Putative Father Registry

In Georgia, the Putative Father Registry (PFR) is a statewide listing that contains information about males who may be the biological father of a child. Georgia’s PFR lists the name, address, and social security number of males who have either:

(1) Acknowledged that they are the father of a child in a signed writing called an Acknowledgement of Paternity, or

(2) Registered themselves with the putative father registry to indicate the possibility that they may be the father of a child.

See O.C.G.A. § 19-11-9

Why register with the Putative Father Registry in Georgia?

Males should register with Georgia’s PFR if:

  • he believes he may be the father of a child in Georgia.
  • the mother of the child is preventing him from having contact with the child.
  • he does not know where his child is currently residing.

It is important for males who believe they may be the father of a child, even if paternity has yet to be established via a blood test, to register with the putative father registry.  Registering will ensure the putative father is:

  • notified about any adoption petitions that may have been filed concerning the child.
  • will receive notice of other court proceedings where his parental rights are subject to termination.
  • is guaranteed adequate notice of any additional legal proceedings involving the child.

How does a potential father register with Georgia’s Putative Father Registry?

In some situations, a putative or alleged father’s name and information will automatically appear on the Registry. For example, a father may be automatically registered if his name appears on the child’s birth certificate. In situations where a father's name does not automatically appear on the registry, he must register with the State Office of Vital Records. Complete the form below and mail it to the State Office of Vital Records for processing.

Putative Father Registration Form (PDF)

If you are authorized to request a search of Georgia’s Putative Father Registry, complete the form below and mail it to the State Office of Vital Records for processing.

Request for Search of Putative Father Form (PDF)

If a father has already registered with the putative father registry, but needs to update information such as his address, please complete the putative father update form.

Mail to:
Putative Father Registry
State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30349
Fax (404) 679-4730

Note: The Putative Father Registry is not a public file. The Georgia Code (Section 19-11-9 (e)) states that search requests can be made only by (1) a governmental department, board, commission, bureau, agency, or political subdivision of any state for purposes of locating an absent parent or (2) the Georgia Department of Public Health, a licensed child-placing agency, or a member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia, for purposes of locating a biological father.

 

Page last updated 12/5/2022