About Wilkes County
Area
471 square miles
County Seat
Washington
Established
1777
Named After
John Wilkes
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- The Washington Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services within the city limits of Washington, Wilkes County Seat.
- Arrest records in Wilkes County are considered public records under the Georgia Open Records Act (§ 50-18-70 et seq.), which requires government agencies to provide access to public records upon request.
- Processing fees may apply for copying and research time as permitted under Georgia law.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Georgia and may be available through the Sheriff's Office upon request.
23 East Court Street, Washington, GA 30673
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Georgia law provides public access to most court records under § 50-18-70 (Georgia Open Records Act) and Article 1, Section 3 of the Georgia Constitution.
- Copy fees are established by statute at $0.25 per page for standard documents, with certification fees of $2.50 per document plus $0.50 per additional page.
23 East Court Street, Washington, GA 30673
Property & Public Records
- Recording fees are established by statute and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail with proper identification and payment of statutory fees.
23 East Court Street, Washington, GA 30673
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Death certificates follow similar access restrictions and fee schedules.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically same-day to a few business days; mail requests may take 2-4 weeks.
- The state office can be contacted through the office’s website, and online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees.
23 East Court Street, Washington, GA 30673
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The searchable database is available free of charge at www.sos.ga.gov/corporations, allowing users to verify business names, registered agents, formation dates, and current status.
- The Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, which can be reached through local business networks, provides support for business development, economic information, and networking opportunities for local enterprises.
- All business licenses and permits are subject to renewal requirements and fee schedules established by the issuing authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Wilkes County, Georgia?
To search for someone recently arrested in Wilkes County, Georgia, you can contact the Wilkes County Jail. The jail provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about recent arrests. You can visit the jail in person at 225 Andrew Drive, Washington, GA 30673, or call them at (706) 678-2224 for more information on the inmate search process.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Wilkes County, Georgia?
Mugshots or booking photos in Wilkes County, Georgia, can be obtained from the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records through their office located at 225 Andrew Drive, Washington, GA 30673. Some mugshots might be available through online portals associated with the Sheriff's Office or third-party websites that aggregate public records.
How do I get a criminal background check in Wilkes County, Georgia?
To obtain a criminal background check in Wilkes County, Georgia, you can request one through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Locally, you may also contact the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office for assistance with the process. The GBI provides a statewide criminal history search, which can be accessed online through their website or by visiting their office.
How can I look up sex offenders in Wilkes County, Georgia?
You can look up sex offenders in Wilkes County, Georgia, by using the Georgia Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and provides an online search tool to locate registered sex offenders by name, address, or proximity to a specific location. The registry is accessible to the public and can be found on the GBI's official website.
How do I register to vote in Wilkes County, Georgia?
Voter registration in Wilkes County is handled by the Wilkes County Board of Elections and Registration at (706) 678-2432, located at 23 East Court Street in Washington. Georgia residents can register online at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov or submit paper applications at the Elections Office, and registration must be completed at least 29 days before any election. You can also check your registration status, view sample ballots, and find your polling location at the same website. Absentee ballot applications are available online through the Secretary of State's website or by contacting the this jurisdiction Elections Office directly.
How do I look up property records in Wilkes County, Georgia?
Property and land records in Wilkes County are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court at 23 East Court Street, Washington, (706) 678-2423, where you can search deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps in the official land records. Property tax information, assessments, and ownership details are available through the Wilkes County Tax County Tax Assessor at (706) 678-2528, located in the same courthouse complex. Online access to property records may be limited, so in-person visits or telephone inquiries are often necessary to conduct thorough property research. Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Wilkes County, Georgia?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Wilkes County are available from the Wilkes County Probate Court at 23 East Court Street, Washington, GA 30673, phone (706) 678-2511. Certified copies cost $25 (subject to change per state fee schedules) and require valid photo identification and proof of eligibility, as only certain family members and authorized persons can obtain certified vital records under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 31-10-1 et seq.). The Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records Office in Atlanta also provides statewide vital records and offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional convenience fees. Processing time is typically same-day for in-person requests at the Probate Court or 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
How do I find business license records in Wilkes County, Georgia?
Business licenses in Wilkes County are issued by the Wilkes County Tax Commissioner for unincorporated areas and by the City of Washington for businesses within city limits. Fictitious name (DBA) registrations are filed with the Wilkes County Clerk of Superior Court at (706) 678-2423 and are available for public inspection. For business entity searches including corporations and LLCs, use the free Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division database at www.sos.ga.gov/corporations, which provides formation dates, registered agents, and current status for all Georgia-registered businesses. Professional licenses and state permits are managed by respective state agencies rather than county offices.