Gwinnett County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Gwinnett County?

Public records in Gwinnett County are defined under 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, maintained, or received by an agency in the course of its operations are considered public records. These records are maintained by various county departments and are generally accessible to the public upon request.

Gwinnett County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments
• Vital Records: Birth certificates (from 1928), death certificates (from 1919), marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
• Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records from County Commission meetings and various boards and authorities
• Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, financial reports, and expenditure records
• Law Enforcement Records: Incident reports, arrest logs, and certain investigative records (with restrictions)
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Zoning applications, permits, and planning documents

The Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court maintains court records, property records, and notary commissions. Vital records are primarily maintained by the Gwinnett County Health Department. Business records, tax information, and land use documents are managed by various departments within the Gwinnett County Government.

Is Gwinnett County an Open Records County?

Gwinnett 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 and available for inspection during regular business hours unless specifically exempted by statute.

The Georgia Open Records Act states: "The General Assembly finds and declares that the strong public policy of this state is in favor of open government; that open government is essential to a free, open, and democratic society; and that public access to public records should be encouraged to foster confidence in government and so that the public can evaluate the expenditure of public funds and the efficient and proper functioning of its institutions."

Gwinnett County has established specific procedures for handling open records requests in accordance with state law. The county maintains an Open Records Request portal where citizens can submit requests electronically. Additionally, each county department has designated Open Records Officers responsible for processing requests for their respective departments.

Gwinnett County also complies with Georgia's Open Meetings Act (§ 50-14-1 through § 50-14-6), often referred to as the "Sunshine Law," which requires that government meetings be open to the public with proper notice given.

How to Find Public Records in Gwinnett County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Gwinnett County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county provides multiple access points depending on the type of record sought:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's online portals:

   • The Gwinnett County Clerk of Court's website offers access to court records through their case management system
   • Property records can be searched through the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner's website
   • Meeting agendas and minutes are available on the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners website

2. Submit an Open Records Request: For records not available online, individuals may submit a formal request:

   • Complete the Open Records Request Form available on the county website
   • Submit requests via email to the appropriate department's Open Records Officer
   • Requests should include specific details about the records sought, including dates, names, and other identifying information

3. Visit in Person: Many records can be inspected in person at the appropriate county office:

   • Court records at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center
   • Property records at the Tax Commissioner's Office
   • Vital records at the Gwinnett County Health Department

4. Mail Requests: Written requests may be sent to the appropriate department with a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery

The county is required to respond to open records requests within three business days, either by providing the records, providing a timeline for when the records will be available, or citing a specific legal exemption for denying access.

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

Gwinnett 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. Current standard fees include:

• Copying Fees: $0.10 per page for letter or legal-sized documents
• Search and Retrieval: The hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the search (after the first 15 minutes, which are free)
• Electronic Records: Actual cost of the media on which electronic records are produced (CD, DVD, USB drive)
• Certified Copies: Additional $2.50 per document for certification

Specific record types have statutorily set fees:

• Birth Certificates: $25.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
• Death Certificates: $25.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
• Marriage Licenses: $56.00 for issuance ($10.00 discount with completion of premarital education)
• Deed Recordings: $9.00 for the first page, $2.00 for each additional page
• Criminal History Reports: $20.00 per name search

Gwinnett County accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card (where available). Some departments may have different payment options, and requestors should confirm accepted methods before submitting payment.

If the estimated cost of fulfilling a request exceeds $25.00, the county will provide a cost estimate to the requestor before proceeding. The requestor must agree to pay the estimated amount before the county will begin processing the request.

Does Gwinnett County Have Free Public Records?

Gwinnett County provides free access to certain public records as required by Georgia law. Under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-71(b), agencies must provide for the inspection of public records during normal business hours free of charge.

Free public records services in Gwinnett County include:

• In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may inspect any non-exempt public record at no cost during regular business hours at the appropriate county office
• Online Access: Many records are available at no charge through the county's various online portals:
  • Property tax records and assessments
  • County budget and financial reports
  • Board of Commissioners meeting agendas and minutes
  • Election results and voter information
  • County ordinances and codes

The first 15 minutes of search and retrieval time for any record request is provided at no charge. Additionally, if a record is available in electronic format and can be emailed to the requestor, there is typically no charge for transmission.

Who Can Request Public Records in Gwinnett 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 eligibility means that:

• Any individual, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records
• Requestors do not need to provide identification for most record requests
• Requestors are not required to state a purpose or reason for their request
• Requestors do not need to be a party to a case to obtain court records
• Organizations, businesses, and media outlets may also request records

However, certain restrictions apply to specific record types:

• Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records may only be obtained by eligible individuals as defined in O.C.G.A. § 31-10-26, such as the person named in the record, immediate family members, or legal representatives
• Criminal History Information: Complete criminal histories are restricted to the subject of the record or authorized agencies
• Juvenile Court Records: Access is limited to parties to the case, attorneys, and certain agencies
• Medical Records: Protected under HIPAA and only available to the patient or authorized representatives

When requesting records that contain restricted information, the county may require verification of identity or legal authority to access such records. For most general public records, however, no identification or justification is required.

What Records Are Confidential in Gwinnett County?

While Georgia law favors transparency, certain records are exempt from disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-72. Gwinnett County maintains confidentiality for the following record types:

• Personal Information: Social Security numbers, dates of birth, mother's birth name, credit card information, bank account information, financial data, insurance information, medical information, and unlisted telephone numbers
• Law Enforcement Records: Ongoing investigations, confidential informant identities, and certain surveillance techniques
• Juvenile Court Records: Most records involving minors under 17 years of age
• Sealed Court Records: Records sealed by court order, including certain expunged criminal records
• Medical Records: Patient records protected under HIPAA
• Adoption Records: Adoption proceedings and related documents
• Child Abuse Records: Reports and investigations of child abuse
• Personnel Records: Certain employee information including medical information, home address, and performance evaluations
• Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product
• Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to the county
• Security Information: Building security plans, emergency response protocols, and critical infrastructure details
• Economic Development Projects: Certain records related to pending economic development projects until officially announced

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, Gwinnett County will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder of the record. The county must cite the specific legal authority for any denial or redaction of records.

Georgia law also provides for a balancing test in certain circumstances, where the public interest in disclosure is weighed against privacy interests or potential harm from disclosure.

Gwinnett County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court
Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Real Estate Division (Property Records)
Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Real Estate Records

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Gwinnett County Probate Court
Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8250
Gwinnett County Probate Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Gwinnett County Health Department (Vital Records)
2570 Riverside Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
678-442-3800
Gwinnett County Health Department

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Lookup Public Records in Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County Government