The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office completes name search background checks for $15.00 (cash, card, money order or certified check made payable to Chatham County Sheriff's Office).

Click here to download and complete a CHRI Release/Waiver Form

The name search background check is a statewide check and it takes 3-5 business days to process. If you have any questions, please contact the Criminal History/Fingerprint Office at 912-652-7650.

Background checks through the Chatham County Sheriff's Office are available by mail only.
- Complete the form and provide your phone number in case additional information is required. 
- You must sign and date with a witness signature.
- Include a copy of your drivers license and a $15.00 money order or cashier's check.
- Forms will not be accepted at the Sheriff's Office in person.

Fingerprint operation hours are Monday and Wednesday 9:00a.m. through 4:00 p.m.

We are closed on the following public holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr., Day
• Presidents' Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving (two days)
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

Customers who are requesting an expungement of record should complete an Expungement Request form with the arresting agency.

Also, the customer should have the disposition from the court before completing the Expungement Request form.

Please note that some offenses may not qualify for an expungement of a criminal record. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office expungement fee is $25.00 (cash, card, money order or certified check made payable to Chatham County Sheriff’s Office).

If the application is approved by the District Attorney’s Office, then there is a fee of $25.00 that is sent to the GBI by the applicant for restricting the record in GCIC.

For more information on applying for an expungement of a criminal record, contact the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Criminal History/Fingerprint Unit at 912-652-7650.