Georgia Residents Can Now Access Free Criminal Background Checks

GEORGIA — In a significant step toward transparency and public accessibility, the state of Georgia has expanded opportunities in 2025 for residents to obtain free criminal background checks, especially for personal use, job readiness, and volunteer screening.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), eligible individuals can now request no-cost copies of their own criminal history records through participating law enforcement agencies and state-run programs.

Who Is Eligible for a Free Background Check?

Residents of Georgia may be eligible for a free criminal background check if they meet the following criteria:

• Requesting their own record (not someone else’s)

• Georgia residency or Georgia-based criminal history

• Seeking records for personal review, volunteer service, or state-supported job applications

In some cases, individuals who are victims of identity theft or applicants for child welfare or elder care positions may also qualify for fee waivers.

Where to Get a Free Report

Residents can obtain free background checks through several state-supported channels:

• Local police or sheriff’s offices: Many offer one free name-based check annually

• Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC): Allows personal review requests for basic history

• Department of Human Services (DHS): Offers background checks for approved programs

• Georgia Felon Search: Typically paid, but free access may be available for nonprofits or state-funded roles

Some agencies may still charge $10–$20 for detailed reports, so it’s important to call ahead and confirm eligibility.

What’s Included in a Free Check?

Free background checks in Georgia generally include:

• Name-based records of Georgia arrests, charges, and convictions

• Excludes expunged or sealed records, and does not include national FBI data unless fingerprints are submitted

For full national checks, including out-of-state and federal charges, a fingerprint-based report must be requested — which often involves additional fees.

Employers and Landlords Still Require Paid Reports

While Georgia residents can access their own record for free, employers and landlords must still follow federal law and use paid third-party services for official screenings. Background checks used for hiring or housing fall under Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulations.

In contrast, nonprofits or government agencies hiring for volunteer work may be allowed to request free or discounted reports for screening purposes.

What You’ll Need to Apply

To request a free criminal background check, applicants should bring:

• A valid photo ID (Georgia driver’s license, passport, or state ID)

• Proof of Georgia residency (utility bill, lease, or government mail)

• Completed request forms, if required by the agency

• Social Security number (sometimes optional)

• Fingerprints (only for FBI-level checks)

Most local law enforcement offices offer a walk-in service, though some require appointments.

One Free Report Per Year Rule

Most agencies providing free access limit it to one report per calendar year. Multiple requests may incur fees unless related to ongoing legal, expungement, or government review processes.

Have you tried requesting a free background check in Georgia this year? Tell us how it went or share your questions in the comments at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com — and help fellow residents stay informed.