DeKalb County Public Records /DeKalb County Property Records

DeKalb County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in DeKalb County in 2026

DeKalbCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in DeKalb County, Georgia. Members of the public may search for ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, liens, and related documents. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the source and the age of the document.

Property records in DeKalb County may be searched through several official channels, including the DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department, the DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court, and the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's Office. Each office maintains distinct categories of records, and requesters are encouraged to identify the specific document type before initiating a search.

Official Resources for Searching DeKalb County Property Records:

Resource	Primary Use	Access
DeKalb County Property Appraisal	Assessed values, ownership, characteristics	Free online
DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court	Deeds, mortgages, liens, recorded documents	Free basic search
DeKalb County Tax Commissioner	Tax bills, payment history, delinquency	Free online
DeKalb County GIS	Interactive maps, parcel boundaries, zoning	Free online

1. Property Appraiser Website

The DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department serves as the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may access the department's online portal at no cost and without registration.

Search Options Available:

By property address
By owner name
By parcel identification number
By subdivision name
By map or GIS location

Information Available Through the Property Appraisal Portal:

Current owner name and mailing address
Property site address and legal description
Parcel identification number
Land use and zoning classification
Property characteristics (square footage, year built, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, lot size, building type)
Assessed value of land and improvements
Taxable value and exemptions applied
Sales history
GIS map location and property card

How to Search:

Navigate to the DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department portal
Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
Enter the search criteria in the designated field
Review the results list returned by the system
Select the relevant property to view the full property card
Access maps, sales history, and assessment details from the property record page
Print or save the information as needed

2. County Clerk of Superior Court — Official Records Search

The DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court maintains the official records index for all documents recorded against real property. Basic searches are available at no cost through the online portal.

Searchable By:

Grantor name (seller)
Grantee name (buyer)
Document type
Recording date range
Book and page number
Instrument number

Documents Available:

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
Easements and declarations of restrictions
Plats and surveys
Powers of attorney affecting property
Lis pendens notices
HOA documents and condominium declarations

How to Search:

Access the Clerk of Superior Court official records portal
Select the preferred search type
Enter grantor or grantee name, date range, or document type
Review the results and select the relevant document
View document images online where available
Note the book and page number or instrument number for reference
Some document downloads may require a nominal fee

3. Tax Commissioner Website

The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's Office provides free public access to property tax information, including current bills, payment history, and delinquency status.

Search By:

Property address
Owner name
Parcel or folio number
Tax account number

Information Available:

Current tax bill and amount due
Payment history and outstanding balances
Exemptions applied
Millage rates by taxing authority
Tax certificate information for delinquent accounts
Installment plan status and payment options

4. GIS and Mapping System

The DeKalb County GIS portal provides an interactive mapping interface that allows members of the public to visually locate parcels, view property boundaries, and access linked property data.

How to Use:

Navigate the interactive map to the desired location
Click on a parcel to view associated property information
Access linked records from the property appraiser and tax commissioner
View zoning layers, flood zones, and aerial photography
Measure distances and view multiple map layers simultaneously

In-Person Searches:

DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100 Decatur, GA 30032 Phone: (404) 371-0841 DeKalb County Property Appraisal

Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, maps and plats, and exemption applications.

DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court 556 N. McDonough Street Decatur, GA 30030 Phone: (404) 371-2836 DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court

Services available in person include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor and grantee indexes, accessing record books, and receiving staff assistance with document searches.

DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's Office 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100 Decatur, GA 30032 Phone: (404) 298-4000 DeKalb County Tax Commissioner

Services available in person include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.

By Mail Requests:

Requests for property records submitted by mail should be directed to the appropriate office based on the document type sought.

Property Appraisal Department: 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100, Decatur, GA 30032. Requests should include the property address or parcel number, a description of the information sought, and a self-addressed return envelope. Copying fees may apply.
Clerk of Superior Court: 556 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030. Requests for recorded documents should specify the book and page number, instrument number, or property address with an approximate date range. Payment for copying fees must be included. Certified copies are available upon request.

Through Professionals:

Title companies provide comprehensive title searches, abstracts of title, and title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests against a property. Real estate attorneys offer legal title opinions and assistance with complex ownership issues or disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and provide comparable sales data as part of their representation services.

Search Tips:

When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W) and confirm the correct spelling
When searching by owner name, try last name first, check for spelling variations, and consider both married and maiden names as well as business entity names
When searching by legal description, use the exact description from the deed, including subdivision name and lot and block numbers
For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the courthouse may be required, as older documents may be stored in books or on microfilm

Common Search Challenges:

Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording delays
Very old records may not have been digitized and require in-person access
Common names or similar addresses may return multiple results; verify by parcel number or legal description
Unrecorded documents, private agreements, and documents filed under seal are not accessible through public records searches

What Is DeKalb County Property Records

DeKalb County property records are official documents related to real property — including land and buildings — maintained by county government offices and accessible to the general public. These records constitute the legal foundation for establishing property ownership, documenting transfers, recording encumbrances, and assessing property taxes.

Purpose of Property Records:

Establish and verify legal ownership
Provide a chain of title from original grant to present owner
Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
Document property transfers and sale prices
Support property tax assessment and collection
Protect property rights and enable title insurance
Facilitate real estate transactions

Types of Property Records:

Ownership Records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, special warranty deeds, life estate deeds, trust documents, and all instruments conveying an interest in real property.

Encumbrance Records include mortgages, deeds of trust, tax liens, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, deed restrictions, homeowner association documents, and lis pendens notices.

Tax and Assessment Records include property tax assessments, tax bills, payment history, exemption records, millage rates, special assessments, and tax delinquency records.

Legal Descriptions include plat maps, subdivision plats, surveys, lot and block information, metes and bounds descriptions, and condominium declarations.

Building and Permit Records include building permits, certificates of occupancy, code violation notices, zoning designations, and land use classifications.

Who Maintains Property Records:

The DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court records and indexes all official instruments affecting title to real property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 44-2-1, which governs the recording of deeds and other instruments in Georgia.

The DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications.

The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's Office maintains tax bills, payment records, delinquent tax records, and tax certificate and tax deed information.

The DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability Department maintains zoning records, land use designations, building permits, and code enforcement records.

Are Property Records Public Information in DeKalb County?

Property records in DeKalb County are public information, and members of the public may inspect and obtain copies of these records without demonstrating a specific purpose or obtaining prior authorization. This principle is grounded in both Georgia statutory law and centuries of common law tradition governing land records.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

Georgia's open records framework, codified at O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq., establishes the right of any person to inspect and copy public records maintained by state and local government agencies. Property records recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court are additionally governed by Georgia's recording statutes, which require that instruments affecting title to real property be made available for public inspection upon recording.

As stated by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority, "The recording of a deed or other instrument in the public records provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers of the property." This principle of constructive notice is fundamental to the operation of Georgia's real estate marketplace.

Why Property Records Are Public:

Transparency in property ownership prevents fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances
Public access enables real estate transactions, title searches, and title insurance
Tax assessment transparency supports accountability in local government
Recorded documents establish priority of interests among competing claimants
Historical and genealogical research depends on permanent public land records

What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:

Current and historical property ownership
Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
Sale prices and transfer amounts
Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
Liens and encumbrances of record
Tax assessments and payment history
Property characteristics (size, age, construction type)
Deeds and all recorded instruments
Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

Certain personal information is protected even within public property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents pursuant to Georgia law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under applicable state programs. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the Property Appraisal Department should be contacted for specific policies.

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any member of the public may access DeKalb County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.

Commercial Use of Property Records:

Commercial use of public property records — including real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance, investment analysis, and market research — is permitted under Georgia law. Commercial data aggregators such as CoreLogic and First American compile public records into subscription databases. Such use is lawful, though anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern how information may be used.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in DeKalb County?

Members of the public may inspect property records at no cost, and online access to the Property Appraisal Department's database and the Tax Commissioner's portal is provided free of charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies of recorded documents are requested.

Standard Fee Schedule — DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court:

Service	Current Fee
Certified copy of recorded document	$2.50 per page (first page) + $0.50 per additional page
Non-certified copy of recorded document	$0.25 per page
Recording a deed or instrument (first page)	$25.00
Recording a deed or instrument (each additional page)	$5.00
Plat recording	$5.00 per page
Search fee (staff-assisted)	Varies

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77, the Clerk of Superior Court is authorized to charge fees for copies and certifications of official records. Fee schedules are subject to periodic revision by the Georgia General Assembly.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash
Check or money order payable to the DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court
Credit and debit cards (where available at the clerk's office)

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online inspection of property appraiser records
Online inspection of tax commissioner records
Online viewing of recorded document indexes
GIS map access
In-person inspection of records at the courthouse (no copying fee for viewing only)

Fee Waivers:

Georgia law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Certain government agencies and nonprofit organizations may be entitled to reduced fees in specific circumstances; the Clerk's office should be contacted directly for applicable policies.

What's Included in a DeKalb County Property Record

A complete DeKalb County property record encompasses information drawn from multiple county offices, each maintaining distinct categories of data related to the same parcel.

Ownership Information:

Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners by name, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety, trust, LLC, or corporation), ownership percentage where multiple owners exist, the acquisition date, and the deed book and page or instrument number. The mailing address on file for tax bill purposes is also included. Previous ownership information provides a chain of title showing prior owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references.

Property Identification:

Each parcel is identified by its site address, mailing address if different, legal description (including lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and section, township, and range where applicable), parcel identification number, and tax account number.

Physical Characteristics:

Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, street frontage, corner lot designation, land use designation, and zoning classification. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and total room count. Additional features recorded include garage type and spaces, pool, porch or patio square footage, fireplace, central air conditioning, heating type, water source, and sewer system.

Valuation Information:

Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, market value, just value, and capped value where applicable under Georgia's assessment limitations. Historical assessed values for prior years are typically available, along with year-over-year percentage changes.

Tax Information:

Current year tax records include the total tax amount due, exemptions applied, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, and a breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, municipality, and special districts). Tax history shows prior years' taxes paid, payment dates, and any delinquency history.

Exemptions Applied:

Georgia law provides for several property tax exemptions that may appear in a property record, including the standard homestead exemption, additional homestead exemptions for seniors and disabled persons, veteran exemptions, and agricultural or conservation exemptions. The Georgia Department of Revenue publishes current exemption eligibility requirements.

Sales History:

Sales history typically covers the last several transactions and includes sale dates, sale prices, deed types, grantor and grantee names, deed document numbers, and qualified or unqualified sale designations. Documentary stamp amounts recorded on deeds reflect the consideration paid.

Encumbrances and Liens:

Recorded mortgages appear with the original mortgage amount, lender name, recording date, and book and page reference. Liens of record — including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens — are listed with amounts, lienholders, and recording dates. Other encumbrances such as easements, deed restrictions, life estates, and lis pendens notices are also reflected.

Legal and Regulatory Information:

Zoning classification, land use code, future land use designation, special district assignments (school, fire, water, community development), deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, HOA information, flood zone designation (FEMA), and wetlands or conservation area designations are all components of a comprehensive property record.

Maps and Images:

Property records typically include an exterior property photograph, aerial photograph, GIS map with parcel boundaries, plat map, and property sketch or floor plan. Historical aerial images may be available for some parcels.

What Is Not Typically Included in Public Property Records:

Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at recording)
Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded documents
Interior photographs
Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
Private agreements not submitted for recording
Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
Confidential details from exemption applications

How Long Does DeKalb County Keep Property Records?

Property records in DeKalb County are maintained permanently. The preservation of these records is a legal requirement under Georgia law and is essential to the integrity of the chain of title for every parcel in the county.

Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:

Georgia's records retention requirements for county clerks mandate the permanent preservation of all recorded instruments affecting title to real property. The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority notes that "recorded documents are permanent public records that must be preserved and made accessible in perpetuity." The Georgia Secretary of State's records retention schedules provide the governing framework for local government record preservation.

Records Kept Permanently:

All recorded deeds — including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments — are retained permanently, dating back to the county's formation and original land grants. All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases are maintained permanently even after the underlying loan has been paid in full. All recorded liens, releases of liens, plats, surveys, subdivision plats, condominium declarations, easements, restrictions, covenants, and court documents affecting title are similarly preserved without expiration.

Format and Storage:

Historical records from the early periods of DeKalb County's history exist in handwritten ledgers and typed record books. Mid-twentieth century records are available on microfilm. More recent records have been converted to digital scans and are maintained in electronic document management systems with off-site backup and disaster recovery protocols. The Clerk of Superior Court's office maintains climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm archives.

Online Availability by Time Period:

Recent records (last 20–30 years): Fully available online through the Clerk's official records portal with immediate free access
Moderate age (20–50 years): Available on microfilm or in digital format; staff can retrieve same day
Historical (50+ years): Available in original books or on microfilm; staff retrieval may be required with advance notice
Very old records (100+ years): Stored in archive facilities; advance notice and possible special handling required; same public access rights apply

Property Appraiser Assessment Records:

Current and historical assessment records are maintained permanently. Property cards and assessment rolls are preserved as permanent records. Exemption applications are retained for a period determined by the applicable state retention schedule, which may vary. Recent years of assessment history are available online through the property appraiser portal; historical assessments are accessible at the office.

Tax Collector Records:

Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years. Tax certificates are maintained until redeemed or until a tax deed is issued. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are retained for several years following resolution.

Chain of Title:

The unbroken chain of title for every parcel in DeKalb County — from the original land grant to the present owner — is preserved in the Clerk of Superior Court's records. Title searches in Georgia practice review a minimum of 30 to 60 years of ownership history, though a full abstract may extend back to the original grant. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before a clear title can be conveyed.

Accessing Historical Records:

DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court 556 N. McDonough Street Decatur, GA 30030 Phone: (404) 371-2836 DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court

DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100 Decatur, GA 30032 Phone: (404) 371-0841 DeKalb County Property Appraisal

Members of the public requesting historical records should specify the property address or legal description, the approximate time period, and the type of document sought. Retrieval time ranges from same-day access to several business days for very old archived materials. Standard copying fees apply to all historical records.

Digitization Efforts:

DeKalb County has undertaken ongoing digitization projects to convert historical paper and microfilm records into searchable electronic formats. These efforts expand online access to older records and support long-term preservation. Multiple digital backups and disaster recovery systems are maintained to ensure the permanent accessibility of all property records.

How To Find Liens on Property in DeKalb County?

Liens recorded against real property in DeKalb County are searchable through the Clerk of Superior Court's official records index. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be satisfied before clear title can be conveyed, and identifying all recorded liens is a standard component of any title search.

Step-by-Step Search Process:

Access the DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court official records portal
Select the grantor/grantee name search option
Enter the current property owner's name as the grantor to identify liens filed against that individual or entity
Filter results by document type to isolate liens (tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, lis pendens)
Review each result for the property address or legal description to confirm the lien applies to the subject parcel
Note the instrument number, recording date, amount, and lienholder for each lien identified
Search under prior owner names to identify any liens that may have attached during previous ownership periods

Types of Liens Searchable Through the Clerk's Records:

Federal tax liens: Filed by the Internal Revenue Service against taxpayers with unpaid federal tax obligations; searchable through the Clerk's index
State tax liens: Filed by the Georgia Department of Revenue for unpaid state taxes
Judgment liens: Arise from court judgments and attach to all real property owned by the judgment debtor in the county where the judgment is recorded
Mechanic's liens: Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid construction work or materials, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 44-14-361
HOA liens: Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
Code enforcement liens: Filed by DeKalb County for unpaid code violation fines
Lis pendens: Notices of pending litigation affecting title to the property

Additional Search Resources:

Federal tax liens filed by the IRS are searchable through the IRS lien search portal in addition to the county clerk's records. The Georgia Department of Revenue maintains records of state tax liens. Judgment liens arising from federal court proceedings may be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court following domestication of the federal judgment.

In-Person Lien Search:

DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court 556 N. McDonough Street Decatur, GA 30030 Phone: (404) 371-2836 DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court

Staff at the Clerk's office can assist members of the public with lien searches, including searches of the grantor/grantee index and retrieval of specific recorded documents. Standard copying fees apply to document copies obtained in person or by mail.

Professional Title Search:

For transactions involving the purchase or refinancing of real property, a professional title search conducted by a licensed title company or real estate attorney is the standard method for identifying all liens and encumbrances of record. Title professionals search not only the Clerk's index but also federal court records, probate records, and other sources that may reveal interests not immediately apparent from the county index alone.

What Is Property Owner Rule in DeKalb County?

The property owner rule in DeKalb County refers to the legal principle that allows a property owner to testify to the value of their own real property in legal proceedings without being qualified as an expert witness. Under Georgia law, this rule is grounded in the longstanding common law recognition that an owner of property has sufficient knowledge of its value to offer an opinion on that value in court.

Georgia Legal Framework:

Georgia courts have consistently held that a property owner is competent to testify as to the value of their own property. This principle is applied in condemnation proceedings, property damage cases, and tax assessment appeals. The Georgia Court of Appeals has affirmed that "an owner of property is presumed to know its value and may testify as to that value without being qualified as an expert." This rule applies to both real property and personal property owned by the testifying party.

In the context of property tax assessments, DeKalb County property owners have the right to appeal their assessed values through the DeKalb County Board of Assessors and, if necessary, to the DeKalb County Board of Equalization. The property owner's own testimony regarding value is admissible in these proceedings.

Property Tax Assessment Appeals:

Under Georgia law, property owners who disagree with the assessed value assigned by the DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department may file a notice of appeal within 45 days of the date of the assessment notice. The appeal process proceeds as follows:

Step 1: File a written notice of appeal with the DeKalb County Board of Assessors within the statutory deadline
Step 2: The Board of Assessors reviews the appeal and may adjust the assessment
Step 3: If the owner remains dissatisfied, the appeal proceeds to the Board of Equalization
Step 4: Further appeals may be taken to the DeKalb County Superior Court
Step 5: At each level, the property owner may present evidence of value, including their own testimony under the property owner rule

Ownership Rights and Responsibilities:

Property ownership in DeKalb County carries both rights and obligations under Georgia law and local ordinances. Owners have the right to use, enjoy, and transfer their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, and easements of record. Owners are obligated to pay property taxes annually, maintain the property in compliance with DeKalb County's code of ordinances, and comply with all applicable land use regulations.

Homestead Exemption Rights:

Georgia law provides that owners who occupy their property as their primary residence may apply for a homestead exemption, which reduces the assessed value subject to taxation. The standard homestead exemption in DeKalb County reduces the assessed value by $10,000 for county taxes and by $2,000 for school taxes. Additional exemptions are available for senior citizens, disabled persons, and veterans. Applications must be filed with the DeKalb County Property Appraisal Department by April 1 of the tax year for which the exemption is sought.

DeKalb County Board of Assessors 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100 Decatur, GA 30032 Phone: (404) 371-0841 DeKalb County Property Appraisal

DeKalb County Superior Court 556 N. McDonough Street Decatur, GA 30030 Phone: (404) 371-2836 DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk

Transfer of Ownership:

The transfer of real property ownership in DeKalb County requires the execution and recording of a deed with the Clerk of Superior Court. Georgia law requires that deeds be signed by the grantor, witnessed by two witnesses, and notarized before recording. Upon recording, the deed provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers of the property, establishing the new owner's interest in the public record pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 44-2-1.