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Chatham County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Chatham County?

Public records in Chatham County are defined under the Georgia Open Records Act, codified in Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 50-18-70 et seq. According to this statute, public records include all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, computer-based or generated information, data, data fields, or similar material prepared, maintained, or received by an agency in the course of its official business.

Chatham County maintains numerous types of public records accessible to citizens, including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, family, and probate court documents maintained by the Chatham County Court System. These include case filings, judgments, orders, and docket information.
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property assessments maintained by the Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office and the Chatham County Board of Assessors.
  • Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. Birth and death certificates from 1919 to present are maintained by the Chatham County Health Department.
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations maintained by the Chatham County Clerk's Office.
  • Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax digests maintained by the Chatham County Tax Commissioner's Office.
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information, election results, and campaign finance reports maintained by the Chatham County Board of Elections.
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of proceedings for the Chatham County Commission and various boards and committees.
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County financial statements, budgets, expenditure reports, and audits.
  • Law Enforcement Records: Incident reports, arrest logs, and certain investigative records maintained by the Chatham County Police Department.
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land use plans maintained by the Chatham County Development Services Department.

The Chatham County government serves as the central authority for county records, with specific departments responsible for maintaining different record types as mandated by Georgia law.

Is Chatham County an Open Records County?

Chatham County fully adheres to the Georgia Open Records Act (GORA), as established in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. This comprehensive state law governs public access to government records throughout Georgia, including Chatham County.

The Georgia Open Records Act explicitly states that "public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying" by any person, reflecting the state's commitment to government transparency. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(b)(1)(A), agencies must produce responsive records within three business days of receiving a request if the records are available. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the agency must provide a written description of the records and a timeline for their production.

Chatham County has implemented specific procedures to facilitate public access to records in compliance with state law. The Chatham County Police Department Records Unit states: "CCPD complies with all federal, state, county laws and ordinances, according to the Georgia Open Records Act, and, upon request, shall make public all records not specifically exempted from disclosure."

Additionally, Chatham County complies with Georgia's Open Meetings Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1 et seq.), often referred to as the "Sunshine Law," which requires that government meetings be open to the public with limited exceptions.

The county has established a centralized records request system to streamline the process for citizens seeking public information, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and open government principles.

How to Find Public Records in Chatham County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Chatham County may utilize several methods to access information. The county has established streamlined processes to facilitate public access to government records.

Online Access:

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the appropriate county department during regular business hours.
  • Bring identification and be prepared to complete a records request form.
  • For court records, visit the Chatham County Courthouse at 133 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
  • For property records, visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office at the same address.

Written Requests:

  • Submit a formal written request to the specific department that maintains the desired records.
  • Clearly identify the records being requested with as much specificity as possible.
  • Include contact information for follow-up questions or clarification.
  • Submit requests via mail, email, or fax to the appropriate department.

Official Records Request Portal:

  • Utilize the county's online records request system for many types of public records.
  • Track the status of submitted requests through the portal.
  • Receive electronic copies of requested documents when available.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies must respond to records requests within three business days. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the agency must provide a written timeline for when the records will be available.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Chatham County?

Chatham County assesses fees for public records in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Georgia Open Records Act, specifically O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c). The current fee structure for obtaining public records in Chatham County is as follows:

Standard Copy Fees:

  • Black and white copies: $0.10 per page
  • Color copies: $0.25 per page
  • Certified copies: $2.50 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page

Electronic Records:

  • Records provided electronically: No charge for the cost of search, retrieval, or electronic transmission when records are readily available in electronic format
  • USB drives or other storage media: Actual cost of the media

Search and Retrieval Fees:

  • Administrative and clerical time: $15.00 per hour (first 15 minutes are free)
  • No charge for the first quarter hour of time
  • Prorated for periods of less than one hour

Specialized Document Fees:

  • Maps, plats, and oversized documents: Varies based on size and complexity
  • Photographs: Actual cost of reproduction
  • Audio/video recordings: Actual cost of reproduction

Vital Records Fees:

  • Birth certificates: $25.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy
  • Death certificates: $25.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy
  • Marriage certificates: $10.00
  • Divorce decrees: $10.00

Chatham County accepts payment in the form of cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (where available). Some departments may have specific payment requirements. Checks should be made payable to "Chatham County" or the specific department handling the request.

Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(d), an agency may require prepayment if the estimated cost of the request exceeds $25.00. The agency must notify the requester of the estimated cost in advance.

Does Chatham County Have Free Public Records?

Chatham County provides several avenues for accessing public records at no cost, in accordance with Georgia state law. The Georgia Open Records Act, while permitting reasonable fees for copies and search time, also mandates that records be available for inspection without charge.

Free In-Person Inspection:

  • All public records maintained by Chatham County are available for in-person inspection at no cost during regular business hours.
  • Citizens may visit the appropriate county department and request to view records without paying fees.
  • The Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office provides public access terminals for searching court and property records at no charge.

Free Online Resources:

Free Electronic Delivery:

  • When records are readily available in electronic format, there is typically no charge for electronic transmission.
  • Email delivery of electronic records is generally provided at no cost.

Fee Waiver Provisions:

  • Under certain circumstances, fees may be reduced or waived if the disclosure of the information is determined to be in the public interest.
  • Requests from indigent persons may qualify for fee waivers in some instances.

It is important to note that while inspection is free, fees may still apply for copies, certified documents, or extensive search and retrieval time as outlined in the previous section.

Who Can Request Public Records in Chatham County?

Under the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70(b), public records in Chatham County are accessible to any person regardless of citizenship or residency status. The statute explicitly states that public records "shall be open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This broad eligibility reflects Georgia's commitment to government transparency.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • No residency requirement exists for requesting public records in Chatham County.
  • Requesters do not need to be Georgia residents or U.S. citizens.
  • Requesters are not required to state the purpose of their request for most records.
  • Identification is generally not required for basic record requests, though it may be necessary for certain sensitive records.

Special Considerations for Specific Record Types:

  • Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees have stricter access requirements. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 31-10-26, only certain individuals (such as the person named in the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a legitimate legal interest) may access these records.
  • Criminal History Information: Complete criminal history records are restricted to the individual, their attorney, or authorized criminal justice agencies.
  • Juvenile Records: Access is limited by O.C.G.A. § 15-11-703, which restricts these records to the juvenile, parents, guardians, attorneys, and certain government officials.
  • Medical Records: Protected by HIPAA and state privacy laws, these records are only available to the patient or their authorized representative.

Requesting Your Own Records vs. Others' Records:

  • When requesting your own records, identification is typically required to verify identity.
  • When requesting records about another individual, certain personal information may be redacted to protect privacy.
  • Business entities, media organizations, and non-profit groups have the same rights to access public records as individuals.

The Chatham County Police Department Records Unit and other county departments process requests from all eligible requesters in accordance with state law, regardless of the requester's status or purpose.

What Records Are Confidential in Chatham County?

While Chatham County is committed to transparency and open government, certain records are exempt from public disclosure under Georgia law. The Georgia Open Records Act, specifically O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, establishes numerous exemptions to protect privacy, security, and other important interests.

The following categories of records are generally confidential in Chatham County:

  • Personal Information: Social Security numbers, dates of birth, mother's birth name, credit card information, bank account information, financial data, insurance and medical information are protected under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(20).

  • Medical Records: Health records protected by HIPAA and state privacy laws, including mental health records and disability information.

  • Juvenile Court Records: Records related to juvenile offenders are confidential under O.C.G.A. § 15-11-703, with limited exceptions for certain parties and circumstances.

  • Ongoing Investigations: Records of law enforcement, prosecution, or regulatory agencies in any pending investigation or prosecution are exempt until the investigation or prosecution is complete, per O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(4).

  • Attorney-Client Communications: Records subject to attorney-client privilege or attorney work product are protected from disclosure.

  • Sealed Court Records: Records sealed by court order, including certain domestic relations cases, adoption records, and expunged criminal records.

  • Personnel Records: Certain information in personnel files, including medical information, home address, home telephone number, personal email address, and personal cellular telephone number of public employees.

  • Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information and trade secrets submitted to government agencies.

  • Security Information: Records that would compromise security, including emergency response plans, security systems, and infrastructure vulnerability assessments.

  • Real Estate Appraisals: Records related to the acquisition of real property until the transaction is completed.

  • Economic Development Projects: Records related to pending economic development projects where disclosure would harm the competitive position of the county.

  • Tax Information: Certain tax information that is confidential under state or federal law.

  • Library Records: Information that would identify the user of library materials.

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, Chatham County agencies will redact the confidential information and provide the remainder of the record, as required by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(b).

The county applies a balancing test in certain cases, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests and other protected values, particularly for records not explicitly exempted by statute.

Chatham County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office
133 Montgomery Street, Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7175
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

  • Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents
  • Maintenance of real estate records
  • Issuance of notary public commissions
  • UCC filings
  • Military discharge recordings
  • Trade name registrations
  • Plat recordings
  • Real estate transfer tax collection

Additional County Offices for Public Records:

Chatham County Probate Court
133 Montgomery Street, Room 509
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7270
Chatham County Probate Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Chatham County Tax Commissioner's Office
1117 Eisenhower Drive, Suite E
Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 652-7100
Chatham County Tax Commissioner

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Chatham County Health Department (Vital Records)
1395 Eisenhower Drive
Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 356-2441
Chatham County Health Department

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Chatham County Board of Assessors
222 West Oglethorpe Avenue
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7271
Chatham County Board of Assessors

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Lookup Public Records in Chatham County

Chatham County Court System

Chatham County Superior Court Clerk

Chatham County Government

Open Records Information

Chatham County Board of Assessors

Chatham County Police Department Records Unit

Chatham County Records Request Portal

Chatham County Board of Elections

Georgia Vital Records ROVER System

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