Vital Records

Located in the office of the Probate Judge, Rabun County Vital Records files and maintains custodial copies of all births and deaths that occur in Rabun County, Georgia. This office also has access to the Georgia Vital Events Registration System and can issue certified birth records of persons born in any county in Georgia that are on file with Vital Records in Atlanta. Birth and Death Certificates are not public records. There are a limited number of people who may apply to purchase a certified copy.

Acceptable Persons Include:

• Birth Certificates
  • The person whose record of birth is registered.
  • Either parent listed on the certificate; legal guardian of the registrant; grandparent of the registrant; adult brother/sister of the registrant; adult child of the registrant; spouse of the registrant.
  • Legal representative or the person who in good faith has applied and produced a record of such application to become the legal representative of the person whose record of birth is registered.
  • A court of competent jurisdiction upon its order or subpoena.
  • Any governmental agency, state or federal, provided that such certificate shall be needed for official purposes.
  • Must provide a copy of a valid photo ID.
• Death Certificates
  • Upon specific request of the spouse, children, parents, or other next of kin of the decedent or their respective legal representatives.
  • The need for disclosure of the cause of death is necessary to establish a legal right or claim has been demonstrated (copy of need for disclosure attached).
  • Upon receipt of an order from a court of competent jurisdiction ordering such release (copy of order attached).
  • A certified copy of the abstract of a death certificate that does not contain the cause of death may be issued to any applicant upon proper application.
  • Family members conducting genealogical research and genealogists representing a family member may obtain copies of records needed for their research. Appropriate written, notarized authorizations shall be required from the relevant family members for the release of the records (proper authorization attached).
  • Authorized representatives of Federal, State, or County agencies of government that request such data in the conduct of their official duties (official request attached).
  • Must provide a copy of a valid photo ID.

Fees

$25.00 for the search, which includes one certified copy of a certificate, and $5.00 for each additional certified copy of the same certificate per visit. Fees are payable by cashier's check or money order made payable to Rabun County Vital Records or Visa/Mastercard (with a convenience fee). An application listing general information must be completed by the requester on both birth and death certificates. When applying to purchase, either an applicant must provide a valid photo ID.

To Request Copies by Mail

You may purchase a certified copy of a birth or death certificate via mail by following these directions:

• Complete a written request with the following information.
  • Name as it appears on the certificate
  • Date of Birth or Death
  • Mother's name
  • Father's name
  • List your relationship to the person on the birth certificate (must be one of the choices listed above).
• Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
• A number of certified copies you are requesting.
• Signature of person requesting copies.
• Enclose a money order only made payable to Rabun County Vital Records for the total amount of certificates you are requesting (fees listed above).
• Provide a copy of your valid photo ID.

For additional information, please contact Rabun County Vital Records at (706) 782-3614.