Find Cobb County Background Check

A Cobb County background check can be done through two local agencies: the Sheriff's Office and the Cobb County Police Department, both based in Marietta. Cobb County is one of the largest and busiest counties in the Atlanta metro area, with a population well over 700,000. The volume of criminal records here is high. Both agencies handle public requests for background checks, though they operate on different fee schedules and procedures. Cobb County falls under the Cobb Judicial Circuit. State-level databases from the GBI also hold Cobb County criminal history data for those who want a broader or fingerprint-based search.

Cobb County Sheriff Background Check

The Cobb County Sheriff's Office at 185 Roswell Street in Marietta handles background check requests from the public. Sheriff Craig Owens leads the department. You can call 770-499-4611 to ask about the process. Background checks at the sheriff's office cost $25. They do not accept cash. You can pay with credit card, debit card, or mobile payment, but a 3.5% processing fee applies to all card transactions. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3:45 PM, but it closes from 12 PM to 1 PM for lunch. You must show up in person at 185 Roswell Street with a valid government-issued photo ID.

The staff runs your name through local records and the Georgia Crime Information Center database. This pulls up Cobb County criminal history and can return statewide results as well. Because Cobb County is so large, the office processes a high number of requests. Wait times can be significant during busy periods, so arriving early is a smart move. Turnaround for the check itself varies. Some name-based searches come back the same day. Others take a few business days if additional processing is needed.

The sheriff's office also keeps records on active warrants and recent jail bookings in Cobb County.

This screenshot shows the Cobb County Sheriff's Office homepage where you can find information about the background check process and other services.

Cobb County Police Department Background Checks

The Cobb County Police Department also runs background checks. Their office is at 545 South Fairground Street SE in Marietta, GA 30060. You can reach them at 770-499-4600. The fee is $20, and they accept money orders and cashier's checks only. No cash, no credit cards. This is a different agency from the sheriff's office, and the procedures are separate. The police department pulls from its own records as well as the state database.

If you need a Cobb County background check and want to save a few dollars, the police department charges $5 less than the sheriff's office. But the payment methods are more limited. You will need to get a money order or cashier's check before you go. The police department handles a large volume of requests just like the sheriff's office. Calling ahead to check hours and availability is always a good idea.

This page from the Cobb County Police Department website explains their background check process, fees, and accepted payment methods.

Note: The sheriff's office and police department are separate agencies with different fees and payment rules, so check both before deciding where to go.

Criminal History Records in Cobb County

Criminal records in Cobb County include arrests, charges, convictions, and case outcomes from the Cobb Judicial Circuit. The superior court processes felony cases. State court and magistrate court handle misdemeanors and preliminary matters. All of these feed into the public record system. The clerk of superior court at the Cobb County courthouse in Marietta keeps case files that are open to public review. You can visit in person to search dockets and read case documents.

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, Georgia law lets private citizens request criminal history records for certain purposes. But not all records will show up. The First Offender Act allows some people to have their conviction restricted from public view after they complete their sentence. A Cobb County background check may miss cases that have been restricted under this law. Felony convictions are harder to restrict and tend to stay on the public record longer.

State Background Check Options for Cobb County

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation manages the statewide criminal history system. Every arrest and conviction in Cobb County feeds into the GBI's central database through the Georgia Crime Information Center. You do not need to visit Marietta to access these records.

The Georgia Felon Search tool costs $15 per search and shows felony convictions statewide. It covers Cobb County felons. Enter a name and get instant results. Only felony convictions appear here. Misdemeanors, pending charges, and arrests without a conviction are not included. This is a fast way to check for felony history connected to Cobb County.

For a deeper search, the GAPS fingerprint system through IdentoGo pulls from both state and federal databases. Fingerprint-based results take one to two business days and cost more, but they give you a much fuller picture. Cobb County has multiple IdentoGo locations nearby, making it easy for residents to get fingerprinted without traveling far.

The GBI lists all background check options at gbi.georgia.gov/services.

The screenshot above shows the Cobb County Sheriff's Office background check section with fee details and instructions for walk-in requests.

Cobb County Background Check Fees

Cobb County has two local agencies with different fee structures. The sheriff's office charges $25 per background check and accepts credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments with a 3.5% processing fee. No cash. The police department charges $20 and only accepts money orders or cashier's checks. The statewide felon search through the GBI costs $15. Fingerprint-based checks through GAPS cost more and include a separate fingerprinting service fee at the IdentoGo location.

Payment differences between the two agencies catch people off guard. The sheriff's office takes cards but charges extra. The police department takes money orders only. Plan ahead and make sure you have the right form of payment for whichever office you visit.

Note: All fees are subject to change, so always confirm current costs by calling the office before you go.

Requesting Cobb County Records by Mail

Mail-in requests may be possible for a Cobb County background check, though in-person visits are preferred by both agencies. Contact the Cobb County Sheriff's Office at 185 Roswell Street, Marietta, GA 30090 or the Police Department at 545 S Fairground St SE, Marietta, GA 30060 to ask about their mail-in process. If they accept mail requests, include your full name, date of birth, a copy of your photo ID, and a money order for the fee. Do not send cash. Mail requests will take longer than a walk-in visit.

Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 sets rules about who can access criminal history records and how the information can be used. Your request must fall within the purposes allowed by state law. Either agency can deny a request that does not meet the legal standards.

Cobb County Sheriff Contact

Get in touch with the Cobb County Sheriff's Office or Police Department for background check questions. The Georgia Sheriffs' Association keeps a directory you can use to verify sheriff contact details across Georgia.

• Sheriff's Office: 185 Roswell Street, Marietta, GA 30090
• Sheriff Phone: 770-499-4611
• Sheriff: Craig Owens
• Sheriff Hours: 8 AM - 3:45 PM Mon-Fri (closed 12-1 PM)
• Police Department: 545 S Fairground St SE, Marietta, GA 30060
• Police Phone: 770-499-4600

Cobb County is one of the busiest counties in Georgia. Both agencies serve a huge population. Plan your visit during off-peak hours if you can. Calling before you go is the best way to avoid surprises and make sure you have everything you need for your Cobb County background check.

Cities in Cobb County

Several major cities fall within Cobb County. Background checks for residents of these cities are handled through the same county-level agencies in Marietta.

Nearby Counties

Cobb County borders several counties in the northwest Atlanta metro area. If your search goes beyond Cobb County, these neighboring pages may help.