-4.0%.
Notable economic development projects include the massive redevelopment of Gwinnett Place Mall into a mixed-use development, continued expansion of the I-85 corridor with new corporate facilities, and significant investment in the Technology Park area. The Gwinnett County Department of Economic Development actively recruits businesses and manages incentive programs, accessible at www.developgwinnett.com.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online | Property: ✅ Free Search | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: ⚠️ State System, Local Application | Business: ✅ Online State/Local | Elections: ✅ Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 9/10 — Gwinnett County provides exceptional digital access to public records with comprehensive online portals for courts, property, jail records, and elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Gwinnett County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Gwinnett County, Georgia.
Nearby Counties
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