DeKalb County Public Records
What Are Public Records in DeKalb County?
Public records in DeKalb County are defined according to the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, which states that all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, computer-based or generated information, or similar material prepared and maintained or received in the course of the operation of a public office or agency are considered public records. These records are maintained by various county departments and are generally accessible to the public.
DeKalb County maintains numerous types of public records, including:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the DeKalb County State Court and other judicial offices
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments available through the DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department
- Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees (primarily maintained by the DeKalb County Probate Court)
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
- Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax liens
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results maintained by the DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections Office
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of county commission meetings, board proceedings, and other public bodies
- Budget and Financial Documents: County financial reports, budgets, and expenditure records
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports, and other non-confidential police records
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning applications, and building permits
The DeKalb County Government serves as the central authority for county records, with specific departments responsible for maintaining different record types. The DeKalb County Clerk's Office maintains official county records, while specialized departments like the Tax Commissioner's Office handle tax records, and the Property Appraisal Department manages property assessment records.
Is DeKalb County an Open Records County?
DeKalb County fully complies with the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70 et seq., which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under this statute, all public records are presumed open for inspection by any person at a reasonable time and place, unless specifically exempted by law.
The Georgia Open Records Act states: "The General Assembly finds and declares that the strong public policy of this state is in favor of open government; that open government is essential to a free, open, and democratic society; and that public access to public records should be encouraged to foster confidence in government and so that the public can evaluate the expenditure of public funds and the efficient and proper functioning of its institutions."
DeKalb County has established specific procedures for handling open records requests in accordance with state law. The county's policy affirms that public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying during regular office hours at the office where such records are maintained.
DeKalb County also adheres to Georgia's Open Meetings Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1 et seq.), often referred to as the "Sunshine Law," which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public and that proper notice be given for such meetings.
The county has designated records custodians within each department who are responsible for responding to records requests and ensuring compliance with state law. These custodians must respond to requests within three business days, as required by Georgia law.
How to Find Public Records in DeKalb County in 2026
Members of the public seeking access to DeKalb County records may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county currently provides both in-person and online options for accessing public records.
To request public records in DeKalb County:
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Identify the appropriate department: Determine which county department maintains the records you seek. Different types of records are maintained by different offices.
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Submit a formal request: Complete an open records request form specifying the records needed. Requests may be submitted:
- In person at the relevant department
- By mail to the appropriate department
- Via email to the department's records custodian
- Through the county's online portal for certain record types
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For property records: Visit the Landmark Web Official Records Search to access deeds, liens, and other property documents online.
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For court records: Access the DeKalb County State Court website for case information and court documents. Many court records can be searched electronically.
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For tax and property assessment records: Utilize the DeKalb County Property Appraisal online database to search for property values, tax assessments, and related information.
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For general county information: Visit the DeKalb County Government website for departmental contact information and available online services.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(b)(1)(A), the county must respond to records requests within three business days. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the county must provide a written description of the records and a timeline for when they will be available.
For records not available online, requestors may need to visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to inspect or obtain copies of the requested documents.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in DeKalb County?
DeKalb County assesses fees for public records in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-71(c). The current fee structure for obtaining public records in DeKalb County is as follows:
- Standard copying fees: $0.10 per page for letter or legal-sized documents
- Oversized documents: Actual cost of reproduction for maps, plats, and other oversized documents
- Electronic records: May be provided at no charge if records are maintained electronically and can be emailed
- Media storage devices: Actual cost of the CD, DVD, USB drive, or other media used to provide electronic records
- Administrative fees: For requests requiring more than 15 minutes of search, retrieval, or redaction time, the county may charge the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the task (not to exceed $15.00 per hour)
The county accepts the following payment methods:
- Cash (in-person requests only)
- Personal checks
- Money orders
- Credit cards (for certain departments and online services)
Under Georgia law, agencies must utilize the most economical means available for providing copies of public records. The county may waive fees when disclosure of the records is determined to be in the public interest.
Requestors have the right to inspect records at no charge during regular business hours. Fees are only assessed when copies are requested or when extensive search time is required.
For specialized records such as certified copies of vital records, the fees are set by state statute and may differ from standard copying fees. For example, certified copies of birth certificates and death certificates currently cost $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy requested at the same time.
Does DeKalb County Have Free Public Records?
DeKalb County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost to requestors. Under the Georgia Open Records Act, all citizens have the right to inspect public records without charge during regular business hours, provided the inspection does not disrupt the regular operations of the office.
Free public records resources in DeKalb County include:
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In-person inspection: Members of the public may examine non-exempt records at the appropriate county office at no charge. This right is explicitly protected under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(b).
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Online property records search: The Landmark Web Official Records Search provides free access to search and view property records, including deeds, liens, and plats.
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Property assessment information: The DeKalb County Property Appraisal website offers free access to property assessment data, including property values, ownership information, and tax assessment history.
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Court case information: Basic case information is available through the DeKalb County State Court website at no charge, though fees may apply for obtaining copies of specific documents.
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County commission records: Meeting agendas, minutes, and videos of county commission meetings are available on the DeKalb County Government website at no cost.
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Budget and financial reports: The county publishes annual budgets, financial reports, and audits on its website that can be accessed without charge.
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Election results and voter information: Basic election data and voter information resources are provided free of charge through the DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections website.
Electronic records that can be transmitted via email and do not require extensive search or redaction time (less than 15 minutes) are typically provided at no cost, in accordance with the county's commitment to transparency and public access.
Who Can Request Public Records in DeKalb County?
Under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70(b), any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request access to public records in DeKalb County. The law specifically states that "all public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This broad eligibility reflects Georgia's commitment to government transparency.
Key points regarding who can request public records in DeKalb County:
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No residency requirement: Requestors need not be residents of DeKalb County or the state of Georgia to access public records.
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No purpose statement required: In most cases, requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request or explain why they want access to specific records.
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Identification requirements: While basic contact information is typically required on request forms, formal identification is generally not needed for standard record requests. However, certain sensitive records may require verification of identity or legal standing.
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Requesting personal records: Individuals seeking their own records (such as employment records) may need to provide identification to verify their identity.
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Requesting records of others: Access to certain records pertaining to other individuals may be restricted by privacy laws and exemptions, particularly for records containing personal identifying information.
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Commercial use: Records may be requested for commercial purposes, though some specialized databases may have specific terms of use.
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Representatives: Attorneys, researchers, and other representatives may request records on behalf of clients, provided they have proper authorization when required.
For certain restricted records, such as adoption records, juvenile court records, or records containing protected health information, additional eligibility requirements may apply, and access may be limited to specific individuals with a legal interest in the records, as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.
What Records Are Confidential in DeKalb County?
While DeKalb County strives to provide access to public records, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure under Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-72. These exemptions protect privacy, security, and other important interests. Records that are confidential or exempt from public disclosure in DeKalb County include:
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Personal privacy information: Social Security numbers, dates of birth, mother's birth name, credit card information, bank account information, financial data, and insurance or medical information
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Medical records: Health records protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
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Juvenile court records: Records related to cases involving minors in juvenile court proceedings
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Ongoing investigations: Records of law enforcement, prosecution, or regulatory agencies in pending investigations
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Attorney-client privileged information: Communications between the county and its legal counsel
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Sealed court records: Records that have been sealed by court order
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Adoption records: Documents related to adoption proceedings
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Child abuse records: Reports and records concerning child abuse investigations
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Certain personnel records: Performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and personal information of public employees
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Trade secrets: Proprietary business information and trade secrets submitted to the county
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Security information: Records that would compromise security, including emergency response plans, security systems, and infrastructure details
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Certain real estate appraisals: Records related to the acquisition of real property until the transaction is completed
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Certain economic development records: Records that would disclose the identity of private persons or businesses seeking economic development assistance
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Certain tax information: Confidential tax matters protected under state law
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Records specifically exempted by state or federal law: Any records designated as confidential by other applicable statutes
The county applies a balancing test in some cases, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests and potential harm from release. This approach is consistent with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a), which provides that public disclosure shall not be required for records "the disclosure of which would be an invasion of personal privacy."
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder, as required by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(b).
DeKalb County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court - Real Estate Division
556 N. McDonough Street, Ground Floor
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-2836
DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays
DeKalb County Probate Court
556 N. McDonough Street, Suite 1100
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-2601
DeKalb County Probate Court
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays
DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's Office
4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100
Decatur, GA 30032
(404) 298-4000
DeKalb County Tax Commissioner
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays
DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department
1300 Commerce Drive
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-2000
DeKalb County Property Appraisal
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays
DeKalb County Communications Department (Open Records Requests)
Manuel J. Maloof Center
1300 Commerce Drive, 6th Floor
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-2752
DeKalb County Open Records
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays
Lookup Public Records in DeKalb County
Landmark Web Official Records Search