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Dekalb Court Records | Free Public Search Online
Use this guide to search DeKalb court records without guessing which office has the file. Start with the official DeKalb judicial record search for case lookup, use Superior Court records for felony, civil, divorce and land-record matters, use State Court for misdemeanor, civil and traffic matters, use Magistrate Court for civil, criminal and ordinance dockets, and request official copies only from the correct Clerk office.
Quick answer: For DeKalb County, Georgia court records, start with the official DeKalb Judicial Information System / Odyssey portal. Use the DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court for Superior Court records, felony cases, civil/family records, land records and certified copies. Use DeKalb State Court for misdemeanor, civil, traffic and probation-related records. Use DeKalb Magistrate Court for civil, criminal, ordinance and people’s-court dockets. For land records, use the DeKalb Official Records Search.
Which DeKalb Court Records Search Should You Use?
DeKalb court records are split by court type. Do not search one portal and assume every case will appear there. The right source depends on whether the record is Superior Court, State Court, Magistrate Court, Probate Court, Juvenile Court, land records, traffic, or sheriff/open-records material.
| If you need… | Use this official action | Best search detail | Do not confuse it with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felony criminal, divorce, family law, civil lawsuit, property dispute or Superior Court record | Search Odyssey / Judicial Records | Case number, party name, defendant name, filing year or court type. | State Court traffic or Magistrate ordinance cases. |
| State Court civil, misdemeanor, traffic citation, DUI or probation payment | Open DeKalb State Court | Citation number, case number, name, division or court date. | Superior Court felony or Magistrate ordinance records. |
| Magistrate civil, criminal, ordinance or court-date docket | Find Magistrate Case | Court date, case number, name or docket PDF. | State Court Division B traffic citations. |
| Deed, lien, real-estate record, plat, UCC or recorded land document | Open Official Records Search | Grantor, grantee, book/page, document type, date range or name variation. | Court docket entries or criminal case files. |
| Probate, estate, guardianship, marriage or vital-record-related court service | Open DeKalb Probate Court | Estate name, decedent, case type, appointment need or filing category. | Superior Court civil or land records. |
| Sheriff report, booking photo or law-enforcement open records | Open Sheriff Open Records | Incident, person, booking, report, date or location detail. | Court case dockets held by clerks. |
How to Search DeKalb Court Records Online
The DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court links to the Judicial Information System / Odyssey portal for judicial record search. You do not need an account simply to see a case and events in the portal, but viewing or purchasing documents may require an account and access request.
Open the official portal first
Use the official judicial record search route linked by DeKalb court offices. Avoid search ads that look like court pages but charge for unofficial reports.
Search by case number when possible
Case number is usually cleaner than a name-only search. If you only have a name, try full name, last name only, business name, middle initial, and spelling variations.
Open the case events
Check court type, parties, filing date, case status, events, hearings, dispositions and document availability. A search result preview is not the full case file.
Register only if you need document access
The Clerk states you can locate the case and events without an account, but to view actual documents you may need to register and request access. Some documents can also be purchased or viewed in the portal.
Request official copies for legal use
If you need a document for court filing, immigration, licensing, title work, employment, family law, or an agency request, ask whether a certified or eCertified copy is required.
DeKalb Superior Court Records: Felony, Civil, Divorce, Family and Land Records
The DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court manages Superior Court records and land records for DeKalb County. Superior Court can include felony criminal matters, civil lawsuits, divorce and family law, property disputes, real-estate cases and appeals from lower courts.
Criminal Superior Court
Use for felony cases, indictments, accusations, criminal events, criminal copies and certified criminal records.
Civil and family
Use for divorce, family-law filings, civil lawsuits, property disputes and Superior Court civil/family records.
Real estate / land records
Use the Official Records / Landmark system for deeds, liens, plats and recorded real-estate documents.
| Superior Clerk item | Verified detail | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Main courthouse address | 556 North McDonough Street, Ground Floor, Decatur, GA 30030 | Superior Clerk office, records and in-person support. |
| General information phone | 404-371-2836 | Call before visiting for records, copies, portal or office routing. |
| Plain criminal copies | $1.00 per page listed on Superior Clerk criminal page | Use for non-certified document copies when accepted. |
| Certified criminal copies | $2.50 for certification plus $0.50 for each additional page listed on Superior Clerk criminal page | Use only when an official certified copy is required. |
| eCertification payment window | The Clerk states eCertification requests may be rejected if not paid within six days after review. | Watch your email and pay quickly after approval. |
DeKalb State Court Records: Civil, Misdemeanor, Traffic and DUI
The State and Magistrate Courts Clerk’s Office is the official record keeper for State and Magistrate Courts of DeKalb County. State Court Division A includes civil and criminal departments. State Court Division B handles traffic matters transferred after the dissolution of Recorder’s Court.
State Court Division A
- Civil claims and State Court civil cases
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Garnishments and dispossessory clerk records
- Address listed by State Court: 556 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030
- Phone listed by State Court: 404-371-2261
State Court Division B
- Traffic violations and DUI-related State Court traffic matters
- Online traffic ticket payments through the official payment route
- Address listed by State Court: 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032
- Phone listed by State Court: 404-294-2099
DeKalb Magistrate Court Records: Civil, Criminal and Ordinance Dockets
DeKalb Magistrate Court describes itself as the people’s court and handles civil, criminal, ordinance, pretrial and mental health divisions. The Magistrate Court “Find your Case” page directs users to court dockets and explains how to open the official docket PDF for a selected court date.
Select the court date
On the Magistrate Court case page, choose the court date you want to view.
Use the search icon
Run the court-date search instead of scanning every possible docket manually.
Open the docket PDF
The Magistrate Court page says to select the Adobe PDF icon to the right of each line item to load the official court docket.
Clerk’s Office
DeKalb County Courthouse, Administration Tower, 556 N. McDonough Street, 2nd Floor, Decatur, GA 30030.
Criminal / Ordinance matters
3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032. Criminal Division phone listed by Magistrate Court: 404-294-2150.
Hours
Magistrate Court lists hours as 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.
DeKalb Official Records Search: Deeds, Liens and Real Estate Documents
Use the DeKalb Official Records Search for recorded land and public records such as deeds, liens, plats, real-estate filings and certain recorded documents. The Official Records disclaimer states that data is subject to change and users should search all possible spelling variations of proper names.
Use this for
- Deeds and conveyance documents
- Liens and recorded judgments
- Plats and real estate filings
- Book/page or document-based searches
- Property fraud registry research
Search tips
- Try all spelling variations.
- Search business names with and without suffixes.
- Use date ranges if the name is common.
- Use the fee calculator before recording or ordering.
- Verify document accuracy before relying on it.
Probate, Juvenile and Restricted DeKalb Court Records
Probate and juvenile matters may not follow the same access path as ordinary civil or criminal dockets. Probate Court handles estate and related probate services, while Juvenile Court handles youth-related cases that may be confidential or limited by law.
Probate Court
DeKalb County Probate Court lists its mailing address as 556 North McDonough Street, 1100 Judicial Tower, Decatur, GA 30030. Its public-facing pages cover probate services, wills and estates, guardianships, vital records and appointment-based service.
Open Probate CourtJuvenile Court
Juvenile Court cases can be more restricted than adult court records. Use the official Juvenile Court site for e-files, online payments, intake court, appointed attorney information and court contact routing.
Open Juvenile CourtHow to Get Copies or Certified DeKalb Court Records
Online lookup is useful, but it may not satisfy a court, attorney, title company, licensing agency, immigration request, employer, school or government office. Ask the receiving agency whether it requires a plain copy, certified copy, eCertified copy, transcript or another official record.
| Copy situation | Official route | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Court criminal copy | Criminal Department copy guidance | The Clerk lists required information such as defendant name, case number, date of birth, charges and contact information. |
| Portal document access | Odyssey Portal | Case/events can be checked without an account, but viewing actual documents may require registration and document access. |
| Certified/eCertified document | eCertification Portal | After the Clerk reviews an eCertification request, users have six days to pay before rejection according to Clerk guidance. |
| State Court civil, misdemeanor or traffic record | State Court Clerk’s Office | Use State Court Clerk routing for State/Magistrate records rather than Superior Clerk copy rules. |
| Transcript request | State Court case guidance | State Court guidance says transcript copies can be requested with the Judge’s staff and fees may apply. |
Traffic Tickets, Fines, Probation Payments and Court Dates
Payment routes vary by court. State Court lists online traffic ticket payments for Division B traffic citations and probation fine payments. Magistrate Court lists a separate payment route for fines. Always confirm the court, case number and citation number before paying.
Traffic ticket
Use the DeKalb State Court traffic payment link when your citation belongs to State Court Division B.
Probation fines
Use the State Court probation payment route only for the correct State Court probation account or case.
Magistrate fines
Use the Magistrate Court payment route for Magistrate cases, not State Court traffic cases.
Checklist Before You Visit, Call or Request Records
Use this checklist so you do not visit the wrong courthouse, request the wrong office, or pay for the wrong type of copy.
DeKalb Court Records Contact and Location Help
Use the office that matches your case. If you are unsure, start with the court listed on your citation, notice, warrant, docket, summons or case document.
| Office | Address | Phone / hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Superior Court | 556 North McDonough Street, Ground Floor, Decatur, GA 30030 | 404-371-2836 | Superior Court records, felony, civil/family records, land records and copy routing. |
| State Court Division A | DeKalb County Courthouse, 556 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030 | 404-371-2261; State Court site lists weekday office hours | State Court civil and misdemeanor records. |
| State Court Division B | 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032 | 404-294-2099; State Court site lists weekday office hours | Traffic cases, DUI/traffic-related matters and Division B records. |
| Magistrate Court Clerk’s Office | Administration Tower, 556 N. McDonough Street, 2nd Floor, Decatur, GA 30030 | Clerk’s Office 404-371-2261; hours listed 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday except holidays | Magistrate civil and docket questions. |
| Magistrate Criminal Matters | 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032 | Criminal Division 404-294-2150 | Warrant, abandonment, criminal and ordinance-related Magistrate questions. |
| Probate Court | 556 North McDonough Street, 1100 Judicial Tower, Decatur, GA 30030 | Probate Court pages list appointment-based public service windows | Wills, estates, guardianships, marriage and probate-related matters. |
DeKalb County Courthouse Map
The main courthouse address used by several DeKalb court offices is 556 North McDonough Street in Decatur, Georgia. State Court Division B and some Magistrate criminal/ordinance matters use 3630 Camp Circle, so confirm the office before visiting.
Common DeKalb Court Records Mistakes
Searching the wrong court
Superior, State, Magistrate, Probate and Juvenile records are not the same system for every user task.
Using name-only results
Always verify identity with case number, court type, filing date, party role and docket events.
Confusing land records with case dockets
Deeds, liens and plats belong in Official Records, not necessarily case-search results.
Missing older files
Superior criminal documents filed before 2010 may require an Archives route.
Paying the wrong portal
Start from the court’s official payment link and match the court division before paying.
Assuming Clerk staff gives legal advice
Clerks can provide records and process help, but not legal strategy or advice.
DeKalb Court Record Not Found? Try This
| Problem | Likely reason | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| No result in Odyssey | Wrong spelling, wrong court, old file, sealed/restricted record or not enough filters. | Try case number, last name only, business name, alternate spelling, or call the correct Clerk office. |
| You can see the case but not documents | Document viewing may require registration, access approval or purchase. | Register/request access in the portal or ask the Clerk about copies. |
| Traffic ticket not found | Citation may belong to another court/division or may need citation-number search. | Check the citation, use State Court Division B resources, or call the traffic office. |
| You need a deed or lien | You are searching court records instead of land records. | Use the Official Records Search and try name variations. |
| Certified copy request rejected | Payment not made in time, wrong case details, unavailable document or wrong office. | Resubmit with complete information and pay within the eCertification window after approval. |
After You Search, Pay or Request Copies
Save your proof. Court problems are easier to fix when you have the exact case number, portal result, payment receipt or copy request details.
Save this
Case number, citation number, party names, court division, docket result, payment receipt and confirmation emails.
Track deadlines
Court dates, payment dates, warrant questions, address updates and appeal deadlines can affect your next step.
Verify official use
Ask whether the receiving office needs a certified copy, eCertified copy, transcript, docket sheet or land-record printout.
Privacy, Scam and Public-Record Safety
Search engines may show private “instant court records” websites above official court pages. Some charge for incomplete, outdated or non-certified data. Start with official DeKalb court and Clerk links before paying a private company.
DeKalb Court Records: Short Answer
DeKalb court records for DeKalb County, Georgia are searched by court type. Use the official DeKalb Judicial Information System / Odyssey portal for case lookup, the Clerk of Superior Court for Superior Court and land-record records, DeKalb State Court for misdemeanor, civil and traffic records, Magistrate Court for civil/criminal/ordinance dockets, and the Official Records Search for deeds, liens and real-estate documents. For official use, request the correct plain, certified, eCertified or transcript copy from the proper Clerk office.
Official DeKalb Court Records Links
Use these official links for final verification and action. No internal court-records.org links are included because a relevant live sitemap match was not verified for this topic.
Clerk of Superior Court
Superior Court records, land records, copies and Clerk services.
Open Superior ClerkSuperior Criminal Department
Criminal copies, required information, portal documents and eCertification notes.
Open Criminal RecordsDeKalb State Court
State Court civil, misdemeanor, traffic, DUI, probation and Clerk services.
Open State CourtMagistrate Court Case Finder
Find Magistrate Court dockets and official PDF calendars.
Open Magistrate Case FinderSheriff Open Records
Law-enforcement documents and booking-photo open-records requests.
Open Sheriff RecordsDeKalb Court Records FAQs
How do I search DeKalb court records online for free?
Start with the official DeKalb Judicial Information System / Odyssey portal. Search by case number when possible, or use party name, business name and spelling variations. Some document viewing may require registration or access approval.
Which DeKalb County is this page about?
This page focuses on DeKalb County, Georgia court records because the official DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court, DeKalb State Court and DeKalb Magistrate Court sources match the court-record search intent.
Where do I find DeKalb Superior Court records?
Use the DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court and the Odyssey judicial record search for Superior Court cases. Superior Court covers felony, civil, divorce, family-law, property-dispute and related matters.
Where do I find DeKalb State Court records?
Use the DeKalb State Court website and case search links for State Court civil, misdemeanor, traffic, DUI and probation-related records. Division A and Division B may have different addresses and payment routes.
Where do I find DeKalb Magistrate Court records?
Use the DeKalb Magistrate Court “Find your Case” page. Select the court date, run the search and open the official docket PDF shown for the line item.
Are DeKalb land records the same as court case records?
No. Deeds, liens, plats and recorded real-estate documents are searched through DeKalb Official Records. Court case dockets are searched through the judicial record search or the correct court office.
How much are DeKalb Superior Court criminal copies?
The Superior Clerk’s criminal page lists plain copies at $1.00 per page and certified copies at $2.50 for certification plus $0.50 for each additional page. Verify current fees with the Clerk before ordering.
Can I view DeKalb court documents without an account?
The Superior Clerk explains that users can use the portal to locate a case and see case events without an account, but viewing actual documents may require registration and an access request.
How do I get certified DeKalb court records?
Use the proper Clerk office for your case type. Superior Court certified documents may be requested through the eCertification portal where available, and the Clerk reviews the request before payment.
Where is the DeKalb County courthouse?
The main courthouse address used by several DeKalb court offices is 556 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030. Some State Court Division B and Magistrate criminal matters use 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032.
Why can’t I find a DeKalb court record?
The record may be in another court, filed under a different spelling, older than online records, sealed, restricted, juvenile, land-record only, or a sheriff record rather than a court docket.
Can the Clerk give me legal advice?
No. Clerk staff can help with records, copies, filing and payment process information, but they cannot give legal advice, choose your legal option, explain strategy or excuse a court appearance.
Best Next Step
Start with the official DeKalb Judicial Record Search if you need a case docket. Use the Superior Clerk for Superior Court, criminal, civil/family and land-record copy questions. Use State Court for traffic, misdemeanor and State Court civil matters. Use Magistrate Court for Magistrate dockets. Use Official Records for deeds and liens. If the result will be used officially, confirm whether you need a plain copy, certified copy, eCertified copy or transcript before paying.
Official-source check completed July 15, 2026. Court portals, office hours, fees, payment processors, access rules, copy rules and court addresses can change. Verify directly with the official DeKalb court or Clerk office before payment, travel, filing or official use.