Early County Death Index
Early County death index records are filed at the Probate Court in Blakely. This southwest Georgia county uses the probate court for all death certificate requests and vital records processing. You can visit the courthouse on Court Square to search for a death record in person or use online tools that connect to the state database. The Early County Probate Court keeps local records and can issue certified copies to qualified requesters. This page covers the full process, from fees and eligibility to historical search options for Early County death records.
Early County Death Index Facts
Early County Probate Court Office
The Early County Probate Court handles death certificate requests for the county. It sits at 111 Court Square Suite D in Blakely, GA 39823. This is the only local office where you can get certified death certificates in Early County. Walk-in service is the quickest option. You need a photo ID and the name and date of death for the person whose record you want.
Early County is a small, rural county in the far southwest corner of Georgia. The probate court does everything from death certificates to marriage licenses to estate filings. Because the office handles so many different tasks, staff are experienced with vital records requests. They can often pull up a record while you wait. If you are coming from out of town, it helps to call first and make sure the record is on file before driving to Blakely.
| Office | Early County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 111 Court Square Suite D, Blakely, GA 39823 |
| Type | Probate Court |
Note: Call the Early County Probate Court before your visit to confirm hours and availability for vital records.
Fees for Early County Death Certificates
Certified death certificates from Early County cost $25.00. Extra copies are $5.00 each when you order them at the same time. O.C.G.A. § 31-10-26 sets these fees statewide. They do not vary by county. Cash works for in-person visits. Credit and debit cards are also accepted. Mail requests need a money order or certified check.
The $5.00 rate for extra copies only applies during one transaction. If you need more copies later, you pay $25.00 each time. People working on estates, probate, or insurance matters in Early County should get all copies at once to save money. Two or three copies is usually enough for most situations.
How to Search Early County Death Index
You can search for Early County death records in person or online. The probate court in Blakely is the most direct route. Staff there can look up records by name and date of death. If you prefer to search from home, online tools are available.
The ROVER system is the state's online ordering tool for vital records. You create an account, enter the deceased person's details, and submit your order. ROVER covers deaths in Georgia from 1919 to the present. Delivery is by mail and takes a few weeks. VitalChek charges an extra service fee but offers rush delivery options. Both services can pull Early County death records from the statewide database.
Historical records from Early County are available through free tools. The Georgia Archives holds records from the early 1900s with free digital scans from 1919 to 1927. The FamilySearch Georgia Death Index covers 1933 through 1998 at no charge. Both work well for tracing family lines in Early County.
Who Can Request Early County Death Records
Georgia law governs access to certified death certificates. Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-15, you must show a direct and tangible interest in the record. Close family members qualify, along with legal representatives and funeral directors. If you are handling an estate in Early County, bring proof of your legal role to the probate court.
Anyone can request an informational copy. These copies are not certified and cannot be used for legal purposes. They show the same facts but carry a marking that says they are informational only. Researchers use them for genealogy work in Early County. The Georgia Rules 511-1-3 lay out the full eligibility rules for both types of death record copies.
Early County Death Records by Mail
You can request death records from Early County by mail. Send to the Probate Court at 111 Court Square Suite D, Blakely, GA 39823. Include a money order or certified check for $25.00. Write the full name of the deceased, date of death, and your relationship. Put a copy of your photo ID in the envelope.
The state office takes mail requests too. Send to Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records, 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349. Phone: (404) 679-4702. State requests take 8 to 10 weeks. The Early County Probate Court is faster for local records. A walk-in visit to Blakely gets you a death certificate the same day in most cases.
Early County Probate Court Page
The Georgia DPH website lists the Early County Probate Court and its vital records services.
This page shows the office details and contact information for the Early County Probate Court in Blakely.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Early County. If you think a death may have been filed in a neighboring county, check with these offices.