Richmond County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Richmond County in 2026
RichmondCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Richmond County, including ownership history, assessed values, recorded documents, and tax data. Members of the public may find deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, tax assessments, and transfer records through the resources described below. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the age of the document and the digitization status of the originating office.
Property records in Richmond County, Georgia, may be searched through several official channels maintained by county and state agencies. The primary resources include the Richmond County Board of Assessors, the Clerk of Superior Court, the Richmond County Tax Commissioner, and the Augusta-Richmond County GIS portal. Each office maintains distinct categories of records, and requesters are encouraged to identify the specific document type before initiating a search.
Online Search Methods:
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Richmond County Board of Assessors serves as the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may access the Augusta-Richmond County property search portal at no cost and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID / map reference number
- By subdivision name
- By GIS map location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property site address and legal description
- Parcel identification number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics including square footage, year built, lot size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and building type
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location and aerial imagery
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Augusta-Richmond County property search portal
- Select a search type (address, owner name, parcel number, or map)
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select a specific parcel to view the full property card
- Review ownership details, valuation history, sales records, and map data
- Print or save the property card as needed
Office Contact:
Richmond County Board of Assessors
535 Telfair Street, Suite 120
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 821-2310
Augusta-Richmond County Board of Assessors
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
2. Clerk of Superior Court – Official Records Search
The Clerk of Superior Court for Richmond County maintains the official index of recorded instruments affecting real property. Members of the public may search recorded documents through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority eCourts portal.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller or transferring party)
- Grantee name (buyer or receiving party)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Lis pendens notices
- HOA declarations and covenants
How to Search:
- Access the GSCCCA eCourts real estate index
- Select "Real Estate" from the search category menu
- Choose Richmond County from the county selector
- Enter grantor or grantee name, document type, or date range
- Review the results list
- Select a document to view the image (fees may apply for image access)
- Note the book and page or instrument number for reference
Office Contact:
Clerk of Superior Court – Richmond County
735 James Brown Blvd, Suite 1300
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 821-2460
Richmond County Clerk of Superior Court
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
3. Tax Commissioner Website
The Richmond County Tax Commissioner maintains tax billing, payment, and delinquency records for all real property parcels in the county.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and amount due
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Tax certificate information for delinquent accounts
- Installment plan status and payment options
Office Contact:
Richmond County Tax Commissioner
535 Telfair Street, Suite 100
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 821-2391
Richmond County Tax Commissioner
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
4. GIS / Mapping System
The Augusta-Richmond County GIS Division maintains an interactive mapping portal that allows members of the public to locate parcels visually, view property boundaries, and access linked assessment data.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the desired location
- Click on a parcel to retrieve property identification and assessment data
- View zoning layers, flood zone designations, and aerial photography
- Access linked records from the Board of Assessors database
- Measure distances and view multiple map layers simultaneously
In-Person Searches:
Members of the public who prefer in-person access may visit the following offices during regular business hours. Public access computers and staff assistance are available at each location.
Richmond County Board of Assessors
535 Telfair Street, Suite 120
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 821-2310
Augusta-Richmond County Board of Assessors
Clerk of Superior Court – Richmond County
735 James Brown Blvd, Suite 1300
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 821-2460
Richmond County Clerk of Superior Court
Richmond County Tax Commissioner
535 Telfair Street, Suite 100
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 821-2391
Richmond County Tax Commissioner
By Mail Requests:
Requesters who are unable to visit in person may submit written requests by mail to the applicable office. Requests directed to the Clerk of Superior Court should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address and approximate recording date range. Payment for copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with applicable fees.
Through Professionals:
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed real estate agents provide professional property record research services. Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and issue title insurance commitments identifying all recorded interests. Real estate attorneys address complex ownership questions, disputed title issues, and encumbrance resolution. Costs for professional services vary by provider and scope of work.
Search Tips:
- When searching by address, attempt variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations and business name alternatives
- For historical records not available online, contact the Clerk of Superior Court directly for assistance with microfilm or archived record books
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
What Is Richmond County Property Records
Property records are official legal documents related to real property — land and any structures affixed to it — maintained by county government agencies. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support property tax assessment. Under O.C.G.A. § 44-2-1, instruments affecting title to real property in Georgia must be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the property is located to provide constructive notice to the public.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Chain of title documents and transfer records
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting real property
- Ownership history from original conveyance to present
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements and restrictive covenants
- Homeowner association declarations
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Annual property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and delinquency records
- Exemption applications (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Millage rates and special assessments
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
- Condominium declarations
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violation notices
- Zoning classifications and land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Clerk of Superior Court records and indexes all instruments affecting title, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Board of Assessors maintains valuation, assessment, and property characteristic data. The Tax Commissioner maintains tax billing and payment records. The Augusta-Richmond County Planning and Development Department maintains zoning, permit, and code enforcement records.
Are Property Records Public Information in Richmond County?
Property records in Richmond County are public information. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, Georgia's Open Records Act, all records maintained by public agencies are presumptively open to inspection by any member of the public. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement applies to accessing property records. As the Georgia Attorney General's office has noted, "The Open Records Act reflects a strong public policy in favor of open government."
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency in property ownership prevents fraudulent transfers and supports accountability in taxation
- The recording system provides constructive notice to all parties of recorded interests in real property
- Real estate transactions, title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisal all depend on open access to recorded instruments
- Public interest purposes including historical research, genealogical research, and journalistic investigation are served by open property records
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership names
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances of record
- Tax assessments and payment status
- Property characteristics and building data
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents pursuant to Georgia law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may qualify for address confidentiality protections under applicable state statutes. Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the Board of Assessors should be contacted directly regarding its disclosure policies for exemption applications.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person — regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose — may inspect and obtain copies of property records. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, investors, genealogists, and members of the media.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Richmond County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. Under O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77, the Clerk of Superior Court is authorized to charge fees for recording and copying services.
Current Fee Schedule – Clerk of Superior Court:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of recorded document | $2.50 per page |
| Uncertified copy of recorded document | $0.25 per page |
| Recording a deed or instrument (first page) | $25.00 |
| Recording (each additional page) | $5.00 |
| Online document image access (GSCCCA) | Varies by subscription or per-image fee |
Board of Assessors:
- Online property data access: Free
- Printed property record cards: Nominal copying fee (contact office for current rate)
- In-person public access computers: Free
Tax Commissioner:
- Online tax information access: Free
- Copies of tax bills: Nominal fee (contact office for current rate)
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash, check, and money order accepted at all offices
- Credit and debit card acceptance varies by office; contact the applicable office to confirm
Fee Waivers: Georgia's Open Records Act does not provide a general fee waiver provision for property records. However, the first 15 minutes of staff search time is provided at no charge under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71. Fees beyond that threshold are assessed at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the search.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of property assessment data through the Board of Assessors portal
- Online viewing of tax information through the Tax Commissioner portal
- In-person inspection of recorded documents at the Clerk of Superior Court
- GIS mapping data through the Augusta-Richmond County GIS portal
What's Included in a Richmond County Property Record?
A complete Richmond County property record draws from multiple agency databases and may include the following categories of information.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership data includes the legal owner name or names, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entireties, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, deed book and page or instrument number, and the mailing address on file for tax billing purposes. Historical ownership data includes the chain of title, previous owner names, transfer dates, and references to prior recorded instruments.
Property Identification:
Each parcel is identified by a site address, legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes-and-bounds description), and a parcel identification number assigned by the Board of Assessors. Condominium units carry additional unit-specific identifiers.
Physical Characteristics:
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, zoning classification, and land use designation. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and additional features such as garage spaces, pools, porches, fireplaces, and HVAC systems.
Valuation Information:
Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, just (market) value, and any capped value applicable under Georgia's assessment freeze provisions. Historical assessed values for prior years are available through the Board of Assessors.
Tax Information:
Tax records include the current year tax bill, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, city, and special districts), payment status, and prior years' payment history. Exemptions applied — including homestead, senior, disability, and veteran exemptions — are reflected in the taxable value calculation.
Sales History:
Sales history includes transfer dates, sale prices, deed types, grantor and grantee names, deed instrument numbers, and qualified or unqualified sale designations used by the Board of Assessors for assessment purposes.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages, satisfaction of mortgage instruments, tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, easements, restrictive covenants, and lis pendens notices are indexed in the Clerk of Superior Court's official records and are accessible through the GSCCCA portal.
Maps and Images:
Property records include GIS map data showing parcel boundaries, aerial photography, flood zone designations, and zoning overlays. The Board of Assessors may also maintain exterior property photographs taken during field inspections.
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
- Interior photographs
- Private purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Unrecorded agreements between parties
How Long Does Richmond County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Richmond County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed. This permanent retention is both a legal requirement and a practical necessity for maintaining an unbroken chain of title.
Legal Basis for Retention:
Georgia law requires the Clerk of Superior Court to maintain a permanent index of all recorded instruments. The Georgia Secretary of State's records retention schedules, issued pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 et seq., classify recorded real property instruments as permanent records. The chain of title for any parcel may extend back to the original land grant, and title searches routinely examine decades of recorded history.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all other conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, and satisfactions
- All recorded liens and releases of liens
- All recorded plats, subdivision plats, and condominium declarations
- All recorded easements, restrictions, and covenants
- All recorded lis pendens and court documents affecting title
- Assessment rolls and property cards maintained by the Board of Assessors
Format and Storage:
Historical records from the early twentieth century and prior are maintained in bound record books stored in the Clerk of Superior Court's vault. Mid-century records are available on microfilm. Records from approximately the 1980s forward have been digitized and are accessible through the GSCCCA online portal. The Clerk's office maintains climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm records and digital backup systems for electronic records.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20–30 years) | Fully online via GSCCCA portal |
| Moderate age (30–60 years) | Microfilm; may be partially online |
| Historical (60–100+ years) | Original books or microfilm; in-person access |
| Very old (pre-1900) | Archive storage; staff retrieval required |
Property Appraiser Records:
The Board of Assessors retains current and historical assessment records permanently. Assessment rolls and property cards are maintained as permanent public records. Online access to historical assessed values is available for recent years; older assessment history requires an in-person request.
Tax Records:
The Tax Commissioner retains tax payment records for a minimum of seven years. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained until resolved. Online access to tax payment history is available for recent years.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking records not available online should contact the Clerk of Superior Court directly. Staff can retrieve records from microfilm or bound books. Advance notice is helpful for very old records that require retrieval from archive storage. Standard copying fees apply regardless of the age of the record.
Clerk of Superior Court – Richmond County
735 James Brown Blvd, Suite 1300
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 821-2460
Richmond County Clerk of Superior Court
How To Find Liens on Property in Richmond County?
Liens on property in Richmond County are recorded instruments and are searchable through the Clerk of Superior Court's official records index. Members of the public may identify all recorded liens against a specific property by searching the grantor/grantee index maintained by the Clerk and accessible through the GSCCCA eCourts portal.
Types of Liens Recorded Against Real Property:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Georgia Department of Revenue)
- Judgment liens arising from civil court judgments
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers
- HOA assessment liens
- Code enforcement liens filed by Augusta-Richmond County
- Child support liens
- Municipal utility liens
Steps to Search for Liens:
- Access the GSCCCA eCourts real estate index
- Select "Real Estate" and choose Richmond County
- Search by the current owner's name as grantor to identify any instruments recorded against the owner
- Search by property address if the system permits address-based searches
- Review all results for lien document types including "lien," "fi. fa." (fieri facias), "notice of lien," and "lis pendens"
- Note the recording date, amount, and lienholder for each instrument identified
- Search for corresponding releases or satisfactions to determine whether any identified lien has been discharged
Federal Tax Liens:
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court and are searchable through the GSCCCA portal. The IRS also maintains a federal tax lien search tool through the IRS website.
Georgia Department of Revenue Tax Liens:
State tax liens (fi. fas.) issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue are recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the taxpayer resides or owns property. These instruments appear in the GSCCCA grantor/grantee index.
Code Enforcement Liens:
Augusta-Richmond County files code enforcement liens against properties with unresolved violations. These liens are recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court and appear in the official records index. The Augusta-Richmond County Planning and Development Department maintains code enforcement records.
Augusta-Richmond County Planning and Development Department
535 Telfair Street, Suite 300
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 821-1796
Augusta-Richmond County Planning and Development
In-Person Lien Searches:
Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Clerk of Superior Court. Staff can assist with identifying the correct search terms and locating instruments in the index. Certified copies of lien documents are available for the fees described above.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Richmond County?
The property owner rule in Richmond County refers to the body of Georgia law and local ordinance governing the rights, responsibilities, and qualifications of real property owners within the county. Property ownership in Georgia is governed primarily by Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, which addresses property rights, conveyances, recording requirements, and related matters.
Ownership Rights:
Under Georgia law, a property owner holds the right to use, enjoy, lease, sell, mortgage, and devise real property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and other encumbrances of record. The Augusta-Richmond County Unified Development Code establishes zoning classifications, permitted uses, setback requirements, and development standards applicable to all parcels within the county's jurisdiction.
Recording Requirement:
To establish priority of title against subsequent purchasers and creditors, instruments conveying or encumbering real property must be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 44-2-1. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not provide constructive notice to third parties. Georgia follows a "race-notice" recording system, meaning that a subsequent purchaser who records first and takes without notice of a prior unrecorded instrument takes priority.
Homestead Exemption:
Property owners who occupy their property as a primary residence may apply for a homestead exemption with the Richmond County Board of Assessors. The standard Georgia homestead exemption reduces the assessed value of the property for county and school tax purposes. Applications must be filed by April 1 of the tax year for which the exemption is sought. Additional exemptions are available for senior citizens, disabled persons, and veterans meeting applicable eligibility criteria.
Property Tax Obligations:
All real property owners in Richmond County are subject to annual ad valorem property taxation. Tax bills are issued by the Tax Commissioner based on assessed values established by the Board of Assessors. Property is assessed at 40 percent of its fair market value under Georgia law. Failure to pay property taxes results in the accrual of interest and penalties and may ultimately result in a tax lien and tax deed sale.
Landlord and Tenant Obligations:
Property owners who lease residential property in Augusta-Richmond County are subject to the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act and applicable local housing codes. The Augusta-Richmond County Code of Ordinances establishes minimum housing standards, and the Planning and Development Department enforces code compliance through inspection and citation procedures.
Adverse Possession:
Georgia law recognizes adverse possession as a means of acquiring title to real property. Under O.C.G.A. § 44-5-161, a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and adversely possesses real property for a period of twenty years under a claim of right may acquire title by adverse possession. A seven-year period applies where the claimant holds color of title and has paid property taxes on the parcel.
Eminent Domain:
Augusta-Richmond County and the State of Georgia retain the power of eminent domain to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation, as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section III of the Georgia Constitution. Property owners subject to condemnation proceedings have the right to contest the amount of compensation offered through judicial proceedings.