Dodge County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Dodge County in 2026
DodgeCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Dodge County, Georgia. Members of the public seeking court filings, property documents, vital records, or other official documents may locate relevant data through a combination of county offices, state repositories, and authorized online platforms. The categories of records that may be accessible include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family court)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax and assessment records
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
Records can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access: Members of the public may search certain Dodge County records through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority portal, which provides access to real estate records, UCC filings, and related documents. Court case information may be accessed through the Georgia Courts e-Access portal, which requires account registration prior to searching case records.
In-Person Requests: Requests may be submitted in person at the Dodge County Superior Court Clerk's Office, located at 5401 Anson Avenue, Eastman, GA 31023. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should be directed to the Dodge County Superior Court Clerk's Office at the address above. Requests must identify the record sought with sufficient specificity to allow staff to locate the document. Under the Georgia Open Records Act, agencies are required to respond within three business days.
Phone/Email: The Dodge County Superior Court Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (478) 374-2871.
What Are Public Records in Dodge County?
Public records in Dodge County are defined under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, which establishes 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 subject to public inspection. The following record types are maintained by various Dodge County offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Superior Court Clerk |
| Probate and estate records | Probate Court |
| Property deeds and liens | Superior Court Clerk / Tax Commissioner |
| Vital records (birth, death) | Georgia Department of Public Health |
| Marriage and divorce records | Probate Court / Superior Court Clerk |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk / Planning Department |
| Property tax records | Tax Commissioner's Office |
| Voting and election records | Board of Elections |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Commission Clerk |
| Law enforcement records | Dodge County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Planning and Zoning Department |
The Dodge County Tax Commissioner's Office maintains property tax and assessment records, while the Superior Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of real estate and court-related documents.
Is Dodge County an Open Records County?
Dodge County operates in full compliance with Georgia's statewide open records framework. Under the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq., all public agencies in the state, including county offices, are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request. The Act applies to all county departments, boards, and authorities operating within Dodge County.
As stated by the Georgia Attorney General's office, "The Open Records Act reflects the General Assembly's intent that public records be open to the public as a general rule, with specific and limited exceptions." This principle governs how Dodge County agencies respond to records requests.
The Act requires that agencies acknowledge a records request within three business days and either produce the records or provide a written explanation for any denial. Dodge County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance that supersedes state law; the Georgia Open Records Act serves as the controlling authority for all public records access within the county.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Dodge County?
The current fee structure for public records in Dodge County is governed by state law and the policies of individual custodial offices. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge for the actual cost of search, retrieval, and production of records, subject to the following standard fees:
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Photocopies (letter/legal size) | $0.10 per page |
| Certification of documents | Varies by office |
| Electronic records (CD/DVD) | Actual cost of media |
| Search and retrieval (clerical) | No charge for first 15 minutes |
| Search and retrieval (beyond 15 min.) | Actual cost of staff time |
- Inspection fees: No fee is charged for inspecting records in person at the custodial office.
- Copy fees: Standard copy fees apply at $0.10 per page for standard-size paper copies.
- Certification fees: Certified copies of court documents and vital records carry additional fees set by the respective office.
- Electronic format fees: Agencies may charge the actual cost of producing records in electronic format.
- Fee waivers: Agencies retain discretion to waive fees in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest.
Accepted payment methods vary by office but typically include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public are advised to confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request.
Does Dodge County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Dodge County pursuant to state law. Members of the public may inspect records at no charge during regular business hours at the custodial office without incurring copy or search fees. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection carries no cost, reproduction of documents is subject to the fee schedule described above.
The following resources provide free access to certain Dodge County records:
- The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority provides free online access to real estate index data, including deed and lien records.
- The Georgia Courts e-Access portal allows registered users to search court case information online.
- The Dodge County Tax Commissioner's Office provides free online access to property tax and assessment records through the county's official web portal.
- In-person inspection at the Superior Court Clerk's Office, Probate Court, and Tax Commissioner's Office is available at no charge during posted business hours.
Who Can Request Public Records in Dodge County?
Any person may request public records in Dodge County regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. The Georgia Open Records Act does not require requestors to be Georgia residents, to provide identification, or to explain the reason for their request. This broad access right reflects the legislature's intent that government records remain open to the public as a default.
Specific provisions applicable to requestors include:
- Residency: Not required. Non-residents of Georgia retain full rights to request public records.
- Identification: Not required for most records. Certain sensitive record types, such as personal vital records, may require proof of identity or legal interest.
- Purpose: Not required to be stated for standard public records requests.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals requesting records about themselves may be entitled to access records that would otherwise be restricted to third parties, subject to applicable exemptions.
- Restrictions for specific record types: Juvenile records, sealed court files, and certain law enforcement records carry access restrictions regardless of the requestor's identity.
As the Georgia Attorney General's office has noted, "Any person may inspect or copy public records," reinforcing that access rights extend to all members of the public without qualification based on identity or purpose.
What Records Are Confidential in Dodge County?
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under Georgia law. O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72 enumerates specific exemptions that apply to public agencies statewide, including those in Dodge County. The following record types are currently exempt from mandatory disclosure:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not subject to public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to minors involved in delinquency or dependency proceedings are confidential under Georgia law.
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records compiled in connection with an active criminal investigation are exempt until the investigation is closed.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar personally identifiable information are redacted prior to disclosure.
- Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only through court order.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Maintained as confidential by the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services.
- Personnel records: Employee performance evaluations and certain personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for public officials.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Submitted to government agencies under confidentiality protections.
- Security plans and infrastructure details: Records relating to the security of public facilities or critical infrastructure are withheld in the interest of public safety.
Agencies applying exemptions are required to identify the specific statutory basis for any denial and, where possible, to produce a redacted version of the record with exempt portions removed.
Dodge County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Dodge County Superior Court Clerk's Office
5401 Anson Avenue
Eastman, GA 31023
(478) 374-2871
Dodge County Superior Court Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Dodge County Probate Court
5401 Anson Avenue
Eastman, GA 31023
(478) 374-2514
Dodge County Probate Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Dodge County Tax Commissioner's Office
5401 Anson Avenue
Eastman, GA 31023
(478) 374-2154
Dodge County Tax Commissioner
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Dodge County Sheriff's Office
2408 Courthouse Circle
Eastman, GA 31023
(478) 374-6522
Dodge County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Administrative)
Emergency services available 24 hours