Georgia Background Checks

Georgia Vital Records Background Checks
Copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce vital records are available for Georgia background checks in person or through the mail at the Department of Public Health and Vital Records in Atlanta. These documents may also be requested from any county vital records office.

The individual named on the original document, or his or her spouse, sibling, parent or guardian may apply for a copy of a Georgia vital record. A legal representative acting on behalf of one of these persons may also make an application. The subject’s full name and parents’ full names must be provided with birth certificate requests that may be used for Georgia background checks. Photocopies of valid, photo ID, such as government issued identification card, plus a completed request form and the $25 fee, must be included in a vital records application.

Since the fee is for the search service, this cost applies whether or not the record is found. Death certificate copy searches are also $25, with the same applicant and identification guideline requirements as for requesting birth record copies. The deceased person’s full name as well as the date and Georgia county of birth must be included in the completed request form.

Marriage record requests are available for certificates dated from 1952 to the present for $15 from Vital Records. Each additional marriage certificate copy ordered at the same time is $5 each. For marriage records before 1952 that may be wanted for Georgia background checks, the county probate court in the county where the license was issued should be contacted.

Georgia divorce records are not available from Vital Records. A certified copy of a divorce decree must be requested from the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was granted. For the purposes of Georgia background checks, the state Vital Records office can do a search verification that the decree is on file for a $10 fee.

Georgia Criminal Background Checks
According to Georgia state law, OCGA 35-3-34 (d.2), you can access the felony conviction records of another person without his or her consent. For a fee of $15 per transaction, paid with a credit card only, you can access the Georgia Felon Search website to confirm a felony conviction. For Georgia Felon Search information, contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) at (404) 244-2639.

GA Background Check

For such criminal searches needed for Georgia background checks, the subject’s full name, date of birth (DOB), sex and race are required. Other law enforcement agencies such as Sheriff’s offices and police departments may also provide felony conviction records. The fees will vary, but, at the time of this writing, won’t exceed $20. Your full name, mailing address and phone number should accompany a conviction record request.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)
Open Records Unit
3121 Panthersville Rd.
Decatur, GA 30034

Phone: (404) 244-2639 (For Georgia criminal history questions only)
Fax: (404) 270-8529 (Available for receiving faxed criminal records requests)