English
EspañolWhat is the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Registry? Who has access to it?
The National Crime Information Center Registry (NCIC) is a nationwide, electronic database used by law enforcement agencies in the U.S, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It is managed by the FBI and state law enforcement officials.
Before moving to Georgia, the state that issued your protection order may already have entered your order into the NCIC. If not, your order will be entered into the NCIC once your order is registered in GA.
Note: Most law enforcement officials have access to the NCIC, but the information is encrypted so outsiders cannot access it.
How do I register my protective order in Georgia?
Anyone may register a foreign (out-of-state) protection order in Georgia. To register a foreign protection order, you have to present a certified copy of the order to the local Superior Court. A certified copy will usually be signed and initialed by the clerk of the court that issued the order, and will usually have some kind of stamp or raised seal on it. The clerk will give you a receipt that shows the order has been received. There will be no charge for filing your foreign protection order.1 The clerk will then transmit the information to where it will be entered in NCIC.2
If you need help registering your protection order, you can contact a local domestic violence organization in Georgia for assistance. You can find contact information for organizations in your area on our GA Advocates and Shelters page.
1 O.C.G.A. § 19-13-54(b)
2 O.C.G.A. § 19-13-53
Do I have to register my protection order in Georgia in order to get it enforced?
Neither federal law nor Georgia state law1 requires that you register your protection order in order to get it enforced. However, if your order is not entered into the registry, it may be more difficult for a Georgia law enforcement official to determine whether your order is valid and so it could take longer to get your order enforced.
1 O.C.G.A. § 19-13-53(e)
Will the abuser be notified if I register my protective order?
Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which applies to all U.S. states and territories, the court is not permitted to notify the abuser when a protective order has been registered or filed in a new state unless you specifically request that the abuser be notified.1 However, you may wish to confirm that the clerk is aware of this law before registering the order if your address is confidential.
However, remember that there may be a possibility that the abuser could somehow find out what state you have moved to. It is important to continue to safety plan, even if you are no longer in the state where the abuser is living. We have some safety planning tips to get you started on our Safety Planning page. You can also contact a local domestic violence organization to get help in developing a personalized safety plan. You will find contact information for organizations in your area on our GA Advocates and Shelters page.
1 18 USC § 2265(d)
Does it cost anything to register my protective order?
There is no fee for registering your protective order in Georgia.1
1 O.C.G.A. § 19-13-54(b)
