Rockdale County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Rockdale County?
Public records in Rockdale 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 available for inspection by members of the public, with certain exceptions as provided by law.
Rockdale County maintains numerous types of public records, including:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family)
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates)
- Business records (licenses, permits, fictitious names)
- Tax records (property tax, assessment records)
- Voting and election records
- Meeting minutes and agendas (county commission, boards)
- Budget and financial documents
- Law enforcement records (arrest logs, incident reports - where allowed)
- Land use and zoning records
The Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Court maintains most court-related records, including civil and criminal case files, real estate records, and UCC filings. The Rockdale County Probate Court handles probate matters, marriage licenses, and certain vital records. Property records and tax information are maintained by the Rockdale County Tax Commissioner's Office. Voting records are managed by the Rockdale County Board of Elections.
Is Rockdale County an Open Records County?
Rockdale County fully complies with the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70 through § 50-18-77, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under this law, all public records are presumed open for inspection by any person at a reasonable time and place, unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Act specifically states that "the public at large shall have access to all public records of this state and of its counties, municipalities, and school districts." This provision ensures transparency in government operations and allows citizens to monitor the activities of public officials and agencies.
Rockdale County has implemented policies to facilitate public access to records in accordance with state law. The county maintains an Open Records Request portal where citizens can submit formal requests for public information. Additionally, many records are now available online through various departmental websites, enhancing accessibility.
Rockdale County also adheres to Georgia's Open Meetings Act, 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.
How to Find Public Records in Rockdale County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records in Rockdale County may utilize several methods to locate and access the information they need:
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Online Access: Many records are currently available through the county's official websites. The Rockdale County Clerk's Office provides online access to court records, real estate documents, and other legal filings. Property records can be searched through the Tax Commissioner's website.
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request records in person. Staff members are available to assist with locating specific documents.
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Written Requests: Under the Georgia Open Records Act, citizens may submit written requests for records. Rockdale County has established a standardized Open Records Request form that can be submitted to the relevant department.
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Probate Records: The Probate Court maintains estate records, marriage licenses, and certain vital records that can be accessed through their office.
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Property Records: The Tax Commissioner's Office and Tax Assessor's Office maintain property tax records, which can be searched by address or parcel number.
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Court Records: The Georgia Courts portal provides access to court records across the state, including those from Rockdale County.
When requesting records, it is advisable to be as specific as possible about the information sought. This helps county staff locate the correct documents efficiently and reduces processing time.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Rockdale County?
Rockdale County charges fees for public records in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-71(c), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records.
The current fee structure for Rockdale County public records includes:
- Standard paper copies: $0.10 per page
- Certified copies: $2.50 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
- Search and retrieval fees: $15.00 per hour (first quarter hour is free)
- Electronic records: Actual cost of the media (CD, DVD, USB drive)
- Specialized documents (maps, plats, etc.): Varies based on size and format
The county accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards for most transactions. Some departments may have limited payment options, so it is advisable to confirm acceptable payment methods before requesting records.
Under state law, agencies must provide fee estimates when retrieval costs exceed $25.00, and requestors have the right to modify their requests to reduce costs. Certain records searches may qualify for fee waivers if the request is determined to be in the public interest and not for commercial purposes, though this determination is made on a case-by-case basis.
Different record types may have specific statutory fees that override the standard fee schedule. For example, vital records such as birth and death certificates have fixed fees established by state law.
Does Rockdale County Have Free Public Records?
Rockdale County provides free inspection of public records in compliance with the Georgia Open Records Act. Any person may examine public records during regular business hours at no charge, though fees apply for copies or extensive searches as outlined above.
Several free online resources are available to access Rockdale County public records:
- The Rockdale County website offers free access to meeting minutes, agendas, and various public documents.
- The Open Georgia portal provides access to government spending information, including salary data for public employees.
- The Rockdale County Tax Commissioner's website offers free property tax record searches.
- The Rockdale County Probate Court provides access to estate records filed from 2003 to present.
- The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners publishes meeting agendas and minutes online at no cost.
Additionally, public access computers are available at the Rockdale County Courthouse and public libraries for individuals who need to access online records but do not have internet access at home.
Who Can Request Public Records in Rockdale County?
Under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70(b), "all public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This broad provision means that:
- Any individual, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records in Rockdale County
- Requestors 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 restricted records
- Corporate entities, organizations, and media outlets have the same rights of access as individuals
While the law provides broad access rights, certain record types have specific eligibility restrictions:
- Vital records (birth, death certificates) may require proof of relationship or legitimate interest
- Adoption records have strict confidentiality protections
- Criminal history information may have restricted access depending on the requestor's relationship to the subject
- Medical records and certain personal information are protected by privacy laws
When requesting records about oneself, identification is typically required to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure of personal information. When requesting records about others, access may be limited based on the type of record and applicable privacy laws.
Non-residents of Georgia have the same rights to access public records as residents under the state's open records law, which does not contain a citizenship or residency requirement.
What Records Are Confidential in Rockdale County?
While Georgia law favors transparency, Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-72 establishes numerous exemptions for records that are confidential or otherwise protected from public disclosure. In Rockdale County, the following record types are generally not available for public inspection:
- Medical records and protected health information (HIPAA-protected)
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
- Records related to ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Personal information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and financial account numbers
- Adoption records and birth records that identify parents in adoption cases
- Child abuse and neglect records
- Certain personnel records, including medical information and performance evaluations
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Security plans, vulnerability assessments, and infrastructure details
- Records that would compromise public safety if disclosed
- Certain real estate appraisals until property acquisition is complete
- Records that would invade personal privacy where the public interest in disclosure does not outweigh privacy concerns
Georgia law requires agencies to apply a balancing test in some cases, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests or potential harm from release. When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, agencies must redact the confidential portions and release the remainder.
Individuals seeking access to confidential records may need to obtain a court order or demonstrate a specific legal right to access the information. In some cases, statutory procedures exist for limited access to otherwise confidential records.
Rockdale County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Court
945 Court Street, Room 108
Conyers, GA 30012
(770) 278-7800
Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Court
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Rockdale County Probate Court
945 Court Street, Room 130
Conyers, GA 30012
(770) 278-7700
Rockdale County Probate Court
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Rockdale County Tax Commissioner's Office
969 Pine Street NE
Conyers, GA 30012
(770) 278-7600
Rockdale County Tax Commissioner
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Rockdale County Board of Elections
1400 Parker Road SE
Conyers, GA 30094
(770) 278-7333
Rockdale County Board of Elections
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays