Savannah Public Records are official documents created or maintained by government agencies in Savannah, Georgia, that are available for public review under state law. These records include city permits, police reports, court filings, property deeds, business licenses, and more. Anyone can request them—no special reason needed. The process is simple, fast, and designed to be transparent. Most requests are handled within five business days. Some records are free, while others require a small fee. This page explains exactly how to find, request, and use Savannah Public Records for any purpose.
How to Request Savannah Public Records Online
The fastest way to get Savannah Public Records is through the city’s official online portal. Go to the Savannah Open Records Request page on the city website. Fill out the form with your name, email, phone number, and a clear description of the records you want. Include case numbers if you have them. After submitting, your request goes directly to the Office of Records Management at 15 East Bryan Street. They review it and respond within five business days. You’ll get an email update with a tracking number. If approved, you can download digital copies or pick up physical documents. There’s no charge for the first few pages. Larger requests may cost $0.50 per page.
Types of Savannah Public Records Available
Savannah Public Records cover many areas. You can access corporate filings like articles of incorporation, criminal case files from Chatham County Superior Court, real estate deeds, building permits, and GIS data. The City Planning Department issues trade licenses for businesses. The Police Department provides arrest logs, incident reports, and traffic citations. Property tax records come from the Chatham County Tax Assessor. Flood zone maps and parcel boundaries are updated monthly on the Savannah GIS portal. All these documents are open unless protected by privacy laws. Certified copies are available for legal use.
Where to Get Vital Records in Savannah
Savannah Public Records do not include birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates. These vital records are managed by the Chatham County Probate Court at 220 East Bay Street. You must contact their office directly during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Call (912) 652-7230 or visit in person. Bring valid ID and pay a small fee per copy. Processing takes one to three days. For genealogy or historical research, go to the Record Room at 133 Montgomery Street, Room 509. They help with wills, estate files, and old land deeds. Certified copies cost $0.75 per page.
Police Reports and Arrest Records in Savannah
The Savannah Police Department’s Records Unit handles all law enforcement documents. You can get incident reports, accident summaries, arrest logs, and traffic citations. Visit 602 East Lathrop Avenue between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Or call (912) 651-3617. Fax requests to (912) 525-1748. Email the protected address listed on their website. Each report costs $5 to $10 per page. Certified copies are available for court use. Most requests are completed in three business days. Include the case number, date, and names involved to speed up the process.
Free Online Databases for Savannah Public Records
Several free websites collect Savannah Public Records for easy searching. PubRecord.org offers business licenses, court filings, active warrants, marriage and divorce records, and property tax data. It updates weekly and lets you download PDFs instantly. Publicsrecords.com allows name-based searches and returns addresses, court dockets, and civil judgments. Georgia.StateRecords.org provides arrest logs and criminal history from the SPD. These sites are not official but pull data from government sources. Always verify critical info with the city or county office.
GIS and Property Data in Savannah
Geographic Information System (GIS) data is a key part of Savannah Public Records. You can view flood zones, parcel boundaries, zoning maps, and infrastructure projects online. Visit the Savannah GIS portal at savannahgis.com. The data updates every month. Download shapefiles, PDF maps, or use the interactive viewer. Property deeds and tax assessments are also public. Find them at the Chatham County Recorder’s Office or through the Tax Assessor’s site. Each parcel has a unique ID. Use it to pull ownership history, sales prices, and tax bills. This info helps with real estate, planning, or legal research.
Business Licenses and Trade Permits
If you run a business in Savannah, your license is part of the public record. The City Planning Department at 113 Ludowici Avenue issues and maintains these documents. You can request a copy online, by phone, or in person. Include your business name and license number. There’s no fee for basic requests. Trade licenses for contractors, plumbers, electricians, and others are also public. They show active status, expiration dates, and any violations. This helps customers verify legitimacy before hiring.
Criminal Background Checks in Savannah
Criminal records in Savannah come from two main sources: the Savannah Police Department and the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Local arrests and incidents are in SPD logs. Statewide felony convictions, misdemeanors, and warrants are in the Criminal History System. You can request a background check through the city for local data or the state for full history. Fees range from $5 to $25. Results usually arrive in one to five days. Employers, landlords, and individuals use these for screening. Always get consent before checking someone else’s record.
Records Management and Retention in Savannah
The City of Savannah follows strict rules for managing public records. The Records Management division at 15 East Bryan Street oversees how documents are stored, transferred, and destroyed. In 2023, all new record series had to be registered by August 15, 2022, using Form RMF001. Late submissions go into a supplemental queue. Each box gets a Permanent Box Number. The office also sets standards for digital files. This ensures compliance with the Georgia Open Records Act. Citizens can ask for retention schedules or guidance on recordkeeping.
How to Search for Someone’s Records in Savannah
To find Savannah Public Records for a specific person, use a name-based search tool. Enter the first or last name into the search box on sites like Publicsrecords.com or PubRecord.org. The system pulls data from court dockets, business licenses, property deeds, and vital records. Results show addresses, case numbers, and judgment details. You can filter by date or record type. All info is non-confidential and downloadable as PDFs. For accuracy, cross-check with official offices. Never use this data to harass or discriminate.
Fees and Processing Times for Public Records
Most Savannah Public Records requests are low-cost or free. The city charges $0.50 per page for paper copies. Police reports cost $5 to $10 each. Certified copies add a small notary fee. Vital records from the county cost $10 to $20 per document. Digital downloads are usually free. Processing time is five business days for city records. Police reports take three days. Complex or large requests may take longer. Rush service isn’t available. Always ask for a receipt and tracking number.
What Records Are Not Public in Savannah
Not all government documents are open. Some Savannah Public Records are exempt under Georgia law. These include juvenile records, ongoing investigations, medical files, social security numbers, and certain personnel documents. Police may withhold details that could harm an investigation. The city can deny requests that are too broad or vague. If denied, you’ll get a written explanation. You can appeal to the Georgia Attorney General’s Office. Always be specific in your request to avoid delays.
Using Savannah Public Records for Legal Purposes
Certified copies of Savannah Public Records are accepted in court. You can use them for lawsuits, property disputes, background checks, or verifying facts. Get certified versions from the issuing office—city, police, or county. They include an official seal and signature. Uncertified prints from websites may not be valid for legal use. Keep receipts and request confirmations. If you’re unsure, ask the court clerk what format they accept.
Contact Information for Savannah Public Records
For help with Savannah Public Records, contact the right office:
- City Records: Office of Records Management, 15 East Bryan Street, Savannah, GA 31401 | (912) 229-5400 | Open Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Police Reports: SPD Records Unit, 602 East Lathrop Avenue, Savannah, GA 31415 | (912) 651-3617 | Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Vital Records: Chatham County Probate Court, 220 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 | (912) 652-7230 | Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Property & Tax: Chatham County Tax Assessor, 222 W. Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah, GA 31401 | (912) 652-7290
- Business Licenses: City Planning Department, 113 Ludowici Avenue, Savannah, GA 31401 | (912) 651-3670
Frequently Asked Questions About Savannah Public Records
People often ask how to get records fast, what costs to expect, and which documents are available. Below are clear answers to the most common questions. Each response is based on current city and county policies. If your question isn’t here, call the relevant office for help.
Can I get Savannah Public Records without giving my name?
No. Georgia law requires you to provide your name, contact info, and a description of the records when making a request. This helps agencies track and fulfill orders. Anonymous requests are not accepted. However, your personal details are not shared publicly. Only the records you request become part of the open file. The city protects requester privacy while following transparency rules.
How long does it take to receive Savannah Public Records?
Most requests are processed within five business days. Simple digital files may be ready in one day. Police reports take about three days. Large or complex searches—like decades of property deeds—can take up to 15 days. You’ll get an email with updates. If delayed, the agency must explain why. Rush service is not offered. Plan ahead if you need records for a deadline.
Are Savannah Public Records free?
Many are free, especially digital downloads. Paper copies cost $0.50 per page. Police reports charge $5 to $10 each. Certified copies add a small fee. Vital records from the county cost $10 to $20. There’s no charge for submitting a request. Always ask for a cost estimate first. Low-income individuals may qualify for fee waivers—ask the office when you apply.
Can I use online sites to get official Savannah Public Records?
Online sites like PubRecord.org are convenient but not official. They collect public data from government sources. The info is usually accurate, but not always current. For legal matters, always get certified copies from the city or county. Online prints may not be accepted in court. Use these sites for research, not official proof.
What if my Savannah Public Records request is denied?
If denied, the agency must send a written explanation within three days. Common reasons include privacy laws, ongoing investigations, or overly broad requests. You can appeal to the Georgia Attorney General’s Open Records Unit. Include your original request and the denial letter. Appeals are reviewed quickly. Most are resolved within 30 days. Stay polite and specific in all communications.
Do I need a lawyer to request Savannah Public Records?
No. Anyone can request public records—no lawyer needed. The process is designed for citizens. Just fill out the form online or in person. If your request involves legal strategy, a lawyer might help, but it’s not required. The city treats all requesters equally. Keep your purpose respectful and lawful.
Can I search Savannah Public Records by address?
Yes. Property records, zoning maps, and tax assessments can be searched by street address. Use the Chatham County Tax Assessor’s site or the Savannah GIS portal. Enter the full address to see ownership history, sales data, and flood risk. Police and court records are searched by name or case number, not address. Always double-check spelling and formatting.
Official Resources for Savannah Public Records
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use these official sources:
- Savannah Open Records Portal: savannahga.gov/559/Open-Records-Information
- Chatham County Probate Court: courts.chathamcountyga.gov/Probate
- Savannah Police Reports: savannahpd.org/reports/
- Savannah GIS Data: savannahgis.com
- Chatham County Tax Assessor: chathamcountyga.gov/government/tax-assessor
Final Tips for Using Savannah Public Records
Be clear, polite, and specific in your request. Include names, dates, and case numbers when possible. Check if the record is held by the city or county—vital records are not with the city. Use official sites for legal needs. Keep copies of all communications. If stuck, call the office during business hours. Most staff are helpful and want to assist. Remember: public records exist to keep government accountable. Use them wisely and responsibly.