Search Upson County Background Check

An Upson County background check is handled by the Sheriff's Office in Thomaston. Sheriff Dan Kilgore oversees the department, which serves as the primary local source for criminal record searches. Upson County is part of the Flint Judicial Circuit in central Georgia. The sheriff's office processes name-based background checks using local records and the state criminal history database. For broader searches that include federal records or biometric matching, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation offers additional tools. Thomaston is the county seat and where all county-level record requests are processed.

Upson County Sheriff Background Check

The Upson County Sheriff's Office is located at 235 Aviation Drive, Thomaston, GA 30286. Sheriff Dan Kilgore runs the office. Call 706-647-7411 for questions about background check procedures. Walk-in requests are the typical method. You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID card. A Social Security card by itself does not count as valid ID. Provide your full name, date of birth, sex, race, and Social Security number so staff can run the search through local and state records.

The office pulls results from Upson County files and the Georgia Crime Information Center database. A name-based search can return results the same day. Some checks take longer if there are multiple hits or if the records need extra review. Upson County is a mid-size county, so the office generally processes requests without long wait times. Calling ahead to check hours is still a good idea, though. The staff can tell you what payment they accept and whether you need an appointment.

Note: Bring cash and a money order as backup since smaller sheriff's offices may not accept credit cards.

Criminal History in Upson County

Criminal records in Upson County come from cases processed through the Flint Judicial Circuit courts. The superior court handles felony cases. State court deals with misdemeanors. Magistrate court covers preliminary hearings and minor offenses. All of these courts feed into the public record system. The clerk of superior court at the Upson County courthouse in Thomaston keeps case files that anyone can review in person. You can look through dockets, read filings, and check case outcomes during business hours.

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, private citizens can request criminal history records. The fee is capped at $20 for a name-based check. Not all records show up. The First Offender Act under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60 allows certain individuals to have their convictions sealed after completing their sentence. An Upson County background check might miss cases handled under this provision. Felony convictions are much harder to hide and tend to remain on the record.

Georgia also has a record restriction process under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. This replaced what people used to call expungement. If an Upson County record has been restricted, it will not appear in a standard background check. The same statute sets the fee for inspecting your own record at up to $15.

State-Level Search Options

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains the state's central criminal records. Arrests and convictions in Upson County feed into this system. You do not have to be in Thomaston to run a state-level search.

The Georgia Felon Search costs $15. It returns felony convictions only. Enter a name and get results by email right away. Misdemeanors and arrests without convictions will not show up. This tool covers all 159 Georgia counties, including Upson County. It is a quick way to check for serious criminal history without visiting an office in person.

For deeper results, the GAPS fingerprint system through IdentoGO searches both state and federal databases. Fingerprint-based checks take one to two business days and cost more than name-based searches. They are more accurate because they rely on biometric data rather than just a name match. Upson County residents may need to drive to a nearby IdentoGO site. Locations in Macon or Griffin are likely the closest options.

This screenshot shows the GBI services page where Upson County residents can learn about criminal history check options and related fees.

Upson County Check Fees

The Upson County Sheriff's Office charges for background checks. Georgia law caps the fee at $20 for a name-based check under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34(d.3). Call 706-647-7411 to confirm the current amount and accepted payment forms. The state felon search costs $15. Fingerprint checks through GAPS have their own fee that includes the IdentoGO fingerprinting service charge.

If you want to inspect your own criminal history record to check it for errors, the fee for that is up to $15 under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. This is a separate process from a standard background check. You would need to contact the GBI or go through the sheriff's office to start a record inspection request.

How to Get an Upson County Check

Visit the Upson County Sheriff's Office at 235 Aviation Drive in Thomaston during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and be ready to provide identifying details. The staff will run your name through local and state databases. If results come back clean, you should get them quickly. If there are hits, it may take a bit longer as the records are compiled and reviewed.

Mail-in requests may be an option. Call the office to ask. If they accept mail requests, include your full name, date of birth, a copy of your photo ID, and payment in the form of a money order. Do not send cash through the mail. Allow extra time for mail processing and delivery. Walking in is always faster when possible.

The Georgia Sheriffs' Association directory verifies contact information for Sheriff Kilgore and all other Georgia sheriffs.

Upson County Contact Info

• Upson County Sheriff's Office: 235 Aviation Drive, Thomaston, GA 30286
• Phone: 706-647-7411
• Sheriff: Dan Kilgore
• County Seat: Thomaston
• Judicial Circuit: Flint

Upson County is a smaller county in central Georgia. The sheriff's office handles law enforcement and public record requests. Because the staff is smaller than in metro counties, hours may be more limited. Call before you visit to avoid a wasted trip. The Upson County courthouse is also in Thomaston and houses the clerk of superior court for case file research.

Cities in Upson County

Upson County does not have any cities with populations large enough for a separate page. Thomaston is the county seat and the largest community. All background check requests for Upson County residents go through the sheriff's office in Thomaston.

Nearby Counties

Upson County is surrounded by several central Georgia counties. If your search goes past Upson County lines, check these nearby pages.