Getting a Cash Bond Back from Chatham County Jail: Step-by-step (forms, hours, and where to mail it)
Getting a cash bond back is mostly paperwork — but it has to be the right paperwork, from the right person, with the right signatures. Follow these steps to avoid a wasted trip or a rejected mail request.
First, confirm you're the person who actually paid the bond - that's who can request the refund in person. Then gather the two items that hold up most requests: a current, valid government-issued photo ID and a certified copy of the proof of disposition from the court (signed by the judge or clerk). Got both? You're ready to either drop off your paperwork in person during Sheriff's Office hours or submit a mail request using the affidavit/claim form.
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office accepts cash bond return paperwork Monday–Friday, 8:00am–12:00pm and 1:00pm–4:00pm. Note the midday closure - don't show up during the lunch break.
- ✓ A current/valid government-issued photo ID
- ✓ A certified copy of the proof of disposition from the court, signed by the judge or clerk
- Get the “Affidavit and Claim for Refund of Cash Bond” form - fill it out completely, following the instructions on the form.
- Sign the affidavit in front of a notary - the mail-in request requires the form to be notarized.
- Attach your required copies - include a copy of your current/valid government-issued photo ID and documentary proof of disposition of the criminal case.
- Mail the packet to the Cash Bond Return address - Chatham County Sheriff Office, Cash Bond Return, 1050 Carl Griffin Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31405.
Note: If the affidavit isn’t notarized, your mail request won’t meet the requirements - make sure you sign it in the presence of a notary.
Once the Sheriff's Office receives your request and validates all original documents, your refund will be ready for pickup after 2 business days.
Common Mistakes
- ✓ Mailing the affidavit without notarization (it must be signed in the presence of a notary)
- ✓ Forgetting the certified proof of disposition signed by the judge or clerk
- ✓ Sending someone other than the person who paid the bond to request the return in person
- ✓ Showing up without a current/valid government-issued photo ID
Reminder: For an in-person cash bond return, the request has to be made by the person who paid the bond.
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