Fulton County is home to over 1 million residents who enjoy exceptional schools, world-class sports and entertainment, public transportation, and a government that is committed to providing world class services.
Fulton County was formed from DeKalb County in 1853, and then consolidated with Milton and Campbell Counties in 1932. That's why it has such an unusual, elongated shape. Of Georgia's 159 counties, Fulton County was the 144th to be created. The Fulton name honors Robert Fulton, the inventor who built the Clermont, the first commercially successful steamboat, in 1807.
Contact Us and Stay Connected:
If you have a question about the county that you cannot find answered on this TextSite or on our website, you can always contact us via email at customerservice@fultoncountyga.gov or call us at 404-612-4000.
Click here to sign-up for our email list for the latest Fulton County news.
511 App for iPhone
With the 511 Mobile App, you can now receive tailored, location-specific messaging, county-specific event announcements and real-time traffic updates based on your location.
The 511 Mobile App is currently available for Georgia travelers as a free download for iPhone users at the iTunes store. BlackBerry and Droid versions of the App are coming soon, as well as additional state versions.
To download the iPhone App, click here.
Birth Certificates
There are two ways you can obtain a copy of a birth certificate. You can either apply online through Vital Chek on our website or apply in person for a copy of a birth certificate at: Aldredge Health Center, 99 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, Room 101, in downtown Atlanta. The office is open from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. Applications are available in our office and must be filled out in duplicate.
Online applications can be placed through Vital Chek. For expedited service, contact Vital Chek information line at the toll-free phone number, 1 800 669-8312, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Documents can only be requested through the Vital Chek website; however, there is an additional $8.50 charge for the use of this service. To further expedite the request, overnight services are offered.
To place an online application through Vital Chek for a Fulton County Birth certificate, please click here.
Marriage Licenses
Age: Must be at least 18 years of age
Who: Both bride and groom must appear in person.
Where to Apply: If one or both persons to be married are residents of Georgia, you may apply for a marriage license in any county in Georgia. If neither bride nor groom are residents of Georgia, you must then apply for the marriage license in the county where the ceremony is to be held.
When: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.
Proper ID: Driver’s License, Passport or Birth Certificate. (Documents not in English must be accompanied by certified English translation).
Cost: (Cash or Money Order only) There are two sets of fees for marriage license applications.The fee is either $56.00 (without certificate) or $16.00 (with certificate). The application fee is waived when the couple seeking the license has completed a qualifying premarital education program.
A certificate of completion of a qualifying premarital education program in accordance with GA Code Section 19-3-30.1 must be presented for the $35.00 application fee to be waived. Other fees and costs still apply.
Where to Apply: Fulton County Probate Court, 136 Pryor Street, Suite C-230, Atlanta, Georgia 30303 (404) 613-4583 or (404) 612-4640. North Service Center, 7741 Roswell Road, Suite 225, Atlanta, Georgia 30350 ph. (404) 613-7638. South Service Center, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, Suite 218, College Park, Georgia 30349 ph. (404) 612-3048.
Click here for more information.
Animal Services
Address:
860 Marietta Blvd. NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Hours of operation:
Monday through Thursday - 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Friday - 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday/Sunday - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Telephone:
404-613-0358
Click here for more information.
Tags (FAQ)
Will my vehicle require emission inspection this year?
Effective January 1, 2011, in Fulton County, vehicle emission inspections are required every year on 1987 through 2008 model year gasoline-powered cars and light-duty trucks (up to 8,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating). Vehicle model years 2009 and newer model vehicles are currently exempt from inspection. For complete information you may contact the Georgia Clean Air Force at 800-449-2471 or visit their website at www.cleanairforce.com.
Is a title required to sell my vehicle?
Titles are required when transferring ownership of all 1986 and newer model vehicles.
Can I take the tag off of my other vehicle and place it on my new car?
The only time a license plate can be transferred from one vehicle and placed on another is when the owner of the plate is no longer the owner of the vehicle. This transfer must be processed through the Motor Vehicle Division.
When do I renew my registration?
Tags expire at midnight on the birth date of the owner listed first on the registration. The renewal period begins 30 days prior to the registered owner’s birthday. Renewal applications are mailed out 30-45 days prior to the deadline. If you don’t receive a renewal, and your deadline is approaching, you may call our office and request an application. Failure to receive a renewal application does not relieve you of the obligation of registering your vehicle by your birthday.
If the vehicle is owned by a business, the renewal period is determined by the first letter in the business name. Each letter is assigned a month and the renewal period ends on midnight of the last day of the month. Failure to receive a renewal application does not relieve you of the obligation of registering your vehicle by the designated deadline.
How much is the penalty if I miss my deadline?
If you do not renew by your deadline, there is a penalty of 10% of the ad valorem tax (minimum $5.00) and 25% penalty on the tag fee.
Can someone else come into the office for me?
You may appoint a representative to appear in the office for renewal of tags on your behalf by assigning to them a notarized power of attorney affidavit.
What are my responsibilities as the owner of a vehicle with regards to the insurance laws?
All motor vehicle registrations and renewals require valid, current insurance coverage with an insurance company licensed in the State of Georgia. With the exception of vehicles registering as part of a fleet or those vehicles listed as self-insured by the State, your insurance company is required to electronically update the State System with your insurance information. The VIN (vehicle identification number) on the insurance policy information card should match the VIN on your title and, if previously registered, the VIN in the Georgia State Motor Vehicle System.
I mailed my renewal form, my check has cleared the bank, and I did not receive my decal, what do I do?
We recommend the following steps:
a. Verify that application has been processed by calling the tag office.
b. If application was processed and it has been more than 30 days since the processing date you will need to request a replacement. There is no charge for this service.
c. If is has not been 30 days since the renewal issuance date you must wait until 30 days has lapsed before a replacement can be issued.
d. If the renewal issuance date has exceeded 90 days and you have not received the decal, there will be a $8.00 replacement fee.
How can I request prestige plates?
Prestige license plates are manufactured by the State of Georgia, and then housed at our downtown warehouse. To send a prestige plate to one of our other locations or to verify our receipt of your ordered plate, please call (404)730-6100 and speak to a customer service representative. Once requested, a minimum of 48 hours should be allowed for delivery to any of our other locations. Click here for more information.
Jury Duty (FAQ)
What does my jury summons mean?
A summons means that you have been randomly selected, by computer, as a prospective trial or grand juror in the Superior Court of Fulton County. The summons also makes you eligible for service in Fulton County State Court and Probate Court. Read the summons carefully for reporting information.
How did you get my name?
The list of names that is used to call people for jury service is created by combining the County’s voter registration list and Georgia Department of Driver Services records. Names are randomly selected from that master list by a computer program.
I’ve been summoned as a trial juror and there’s an “X” in the standby box; what does that mean?
You may or may not have to report. Fulton County uses the standby summonsing method to avoid having jurors report when it becomes apparent that they will not be needed.
It is very important that you follow the instructions printed on the summons and call the day before the service date to hear the reporting schedule of your group. You will not receive the expense allowance fee if you report when your group has been excused in the standby announcement.
How often can I be called to jury service?
Fulton County residents may be summoned to jury service once every 18 months.
I’ve been called to serve three times in the past five years and none of my friends have ever been called. Why don’t you pick some other people?
A computer program randomly selects names from the master jury file to summons potential jurors. Since that process is random, some people may be selected more often than others.
Where do I report?
The jury assembly room is located on the 7th floor of the Justice Center Tower, 185 Central Avenue, which is between Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and Mitchell Street.
How long does jury service last?
Service for trial jurors is for one trial or one day. If you are selected to be on a jury, you will serve until the trial is finished. If you are not assigned to a courtroom at the end of the day, your service is complete and you do not have to return.
Grand jurors serve a term of two months. If selected for the Grand Jury, you will have to meet every Tuesday and Friday during the court term (two months) and possibly on other days as needed.
How late will I be at the courthouse?
The court’s normal hours of operation are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Prospective jurors should make arrangements to remain the entire day.
What if I can’t come?
You may be exempted from jury service if you are:
70 years of age or older
Have a permanent mental or physical disability
Are NOT a resident of Fulton County at the time of service
Are NOT a United States citizen
A convicted felon whose rights have not been restored
You may be eligible to have your service date rescheduled if you are:
The sole caregiver of a child six years of age or younger
The sole caregiver of a person over six years of age who is permanently disabled
A full-time student
A home study program teacher
What if I don’t live in Fulton County?
If you do not reside in Fulton County, you may be excused from jury service. Return the Jury summons along with proof of residency (for instance, a copy of a utility bill in your name or your driver’s license with your current address).
Do I get paid for jury service?
Yes, Fulton County pays you a $25.00 per day expense allowance to cover expenses such as parking and lunch.
Is there any place to eat?
There are two cafeterias, a small one in the Justice Center Tower and a larger one in the Fulton County Government Center. Underground Atlanta’s food court is nearby. Other restaurants, fast food and sit down, are located within walking distance. Menus and maps are available in the jury assembly room.
How do I get to the courthouse, where do I park and do I have to pay for parking?
For driving directions to the Fulton County Justice Center Tower, see the back of your jury summons or map: 185 Central Avenue, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303
MARTA is also nearby if you would like to take a bus or train. Coming from any direction, take the train to the Five Points station. Use the Peachtree Street exit. Walk one block south (right as you exit the station) on Peachtree Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. Turn left and walk two blocks to Central Avenue. The entrance to the Justice Tower is half a block to the right on Central Avenue.
There are pay parking lots close by. However, free juror parking is available at the Turner Field Orange Lot at the corner of Hank Aaron Boulevard and Fulton Street. A shuttle bus will take you from the parking lot to the Justice Center Tower. Put your Juror Parking Permit, included in the summons, on your dashboard. NOTE: On days when the Braves play afternoon games jury parking is in Silver Lots 2 and 3.
Silver Lot 2 is at Pryor Street and Alice Court on the south side of the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s building.
Silver Lot 3 is at Alice Court and Central Avenue one block north on Central Avenue from the Silver Lot 2.
