How to Get Your Cash Bond Back from Chatham County Sheriff's Office
Getting your cash bond back from Chatham County Sheriff's Office is straightforward once you know the process. Here's what to bring, what to mail, and how long to expect.
For in-person refund requests at the Chatham County Sheriff's Office, the person who paid the bond must be the one requesting the refund. A spouse or family member can't do it for you - the name has to match the payer on record, or the refund won't process.
- ✓ Current, valid government-issued photo ID
- ✓ Certified copy of the court disposition (proof of disposition) signed by the judge or the clerk of court
Requesting by mail? You'll need the Chatham County Sheriff's Office
- ✓ Copy of a current, valid government-issued photo ID
- ✓ Certified copy of the proof of disposition signed by the judge or the clerk of court
Don’t skip this: The affidavit for a mail-in cash bond refund must be signed in the presence of a notary.
Once the Chatham County Sheriff's Office receives your complete request, the refund is ready for pickup after 2 business days. That clock only starts when all original documents have been received and validated - if anything's missing, you're still waiting.
Checklist Common Mistakes
- ✓ If you’re requesting in person, you must be the person who paid the bond
- ✓ Bring a current, valid government-issued photo ID (in person)
- ✓ Bring a certified copy of the court disposition signed by the judge or clerk (in person)
- ✓ If you’re requesting by mail, use the “Affidavit and Claim for Refund of Cash Bond” form and follow the form’s instructions
- ✓ Include a copy of a current, valid government-issued photo ID (by mail)
- ✓ Include a certified copy of the proof of disposition signed by the judge or clerk (by mail)
- ✓ Sign the affidavit in the presence of a notary (by mail)
Common holdups: Mailing the request without the correct affidavit form, sending a non-certified disposition, or forgetting to sign the affidavit in front of a notary can stall your refund.
Plan for a little extra time. The Sheriff's Office processes cash bond returns within 2 business days after all original documents are received and validated. Missing paperwork or documents that can't be verified will push your pickup date back.
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