Chatham County Death Index

Chatham County death index records go through the county health department in Savannah. This is one of the most populous counties in Georgia, with close to 300,000 residents in the greater Savannah area. The Chatham County Health Department operates under the Coastal Health District and acts as the local vital records registrar. Death certificates for any death that took place in Chatham County can be requested here. Savannah also has some of the oldest death records in the state, with local registers going back to 1803. Whether you need a recent certified copy or a historical record for genealogy, Chatham County has strong resources for your search.

Chatham County Health Department

The Chatham County Health Department on Eisenhower Drive in Savannah is the main office for death records. This is a large and busy office that serves one of Georgia's biggest counties. Staff can search the Chatham County death index and issue certified copies to people who qualify under state law. Walk-in service is available during regular business hours.

The office is part of the Coastal Health District. They handle death certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in Chatham County, which includes Savannah, Pooler, Garden City, Tybee Island, Bloomingdale, and Port Wentworth. The fee is $25 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional one. You pay with cash or money order. No personal checks are accepted. Bring your photo ID and know the full name and date of death for the person whose record you need.

Historical Death Records in Chatham County

Chatham County has a unique advantage when it comes to historical death records. Savannah began recording deaths in 1803, well over a century before the state started its own system in 1919. These early death registers cover 1803 through 1913 and are kept at the City of Savannah Archives. You can reach the archives at 912-651-4212 to ask about access to these old records.

These historical Chatham County death records are a valuable resource for genealogy and family research. They cover a period when most Georgia counties had no formal death registration at all. The records may include names, dates, causes of death, and other details depending on the era. If you are tracing family roots in the Savannah area, these early death registers are worth checking. The Georgia Archives in Atlanta may have additional historical records for Chatham County as well.

Note: The City of Savannah Archives death registers from 1803 to 1913 are separate from the state vital records system.

Chatham County Death Certificate Resources

The Georgia DPH directory listing for Chatham County provides office contact info and directions for the Savannah location.

The Coastal Health District manages vital records for Chatham County and several neighboring coastal counties. The district oversees consistent standards for death record processing across the region.

Death Record Eligibility in Chatham County

Georgia law limits who can get certified death certificates. Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-15, only certain people qualify. The list includes spouses, parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, and legal representatives. Funeral directors can also request copies. You must prove your relationship when you apply for a Chatham County death certificate. A valid photo ID is the starting point, but you may need more paperwork depending on your situation.

If you do not qualify for a certified copy, an informational copy is available from the Chatham County death index. This version has the same data but is marked as not valid for legal use. It works fine for genealogy, personal records, or family history projects. The state regulations under Rules 511-1-3 explain the different types of copies and who can get each one.

Given how large Chatham County is, the office processes a high volume of requests. Give yourself extra time if you visit in person. Busy days can mean a longer wait. Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-26, the registrar must verify every request before releasing a certified copy, and that takes time when the office is full.

Online Options for Chatham County Death Records

You can order Chatham County death certificates online through VitalChek or GO Certificates. Both services add a processing fee to the $25 certificate cost. Your request goes to the state vital records office, which pulls the record and mails it to you. Expect 8 to 10 weeks for mail processing from the state.

For free searches and research, the FamilySearch Georgia death index covers many years. The ROVER system is another state tool that can help find records. The state office is at 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, and you can call (404) 679-4702 for help with Chatham County death record requests.

Cities in Chatham County

Chatham County has several cities and towns. Savannah is the county seat and largest city. Pooler has grown fast in recent years and is now the second largest city in the county. All deaths in Chatham County are recorded through the same health department office on Eisenhower Drive in Savannah, no matter which city they occurred in.

Other communities in Chatham County include Garden City, Port Wentworth, Tybee Island, Bloomingdale, and Thunderbolt. Each uses the Chatham County Health Department for death records.

Nearby Counties

Chatham County borders several other coastal and inland counties. If a death happened outside Chatham County, you will need to contact the correct county registrar.