Find Sumter County Death Records
Sumter County death index records are kept at the Probate Court in Americus. The court serves as the local vital records office for this southwest Georgia county. You can visit the courthouse on West Lamar Street to get a death certificate, or you can use state online portals to order from home. Georgia started recording deaths statewide in 1919. The Sumter County Probate Court can pull records from that year through the present. This page covers the request process, fees, eligibility rules, and search tools for Sumter County death records.
Sumter County Death Index Facts
Sumter County Probate Court
The Sumter County Probate Court is located at 500 West Lamar Street, Americus, GA 31709. This is the main office for death certificate requests in Sumter County. Walk in with a valid photo ID and the name and date of death of the person whose record you need. The clerk can look it up and print a certified copy during regular business hours. Americus is the county seat and the courthouse sits in the downtown area.
Sumter County is part of the West Central Health District. The district serves a large number of counties across western Georgia. It keeps vital records and works alongside local offices like the Sumter County Probate Court. If the Americus office cannot find a particular death record, the district may be able to help. Americus draws people from several surrounding smaller counties, so the Probate Court here sees a fair number of requests. Having your details ready when you walk in saves time.
| Office | Sumter County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 West Lamar Street, Americus, GA 31709 |
| District | West Central Health District |
Sumter County Death Certificate Fees
A certified death certificate from Sumter County costs $25.00. Additional copies are $5.00 each when ordered at the same time. State law under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-26 sets these fees and they hold across all Georgia counties. Cash is fine at the counter. For mail orders, use a money order or certified check payable to the Sumter County Probate Court.
The extra copy rate only works within a single transaction. If you need another copy later, it costs $25.00 again. People dealing with estates, banks, or insurance companies in Sumter County usually order a few copies at once to avoid repeat trips. Two or three copies is typical for most situations.
Note: Verify payment options at the Sumter County Probate Court before visiting the Americus office.
Search the Sumter County Death Index
In-person searches are available at the Probate Court in Americus. The clerk looks up death records by name and year of death right at the counter.
Georgia offers several online search options as well. The ROVER system is the state's primary online tool for ordering death certificates. Create an account and fill in the deceased person's details. ROVER covers deaths from 1919 forward. Certificates arrive by mail in a few weeks. VitalChek provides rush delivery for an extra service fee beyond the $25.00 state cost. GO Certificates also handles Georgia death certificate orders online. All three can access Sumter County death records through the state database.
Historical and archival records from Sumter County are at the Georgia Archives. A digital collection of death records from 1919 to 1927 is free online. The FamilySearch Georgia Death Index covers 1933 to 1998 and is also free. Both are valuable for genealogy and historical research tied to Sumter County.
Who Can Get Sumter County Death Certificates
Certified death certificates are restricted in Georgia. O.C.G.A. § 31-10-15 says you must have a direct and tangible interest in the record. That includes the spouse, parents, children, and legal representatives of the deceased. Funeral directors who managed the services qualify too. At the Sumter County Probate Court, bring your ID and be ready to show your connection to the deceased.
Informational copies are open to everyone. These contain the same facts but have no legal standing. They work for genealogy and general research. The Georgia Rules 511-1-3 spell out the full rules on who gets which type. Staff at the Americus office can help you pick the right copy for your needs.
Sumter County Death Records by Mail
Mail requests go to the Sumter County Probate Court at 500 West Lamar Street, Americus, GA 31709. Enclose a money order for $25.00, the full name and date of death of the deceased, your relationship, and a photocopy of your ID. County mail requests take about 2 to 4 weeks.
State mail orders go to Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records, 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349. The phone number is (404) 679-4702. State processing runs 8 to 10 weeks. The Sumter County Probate Court is usually faster. For the quickest service, visit the Americus office in person or use one of the online ordering tools.
Georgia DPH Historical Records
The Georgia DPH historical records page covers how to find older death records for Sumter County and the rest of the state.
This page covers historical death record resources for Sumter County and the rest of the state.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Sumter County. If you are unsure where a death was filed, check the neighboring offices.