Ware County Record Search

A Ware County background check is available through the Sheriff's Office in Waycross. Ware County is one of the larger counties by land area in south Georgia, and Waycross serves as the county seat. Sheriff Carl James heads the department. The sheriff's office processes name-based criminal history searches using both local records and the state database run by the Georgia Crime Information Center. For people who need more comprehensive results, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation provides statewide and federal search tools that also cover Ware County records.

Ware County Sheriff's Office

The Ware County Sheriff's Office is located at 3487 Harris Road, Waycross, GA 31503. Sheriff Carl James runs the office. You can reach them by phone at 912-287-4326. Walk-in visits are the primary method for requesting a background check in Ware County. You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license or state ID card works. A Social Security card by itself is not valid identification for this purpose. Provide your full name, date of birth, sex, race, and Social Security number so the staff can process your search.

The office searches Ware County records and queries the Georgia Crime Information Center database. Name-based checks can come back the same day for straightforward requests. Records with multiple hits or those needing extra verification may take additional time. Ware County covers a wide geographic area, but the sheriff's office in Waycross is the central point for all record requests. The staff can tell you about current fees and accepted payment methods when you call.

Ware County is part of the Waycross Judicial Circuit. Cases from superior court, state court, and magistrate court all contribute to the criminal record pool that shows up in a background check. The circuit covers several surrounding counties as well.

Ware County Criminal History

Criminal records from Ware County originate in the Waycross Judicial Circuit courts. Felony cases go through superior court. Misdemeanors land in state court. Magistrate court handles preliminary hearings and minor offenses. The clerk of superior court at the Ware County courthouse in Waycross keeps case files. These are public records. Anyone can visit the courthouse during business hours to look through dockets and read case filings.

Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34 allows citizens to request criminal history records. The fee cap is $20. A Ware County background check will not always show every case. Under the First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60), some individuals can have their convictions sealed after completing their sentence. These restricted records will not show up. Felonies are much harder to seal and usually stay on the record.

Note: Record restriction under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 has replaced the old expungement system in Georgia, and some Ware County cases may have been restricted from public view.

State Background Check Tools

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains Georgia's central criminal history records. Every Ware County arrest and conviction goes into this system. You can use state tools without going to Waycross.

The Georgia Felon Search is the fastest state option. Pay $15, enter a name, and get instant results by email. It only shows felony convictions. No misdemeanors. No pending cases. No arrests without convictions. This is good for a quick felony check covering Ware County and the rest of Georgia.

For a complete search, use the GAPS fingerprint system through IdentoGO. This pulls from state and federal databases using biometric data. Results take one to two business days. The cost is higher than a name-based check. Ware County residents will need to find the nearest IdentoGO site, which may be in Waycross or a surrounding area like Valdosta or Brunswick.

This screenshot of the GBI services page shows options for Ware County residents to access criminal history data through state-level search tools.

Ware County Fees and Payment

The Ware County Sheriff's Office fee for a background check falls under the $20 state cap set by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34(d.3). Call 912-287-4326 to confirm the exact amount. Ask about payment methods too. Some offices take cash. Others require money orders. The Georgia Felon Search is $15 online. GAPS fingerprint checks cost more and include the IdentoGO fingerprinting charge.

If you want to inspect your own criminal history record, that costs up to $15 under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. This is a separate service from a standard background check. You would use this if you think your record has an error and want to review what is on file.

How to Get a Ware County Check

Visit the Ware County Sheriff's Office at 3487 Harris Road in Waycross. Bring your photo ID and the identifying information listed above. The staff runs the search and gives you results. Clean checks may come back right away. Records with hits take more time to compile.

You might be able to request by mail. Call the office first to find out. If mail requests are accepted, 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 takes longer, but it works if you cannot visit in person. The Georgia Sheriffs' Association confirms Sheriff James's contact information for Ware County.

The GBI FAQ page has answers to common questions about the state criminal history check process if you need more details.

Ware County Contact

• Ware County Sheriff's Office: 3487 Harris Road, Waycross, GA 31503
• Phone: 912-287-4326
• Sheriff: Carl James
• County Seat: Waycross
• Judicial Circuit: Waycross

Ware County is a large rural county in south Georgia. The sheriff's office in Waycross is the main agency for both law enforcement and record requests. The courthouse also has the clerk of superior court for court record research.

Cities in Ware County

Ware County does not have any cities large enough for a separate page on this site. Waycross is the county seat and the biggest community in the county. All Ware County background check requests are processed through the sheriff's office there.

Nearby Counties

Ware County borders several south Georgia counties. Check these pages if your search reaches beyond Ware County lines.