What are Savannah Public Records?
The Georgia Open Records Act describes Savannah public records as documents, papers, letters, photographs, and tapes created, maintained, or received as part of an agency's official duty. While most of these are public, custodians may deny access to the following:
- Active law enforcement investigation records
- Motor vehicle accident reports
- Jury list information
- Medical records
- Real estate appraisals and acquisition data
- Sealed, rejected, pending, or deferred bids and proposals
Savannah Crime Statistics
The Savannah Police Department (SPD) provides statistics on all criminal activity recorded in the city through annual reports. According to figures published in 2018, Savannah recorded 6,900 crimes, including 982 violent crimes, and 5,918 property crimes. The violent crime statistics include 228 robberies, 28 homicides, and 85 rape incidents. With 602 recorded cases, aggravated assault was the most common violent crime.
Property crimes recorded include 884 burglaries, 497 reported thefts, 78 sudden snatchings, 86 other cases of larceny, and 128 auto thefts. Shoplifting was the most-committed crime, with 1,449 reported cases. Compared to figures from 2017, the rate of violent crimes fell by 1%, and property crimes dropped by 10.2%. Generally, Savannah's total crime rate shrunk by 9% in 2018.
Are Savannah Criminal Records Public?
Under Georgia law, not all Savannah criminal records are public. Georgia law allows private individuals and businesses to obtain copies of a person's criminal history record if the requesting entity provides signed consent from the person named on the record. However, the law also allows the general public to access felony conviction records without obtaining consent from the person on the record.
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) entertains requests for copies of countywide criminal records. The CCSO performs each name-based check for $15, payable by card, cash, certified check, or money order made out to the Chatham County Sheriff's Office. An interested party may send a completed waiver form, payment, and a copy of a valid government-issued ID to the CCSO's Criminal History Unit:
Mailing Address:
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
Criminal History/Fingerprint Unit
P.O. Box 10026
Savannah, GA 31412
Physical Address:
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
Criminal History/Fingerprint Unit
1050 Carl Griffin Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: (912) 652-7650
Phone: (912) 652-7652
Fax: (912) 651-3791
How to Obtain Savannah Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Savannah Police Department issues copies of police reports through its Records Unit. Interested persons may obtain a Savannah police report in person, by mail, phone, fax, or email. If ordering by mail, send a written request to the Records Unit. Ensure that the request contains the Case Report Number (CRN) or the exact date and location of the incident if the CRN is unknown. The report should also contain the requestor's contact information in case the SPD needs to reach out. Enclose the written request with a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and send to:
Savannah Police Department
Records Unit
P.O. Box 8032
Savannah, GA 31412
Interested parties may also visit the SPD's Record Unit in person at
602 East Lathrop Avenue
Savannah, GA 31415
Alternatively, send the request by email to spdrecords@savannahga.gov, fax to (912) 525-1748, or call (912) 651-3617. The Records Unit may take up to three business days to process a request.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Savannah
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office provides an online registry of all registered sex offenders in the county. Persons interested in finding Savannah sex offender information may search by name, zip code, or map sex offenders by zip code. Residents may also view a list of all sex offenders in Chatham County. The registry contains each offender's full name, age, race, address, gender, crime, risk level, and photograph.
How to Find Savannah Inmate Records
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office publishes details of all bookings into the Chatham County Detention Center. The CCSO publishes these bookings in 24-hour and 72-hour lists. Inmate information provided on each list includes the individual's full name, birth date, race, sex, and arrest date. The information also displays the inmate's defendant identification number (DIN), an arrest number, the arresting agency, bond information, and details on each charge.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Chatham County Detention Center?
Persons visiting the Chatham County Detention Center should be at least 17 years old. The facility will only allow younger persons to visit if in the company of an adult. Inmates are allowed to receive visitors two days a week and may receive two visits per day. Each visit may not last more than 20 minutes. However, a visitor from out of town may visit an inmate for up to 45 minutes. The out-of-town visitor must have traveled more than 150 miles from Savannah and must provide documentation to prove the location of departure. Inmates may not receive more than two out-of-town visits each week. Visitors are limited to one visit per day. However, a visitor may visit two inmates if both are immediate family members. All visitors must present a valid ID, and should not wear clothes that may be considered inappropriate.
Court Records
Part of the Eastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia, the Chatham County Superior, State, Juvenile, Probate, Magistrate, and Recorder's Courts all sit in Georgia. The Superior Court is the county's trial court of general jurisdiction and can hear all civil, criminal, family law, and equity cases. The Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over certain cases, including divorce and felony criminal matters.
Locations of Courts in Savannah
Chatham County Superior Court
Chatham County Courthouse
133 Montgomery Street
Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 652-7200
Fax: (912) 652-7380
State Court of Chatham County
133 Montgomery Street
Room 501
Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 652-7224
Fax: (912) 652-7229
Chatham County Probate Court
133 Montgomery Street
Room 509
Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 652-7265
Fax: (912) 652-7262
Chatham County Juvenile Court
197 Carl Griffin Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: (912) 652-6700
Fax: (912) 652-6741
Email: juvclerk@chathamcounty.org
Chatham County Magistrate Court
Chatham County Courthouse
133 Montgomery Street
Room 303
Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 652-7181
Chatham County Recorder's Court
Chatham County Courthouse
133 Montgomery Street
Room 116
Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 652-7425
Fax: (912) 652-7413
Email: recorderscourt@savannahga.gov
Are Savannah Court Records Public?
Most Savannah court records are public and accessible by city residents. However, courts may prevent public access to some records by sealing them. Although Chatham County courts have some discretion to seal records, the court must have specific reasons to prevent public disclosure. Regardless, the public may generally not gain access to juvenile proceedings. In addition, records of child support proceedings and juvenile felony charges may not be considered private.
Can You Look up a Savannah Court Case Online
Online access to Chatham County court records is available via a case search system. Interested persons may use the provided smart search function to find records by a litigant's name and record number. Advanced filtering options for the records include location, case status, file date, judgment type, and judgment date. Requestors may also choose to specify attorney name, case number, citation number, and case-reference number.
How to Obtain Savannah Civil Court Case Records
The Chatham Clerk of Superior Court issues copies of records created for civil case hearings. Interested persons may look up records using the case search system or obtain records in person or by mail. To obtain a Savannah civil court record by mail, send a written request to the clerk's office. The request should contain the names of parties involved, important dates, and a possible court disposition. The clerk accepts payment via money order or local check made out to "Clerk of Superior Court." Requestors are advised to call (912) 652-7198, (912) 652-7201, or (912) 652-7200 to confirm the applicable amount for each request. Send the documents to:
Clerk of Superior Court
P.O. Box 10227
Savannah, GA 31412
Alternatively, obtain a record in person by visiting the courthouse:
Chatham County Superior Court
Chatham County Courthouse
133 Montgomery Street
Savannah, GA 31401
How to Obtain Savannah Criminal Court Case Records
City residents may obtain copies of Savannah criminal court records from the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court. To apply by mail, send a written request with important dates, party names, and other details, to the clerk's office. Ensure that the request includes the applicant's contact details as the clerk's office would reach out to notify of the cost. Send the request by mail or by fax to:
Clerk of Superior Court
Attention: Criminal Division
P.O. Box 10227
Savannah, GA 31412
Fax: (912) 652-7380
In-Person Requests:
Superior Court Criminal Division
133 Montgomery Street
Room 304 A
Savannah, GA 31401
What are Savannah Vital Records?
Savannah vital records are created by city or county government agencies and contain information on life events in the city. These include records of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. Savannah vital records are accessible from the different record custodians in Chatham County. However, not all vital records are public records.
Where and How to Obtain Savannah Divorce Records
Requestors may obtain Savannah divorce records from the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court. Anyone may request copies of the divorce decree and other related documents used in divorce proceedings. To obtain a record by mail, send a written request to the clerk's office, stating the names of the divorced parties, date of divorce, the court's final judgment, and all other available information. Enclose a self-addressed and stamped envelope with the request. Send by mail or visit in person at:
Mailing Address:
Clerk of Superior Court
P.O. Box 10227
Savannah, GA 31412
Physical Address:
Chatham County Courthouse
133 Montgomery Street
Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 652-7200
Where and How to Get Public Savannah Marriage Records
The Chatham County Probate Court maintains countywide marriage records and issues informational copies to the general public. Persons interested in obtaining a copy of a public Savannah marriage record may request it in person or by mail. For a mail request, submit a completed Existing Marriage Document Request Form provided by the Probate Court. Requestors must fill in the full names of both parties before the marriage, and the marriage date. The Probate Court charges $1 for each plain copy and an additional $10 research fee. Fees are payable only by money orders made out to "Probate Court of Chatham County". Enclose the completed form, payment, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and send to the Probate Court, or visit the:
Probate Court of Chatham County
133 Montgomery Street
Room 509
Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 652-7268
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Savannah
The Chatham County Probate Court maintains certified copies of Savannah marriage records. Access to confidential marriage records is restricted to married parties, attorneys, and legal representatives. To request a certified Savannah marriage record, fill the Existing Marriage Document Request Form with both parties' names and the date of marriage. Each certified copy costs $10 plus an additional $10 research fee for mail requests. Requestors must only pay with money orders made out to "Probate Court of Chatham County". Send the form, a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and payment, or visit using the following information:
Probate Court of Chatham County
133 Montgomery Street
Room 509
Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 652-7268
Where and How to Find Savannah Birth Records
The Chatham County Vital Records Office issues birth records for all persons born in the county since 1919. However, birth records are only accessible by the individual named on the record and other related persons, including:
- Either parent named on the record
- Grandparents
- Adult child or sibling
- Spouse
- Attorney
- Authorized agent or legal guardian
- Government officials
Eligible persons may request records by mail or in person. Mail-in orders require a written request which includes the following:
- Individual's full name as it appears on the record
- Date and hospital of birth
- Father's name (if listed)
- Mother's full maiden name
- Requestor's full name, mailing address, and phone number
Each birth record costs $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Enclose the request with a copy of a state-issued picture ID, a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and payment via US Postal Service money order or cashier's check. Send to:
Vital Records
P.O. Box 14257
Savannah, GA 31416
Interested parties may also request in person by visiting the Vital Records Office and paying by cash or with cards from Mastercard and Visa only. Visit:
Chatham County Health Department
Vital Records Office
1395 Eisenhower Drive
Savannah, GA 31406
Phone: (912) 356-2138
Phone: (Toll-free): (866) 667-3236
Where and How to Find Savannah Death Records
The Chatham County Vital Records Office only entertains requests for Savannah death records from persons related to the decedent, including:
- Either parent
- Legal spouse
- Guardian
- Legal representative
- Next of kin
Persons who do not meet the above criteria may obtain death records if there is proof of a direct and tangible interest in the certificate. To order by mail, send a written request with all available details to the Vital Records Office. Include payment, a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and $25 for the first copy, plus $5 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Send the request or visit the Health Department using the following information:
Chatham County Health Department
Vital Records Office
1395 Eisenhower Drive
Savannah, GA 31406
Phone: (912) 356-2138
Phone: (Toll-free): (866) 667-3236
