atlanta georgia public records: practical guide for first-time researchers

What you can find

Atlanta and Fulton County maintain a wide range of public records, including property deeds and plats, civil and criminal court dockets, business licenses, building permits, police incident reports, code enforcement actions, and meeting minutes. Many indexes are searchable, while certified copies typically require a small fee.

Practical search tips

Start with the exact name, parcel ID, or case number, then broaden to partial names or date ranges. Cross-check city and county sources-some items live with the City of Atlanta, others with the Fulton County Clerk or nearby DeKalb for addresses that straddle boundaries. Under the Georgia Open Records Act, agencies generally acknowledge requests within three business days, though fulfillment may take longer and sensitive data can be redacted. For legal use, request certified copies.

How to request records

1. Identify the custodian (City Open Records office, Fulton County Clerk, or a state index).
2. Describe the record precisely: names, address, parcel, dates, and document type.
3. Ask about fees, delivery format, and estimated timelines in the same request.
4. If denied, request the statutory exemption citation and narrow scope to reduce redactions.

Pro tip: Save searches and note docket or instrument numbers so you can re-order documents quickly later.