Getting a Copy of Your Georgia Criminal Record
Which Georgia agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) keeps the state criminal history. Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Obtaining Criminal History Record Information FAQ
| Getting a copy of your criminal record | The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) keeps the state criminal history. A name-based copy is available from most sheriff's offices and police departments (GCIC itself does not run name-based checks). For a fingerprint-based record, Georgia residents register through the GAPS (IdentoGO) website, which collects the fee and lists fingerprint locations; bring a valid photo ID, and results are typically available in 24-48 hours. Registration help: GCIC (404) 244-2639, option 2; GCIC's lobby office offers record inspection by appointment only (option 1). Inaccurate records can be challenged by fingerprint submission to GCIC, P.O. Box 370808, Decatur, GA 30037-0808. Your national record is requested separately from the FBI. GAPS site linked from the page: https://ga.state.identogo.com/ata. FBI: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/more-fbi-services-and-information/identity-history-summary-checks |
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| What relief the state offers | Georgia's main form of relief is "record restriction" (often called expungement) under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. A restricted record is not deleted; it is hidden from private employers, licensing agencies and the public, but remains available to judges and criminal justice agencies. People who complete a First Offender Act sentence are exonerated of guilt and the record is sealed. Some arrests without a reported disposition are restricted automatically after a set time. The State Board of Pardons and Paroles grants pardons and restoration of rights, which do not erase the record. |
Where to get help in Georgia
More Georgia expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Georgia
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Georgia
- How to File for Expungement in Georgia
- All Georgia expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do I check my own criminal record in Georgia?
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) keeps the state criminal history. A name-based copy is available from most sheriff's offices and police departments (GCIC itself does not run name-based checks). For a fingerprint-based record, Georgia residents register through the GAPS (IdentoGO) website, which collects the fee and lists fingerprint locations; bring a valid photo ID, and results are typically available in 24-48 hours. Registration help: GCIC (404) 244-2639, option 2; GCIC's lobby office offers record inspection by appointment only (option 1). Inaccurate records can be challenged by fingerprint submission to GCIC, P.O. Box 370808, Decatur, GA 30037-0808. Your national record is requested separately from the FBI.
Can you get a criminal record expunged in Georgia?
Georgia's main form of relief is "record restriction" (often called expungement) under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. A restricted record is not deleted; it is hidden from private employers, licensing agencies and the public, but remains available to judges and criminal justice agencies. People who complete a First Offender Act sentence are exonerated of guilt and the record is sealed. Some arrests without a reported disposition are restricted automatically after a set time. The State Board of Pardons and Paroles grants pardons and restoration of rights, which do not erase the record.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.