Dawson County Death Records

Dawson County death records are available through the county health department in Dawsonville. Located in the north Georgia mountains, Dawson County has seen rapid growth in recent years and now has more than 27,000 residents. The Dawson County Health Department handles vital records services and can provide death certificates for any death that took place in Georgia. This page explains how to search for, order, and get copies of death records in Dawson County, including the unique office hours and what to bring.

Dawson County Health Department Vital Records

The Dawson County Health Department is the local source for death records. It sits at 54 Highway 53 East in Dawsonville. Call (706) 265-2611 for questions before you visit. This office has some unusual hours that vary by day. On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the office is open 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. On Tuesday, hours extend to 6:30 PM. On Friday, the office closes at 11:30 AM. There is a lunch break from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM on all days except Friday.

The Dawson County Health Department page on the Georgia DPH site has the full list of services.

A key benefit of this office is that it can provide death records from all Georgia counties. Under OCGA § 31-10-2, every county vital records office in Georgia connects to the same central database. If someone died in DeKalb County or Chatham County, you can still pick up the certificate in Dawsonville. You do not have to make a trip to the county where the death occurred.

The Public Health District 2 page for Dawson County also has details on vital records services at this office.

Note: Friday hours end at 11:30 AM, so plan your visit to the Dawson County health department early in the day if you go on a Friday.

How to Get Dawson County Death Records

Walk-in service at the Dawson County health department is the fastest way to get a death certificate. Bring your photo ID and the details of the person who died. The clerk needs the full name, date of death, and place of death. The fee is $25 for the first certified copy. Extra copies cost $5 each. If the record is on file, you can get your copy the same day.

The ROVER system at services.georgia.gov/gta/rover lets you order from home. ROVER adds an $8 processing fee on top of the $25 certificate cost. Orders ship from the state office in Atlanta. Plan for 8 to 10 weeks. Under OCGA § 31-10-27, fees are due up front and are not returned if the record is not found.

Mail is another option. Send your request to Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records, 1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349. Include all the details about the person who died, the number of copies, your relationship, and a copy of your photo ID. Pay with money order or certified check. Mail orders also take 8 to 10 weeks once the state gets your complete packet.

Who Can Get Dawson County Death Certificates

Under OCGA § 31-10-25, certified copies go to close family. That includes the spouse, parents, adult children, adult siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren. Legal reps and parties with a tangible interest, such as insurance companies and estate administrators, can also get certified Dawson County death records.

Anyone else can request a plain paper copy with the Social Security number removed. Under OCGA § 31-10-26, copies go out upon written request to anyone with a photo ID. The plain version works for research or general proof. Both types cost the same.

Death Certificate Filing in Dawson County

The funeral director files the death certificate when someone dies in Dawson County. Under OCGA § 31-10-15, the certificate must reach the county registrar within 72 hours. A doctor certifies the cause of death. The county then sends the record to the state office in Atlanta for permanent storage.

Deaths that are sudden, violent, or unexplained go to the Dawson County Coroner. If the cause cannot be found within 48 hours, "pending" goes on the certificate. The record gets updated once the investigation is done. After filing, copies are available from both the Dawson County health department and the state office in Atlanta. Amendments cost $10 plus the price of a new certified copy. Current year corrections are free.

Historical Death Records in Dawson County

Georgia holds death records from 1919 forward. Dawson County was created in 1857. For deaths before the state system started, the Georgia Archives in Morrow is your best resource. They have historical death indexes and other documents that predate modern record keeping. The Dawson County Probate Court may also hold old estate files and wills with death information.

The DPH Vital Records page has forms and details for ordering death records from any county in Georgia. The state office at 1680 Phoenix Boulevard in Atlanta stores all certificates from 1919 to now. You can reach them at (404) 679-4702 for questions about the state collection.

Cities in Dawson County

Dawson County includes Dawsonville. The city does not meet the population threshold for its own page. All death records for the area go through the Dawson County Health Department in Dawsonville.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Dawson County in north Georgia. Each has its own vital records office for death certificates.