Decatur County Death Index Search
Decatur County death index records are handled by the health department in Bainbridge. The Decatur County Health Department falls under the Southwest Health District and processes death certificate requests for this part of southwest Georgia. Whether you need a recent death certificate or want to look up older records, you can start at the office on South West Street or try one of the state online search tools. This page covers the full process for getting Decatur County death records, including fees, eligibility rules, and where to find historical files.
Decatur County Death Index Facts
Decatur County Health Department
The Decatur County Health Department handles death certificate requests for the county. It is located at 928 S West Street in Bainbridge, GA 39819. This office is part of the Southwest Health District. Walk-in visits are the fastest way to get a certified copy of a death certificate from Decatur County. Bring a photo ID and know the full name and date of death for the person whose record you need.
Staff at the health department can search the statewide vital records database. They can find death records for events in Decatur County and in other Georgia counties too. If you are not sure which county holds the record, the staff can help narrow it down. Phone calls before a visit are a good idea. Ask for the vital records desk when you call to check if the record is on file.
The Southwest Health District covers a wide area of Georgia. Decatur County is one of several counties in the district. If the Bainbridge office cannot help for any reason, the district office may be able to assist with your request for death records.
| Office | Decatur County Health Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 928 S West Street, Bainbridge, GA 39819 |
| District | Southwest Health District |
Decatur County Death Certificate Fees
Certified death certificates from Decatur County cost $25.00 each. Extra copies ordered at the same time are $5.00 per copy. State law under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-26 sets these fees. They are uniform across Georgia. Cash, credit cards, and debit cards all work at the Decatur County Health Department. Mail requests need a certified check or money order.
Get all your copies at once if you can. The $5.00 rate only applies during the same visit or the same mail request. If you come back another day, you pay the full $25.00 again. Most people dealing with estates, banks, or insurance claims in Decatur County order at least two copies to stay ahead of what they might need.
Search Decatur County Death Records Online
You do not have to go to Bainbridge in person to find Decatur County death records. Online tools make it possible to search from home.
The ROVER system is the state's online ordering tool. Set up an account and enter the name and date of death for the person you are looking for. ROVER covers Georgia deaths from 1919 to the present. Orders go out by mail and take a few weeks. VitalChek offers another route with rush delivery for an added fee. Both pull from the same state database that includes Decatur County records.
For historical research, the Georgia Archives has older death records that may include Decatur County. Their digital collection covers 1919 to 1927 with free scans. The FamilySearch Georgia Death Index spans 1933 to 1998 and costs nothing to use. Genealogists looking into family roots in Decatur County will find these tools helpful.
Note: Online orders through ROVER and VitalChek still require you to meet the eligibility rules for certified copies.
Who Can Get Decatur County Death Certificates
State law governs who can request a certified death certificate. O.C.G.A. § 31-10-15 requires a direct and tangible interest. Spouses, parents, children, and legal representatives qualify. Funeral directors who handled the arrangements can also get certified copies from Decatur County.
Informational copies are available to anyone. These copies have a marking that says they are not for legal use. They show the same facts but cannot serve as official documents. Researchers use them often. The Georgia Rules 511-1-3 outline the full eligibility criteria for both types of copies available from Decatur County.
Decatur County Vital Records by Mail
Mail requests for Decatur County death certificates go to the health department at 928 S West Street, Bainbridge, GA 39819. Include a money order or certified check for $25.00. Write the deceased person's full name, date of death, and your relationship to them. Add a copy of your ID to the envelope.
You can also send your request to the state office in Atlanta. The address is Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records, 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349. Phone: (404) 679-4702. State mail orders take 8 to 10 weeks. The Decatur County Health Department is usually faster for records from this area. Walk-in visits to Bainbridge are the quickest if you need a death certificate right away.
Decatur County Health Department Page
The Georgia DPH directory provides the listing for the Decatur County Health Department and its vital records desk.
Use this page to verify the address and contact info before heading to Bainbridge for Decatur County death records.
Nearby Counties
These counties share borders with Decatur County. If you are not sure where a death was filed, one of these offices may have the record.