Georgia vital records provide important pieces of information about an individual and the events that occurred during their lifetime. Whether it is a birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificate you are seeking, the Georgia Vital Records office will be able to assist you in your search. Here is some basic information about each of the vital record types that are available for request.Birth Records
Since 1919, the State of Georgia has maintained birth records for all individuals born in the state. Some records are also kept at the county level, including some records that pre-date 1919. If you are seeking a copy of a birth certificate, you must first be eligible to receive a copy. Eligible individuals include the person named on the certificate, the parents, legal guardians, grandparents, an adult child or sibling, or the spouse of the individual listed on the certificate. Those wanting copies must provide a signed request form, information about the individual on the form, their relationship to the individual, a copy of a photo ID, and payment.
Death Records
Death records are available the general public in Georgia; in other words, anyone can obtain a copy of a death certificate. The state and counties maintain these records from 1919 to the present. To receive a copy of a death record, you must provide the full name of the deceased, the date the individual died, the city and county in which the death occurred, the sex and the age of the individual, and your relationship to them.
Marriage Records
Marriages have been maintained at the state level in Georgia since 1952. Marriages that occurred prior to that year may be available at the county office in the county in which the marriage took place. Copies of marriage licenses are available to the public, but only the bride and groom may receive a certified copy of the marriage license application, which contains more information. To receive a copy of a marriage record, the requestor must provide the full names of the bride and groom, the exact date of the marriage, the city and county where the event took place, and the payment for the copy.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are not issued by the State of Georgia. The Georgia Vital Records Office is able to conduct a search of records to see if a divorce took place, but the actual record can only be requested from the Superior Court where the event occurred. To request confirmation of a divorce from the state, you must supply the bride and groom’s full names, date of the divorce, and the place it occurred.
Georgia vital records may be requested in person, online, by mail, or by telephone. Birth and death certificates cost $25, while marriage and divorce records are $10; however, divorce records can only be confirmed by the state offices.
If you need Georgia vital records for identification, legal, insurance benefit, or genealogical purposes, the Vital Records office in Atlanta can help you find the information you need.
