About White County
County Seat
Cleveland
Named After
Newton County Representative
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Arrest records in White County are public records under Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70 et seq, and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office or the arresting municipal police department.
- Written requests should be submitted identifying the specific records sought, and agencies may charge reasonable copying fees not to exceed actual costs.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process follows Georgia state law, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of a set amount, which can be arranged through White County's judicial system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- White County Magistrate Court (706-865-2535) handles civil claims up to $15,000, dispossessory (eviction) proceedings, county ordinance violations, and issues arrest and search warrants.
- Georgia law provides public access to most court records under § 50-18-70 (Georgia Open Records Act) and § 15-1-8, which mandates that court records are public unless specifically exempted by law.
- Copy fees are typically $0.25 per page for standard documents, $0.50 per page for certified copies, plus a $2.50 certification fee per document as authorized under Georgia law.
59 South Main Street, Cleveland, GA 30528 • Phone: (706-865-2613
Property & Public Records
- Basic searches on GSCCCA are free, but document images require payment via credit card at approximately $0.25 per page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Clerk of Superior Court for $2.50 per certification plus $0.50 per page.
59 South Main Street, Cleveland, GA 30528 • Phone: (706-865-2674
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Only eligible individuals may request vital records, including the registrant (for birth), immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a court order.
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required when requesting records in person.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically same-day if the record is on file; mail requests take 2-4 weeks.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for an additional processing fee, with expedited shipping options available.
- Marriage licenses are issued by White County Probate Court; applicants must appear in person, provide valid identification, and pay a $56 fee (reduced to $16 if couples complete a premarital education program).
59 South Main Street, Cleveland, GA 30528 • Phone: (706-865-2226
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The filing fee is typically $20 for initial registration and $15 for renewals.
- The Secretary of State maintains a free searchable database at ecorp.sos.ga.gov where anyyou can look up registered business entities, view filing history, registered agents, and corporate status.
- White County Chamber of Commerce, serving the greater Cleveland-Helen area, provides business development resources and networking opportunities at whitecountychamber.org.
122 North Main Street, Cleveland, GA 30528 • Phone: (706-865-2022
Frequently Asked Questions
How to search for someone recently arrested in White County, Georgia?
To search for someone recently arrested in White County, Georgia, you can contact the White County Detention Center. The facility provides an inmate lookup process where you can inquire about recent arrests. You may also visit the Sheriff's Office website for any online inmate search tools they offer. For more detailed information, you can call the detention center directly at their listed phone number.
Where to find mugshots or booking photos in White County, Georgia?
Mugshots or booking photos in White County, Georgia, can be obtained from the White County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records through their official website or by visiting the office in person. It's important to note that not all mugshots may be publicly available online due to privacy laws and regulations.
How to get a criminal background check in White County, Georgia?
To obtain a criminal background check in White County, Georgia, you should contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) as they handle state-wide criminal history records. Locally, you can also visit the White County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. They may require you to fill out specific forms and pay a fee for the background check service.
How to look up sex offenders in White County, Georgia?
To look up sex offenders in White County, Georgia, you can use the Georgia Sex Offender Registry, which is managed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The registry provides an online search tool where you can search by name, address, or proximity to a location. This resource is designed to help the public stay informed about registered sex offenders in their area.
How do I register to vote in White County, Georgia?
You can register to vote in White County through the White County Board of Elections and Registration at 1235 Helen Highway, Cleveland, or online at mvp.sos.ga.gov through Georgia's My Voter Page. You must register at least 30 days before any election to be eligible to vote in that election, as required by Georgia law. You must be 18 years old by Election Day, a U.S. Citizen, and a resident of this jurisdiction. Once registered, you can request absentee ballots through the same My Voter Page portal or by contacting the Elections Office at (706) 865-2424.
How do I look up property records in White County, Georgia?
Property records in White County can be accessed through the White County Clerk of Superior Court at 59 South Main Street, Cleveland, for recorded deeds, mortgages, and liens, with online access available through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority at gsccca.org. For property tax records, assessments, and parcel information, visit the White County Tax County Tax Assessor online portal at whitecountyga.us, which offers free property searches by owner name, address, or parcel number. You can view ownership history, assessed values, property characteristics, and tax information through these online tools. Certified copies of recorded documents require a request to the Clerk of Superior Court with applicable fees.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in White County, Georgia?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in White County can be requested from the White County Probate Court at 59 South Main Street, Cleveland, GA 30528, by calling (706) 865-2226. The cost is $25 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. You must be an eligible requester under Georgia law (registrant, immediate family member, or legal representative) and provide valid photo identification. Certificates can also be ordered through the Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records Office in Atlanta or online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com with additional processing fees, with processing times ranging from same-day for in-person requests to 2-4 weeks for mail orders.
How do I find business license records in White County, Georgia?
Business license records in White County can be found through multiple sources depending on the business type. For occupational tax certificates (local business licenses), contact the White County Planning and Development Department at (706) 865-2022. Trade name (DBA) registrations are filed with the White County Clerk of Superior Court at (706) 865-2613. For corporations, LLCs, and other formal business entities registered in Georgia, use the free searchable database maintained by the Georgia Secretary of State at ecorp.sos.ga.gov, which provides information on registered businesses, registered agents, and filing history. Cities of Cleveland and Helen maintain separate business license records for businesses operating within their municipal boundaries.