Burke County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Burke County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents may access publicly available information through BurkeRecords.org, a directory resource that aggregates publicly available data related to government records. Burke County, Georgia maintains a range of official records that may be accessible through county offices, court clerks, and authorized online portals. The types of records that may be available include, but are not limited to:
- Court records (civil, criminal, traffic, and juvenile)
- Property deeds, liens, and mortgage documents
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Tax assessment and property tax records
- Zoning, land use, and building permit records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted by law)
Records can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Access:
- The Burke County official government portal provides access to department directories, forms, and select public documents.
- Members of the public may submit an open records request online through the county's designated request page.
- The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) maintains an online index of real property records searchable by name or parcel.
- No registration is required to submit a standard open records request to the county.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Burke County Judicial Center to inspect records maintained by the Clerk of Superior, State, and Juvenile Courts. Requestors should present a written or verbal description of the records sought. Staff will direct requestors to the appropriate office or public access terminal.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should include the requestor's name, contact information, a specific description of the records sought, and the preferred format for response. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies are required to respond within three business days of receiving a written request.
Phone/Email:
- Burke County Clerk of Superior Court: (706) 554-2279
- Burke County main government line: (706) 554-2324
What Are Public Records in Burke County?
Public records in Burke County are defined under Georgia's Open Records Act as 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. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, public records are presumed to be open and accessible to any member of the public unless a specific exemption applies.
The following record types are currently maintained by Burke County offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Clerk of Superior, State, and Juvenile Court |
| Small claims and civil warrants | Magistrate Court |
| Property deeds, liens, mortgages | Clerk of Superior Court |
| Building permits and inspections | Burke County Planning Department |
| Historical and archival records | Burke County Archives |
| Tax assessment records | Burke County Tax Assessor's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death) | Georgia Department of Public Health |
| Marriage licenses | Probate Court |
| Business licenses | Burke County Probate Court / Planning Department |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Burke County Board of Commissioners |
The Burke County Archives maintains historical documents, genealogical records, and other materials of historical significance to the county.
Is Burke County an Open Records County?
Burke County operates in full compliance with Georgia's Open Records Act, which mandates that all public records be made available for inspection and copying by any person upon request. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, every agency of the state and its political subdivisions is required to make public records available to any person making a request. The Act applies to all county departments, courts, and boards operating within Burke County.
As stated in the Georgia Attorney General's guidance on the Open Records Act: "The Open Records Act reflects a strong public policy in favor of open government. The Act is to be broadly construed in favor of open records, and any exemptions are to be narrowly construed."
The county currently processes open records requests through its designated open records request portal, which allows members of the public to submit requests electronically. Agencies must acknowledge receipt of a request within three business days and must produce responsive records or provide a legal basis for denial within a reasonable time.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Burke County?
The fee structure for public records in Burke County is governed by state law and the policies of the individual office maintaining the records. Under Georgia's Open Records Act, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and production of records, but may not charge fees that exceed the actual cost of fulfilling the request.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (letter/legal size) | $0.10 per page (standard rate) |
| Certification of documents | Varies by office |
| Electronic copies | Actual cost of duplication |
| Search and retrieval (clerical) | Actual cost if search exceeds 15 minutes |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
- Fees for certified copies of court records are set by the Clerk of Superior Court and may differ from standard copy fees.
- Building permit records and inspection reports maintained by the Burke County Planning and Permits Department may carry separate administrative fees.
- Payment methods accepted at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Individual offices should be contacted to confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a request.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the agency.
Does Burke County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to any member of the public under Georgia law. Agencies are not permitted to charge a fee solely for the act of inspecting records on-site. The following resources are currently available at no cost:
- In-person inspection at the Clerk of Superior Court, Magistrate Court, and other county offices — no fee is charged to view records during regular business hours.
- Online access through the Burke County government website provides free access to select public documents, meeting agendas, minutes, and departmental information.
- GSCCCA real property index — the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority provides a free online index of recorded real property instruments, searchable by name or book and page number.
- Burke County Archives — historical records and genealogical materials may be inspected at no charge during scheduled archive hours.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection of records is free, obtaining physical or electronic copies may incur the fees described in the preceding section.
Who Can Request Public Records in Burke County?
Any person may request public records in Burke County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Georgia's Open Records Act does not restrict access to residents of the state or county. The following conditions apply under current law:
- Identification: Requestors are not required to provide identification to inspect public records, though identification may be required for certain certified documents or records involving personal information.
- Purpose: Requestors are not required to state the reason for their request for most public records.
- Residency: Non-residents of Georgia retain the same rights to access public records as residents.
- Restrictions by record type: Certain records, such as those involving ongoing criminal investigations, juvenile proceedings, or sealed court files, may require the requestor to demonstrate a legal interest or obtain a court order.
Members of the public requesting their own records — such as personal court filings, tax records, or permit history — follow the same process as any other requestor. Requests for records pertaining to other individuals are subject to the same open records framework, with applicable exemptions applied as required by law.
As noted in official Georgia Open Government guidance: "Any person may inspect public records. There is no requirement that the person be a Georgia resident or that the person state a reason for the request."
What Records Are Confidential in Burke County?
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under Georgia law. O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72 enumerates specific exemptions to the Open Records Act. The following records are currently exempt from mandatory disclosure in Burke County:
- Sealed court records — records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records — records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Georgia law and are not accessible to the general public.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records — records compiled for law enforcement purposes that, if disclosed, would interfere with an active investigation.
- Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from disclosed records.
- Medical and health 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 — confidential under Georgia's child welfare statutes.
- Personnel records — employee performance evaluations and certain personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for public employees.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information — submitted to government agencies in confidence.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details — exempt to protect public safety.
Agencies applying an exemption are required to identify the specific statutory basis for withholding records. Requestors who believe a denial is improper may seek review through the Georgia Attorney General's office or pursue relief in Superior Court.
Burke County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
The Clerk of Superior, State, and Juvenile Courts serves as the primary custodian of court records, real property instruments, and related official documents in Burke County. The office is currently led by Radeta G. Smith, Clerk of Superior, State, and Juvenile Courts.
Burke County Clerk of Superior, State, and Juvenile Court
Clerk of Superior, State, and Juvenile Courts
Burke County Judicial Center, 602 Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830
(706) 554-2279
Clerk of Superior, State, and Juvenile Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Burke County Magistrate Court
Burke County Judicial Center, 602 Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830
(706) 554-7424
Burke County Magistrate Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Burke County Archives
403 Old Herndon Road, Waynesboro, GA 30830
Mailing Address: PO Box 1522, Waynesboro, GA 30830
Burke County Archives
Office Hours:
Fridays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Burke County Board of Commissioners (Main Government Office)
602 Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830
(706) 554-2324
Burke County Government
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Burke County Planning Department – Permits and Inspections
602 Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830
(706) 554-2324
Permits and Inspections
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Lookup Public Records in Burke County
- Burke County Government – Official Homepage
- Burke County Magistrate Court records and civil filings
- Clerk of Superior, State, and Juvenile Court – court and property records
- Burke County Archives – historical and genealogical records
- Burke County building permits and inspection records
- Submit an open records request to Burke County