Using property for a Forsyth County bail bond

Check equity before collecting documents

For bail bonds under $50,000, the published requirement is unencumbered equity equal to the bail bond amount plus $20,000. For bail bonds over $50,000, it is twice the bail bond amount. The public pages do not explain the exactly-$50,000 boundary; call the Bond Administrator at 770-781-3053 for that case. Multiple properties cannot be combined.

• The ordinary mortgage and its security deed are the published exception to the no-liens rule. A second mortgage, tax lien, line of credit or materialman’s lien disqualifies the property.
• If a mobile home sits on the land, only the real estate value counts toward the property's value and equity.

Source: Forsyth County Sheriff · Forsyth County Sheriff

Documents required for a property bail bond

• Photo ID for all sureties. Every property owner must complete the Property Bond Application & Affidavit and execute the bail bond.
• A certified warranty deed. The clerk’s certification must be stamped within five business days of the sureties completing the Property Bond Application & Affidavit.
• A certified security deed if the property is mortgaged, and a certified quitclaim deed if applicable.
• The current year’s paid property tax bill, or a certified Tax Commissioner letter confirming that year’s taxes are paid in full, plus the current year’s assessment notice.
• A lender payoff letter showing unpaid mortgage principal and interest. A current mortgage statement is acceptable if it identifies both amounts.
• For improved property, a copy of the insurance policy endorsement showing coverage is current and paid through the date the application and affidavit are submitted.
• For bail bonds over $50,000, a certified title search performed within five business days of the bail bond being written, by a Georgia attorney licensed and in good standing.

Source: Forsyth County Sheriff

How long does a property bail bond take?

The sheriff’s published property instructions do not give a guaranteed approval time. Required documents must be complete and the property must be approved. Ask the Bond Administrator what remains to be reviewed and when that review can happen. Approval of the property bail bond and the person’s physical release are separate steps.

Check the Bond Administrator’s hours and release-timing guidance.

Source: Forsyth Sheriff · Forsyth County Sheriff

Fees and liens still apply

The property checklist lists $20 cash in exact change per charge, plus a $20 lien fee except when receiving a property bail bond from another county. Posting the property creates a recorded lien. The sheriff instructs the property owner to obtain its removal using proof that the case obligations have ended.

Source: Forsyth County Sheriff

Property in another county

For property elsewhere in Georgia, contact the sheriff in the county where the property is located. Forsyth can require more documentation or reject the bail bond. Bring the required paperwork in its sealed envelope; missing documents or a tampered envelope can result in refusal. Out-of-state property bail bonds are not accepted.

Source: Forsyth County Sheriff

A company's collateral is a different arrangement

Property pledged to a bail bond company is governed by that company's agreement. Do not assume the sheriff's direct property bail bond rules describe what a private company will accept as collateral.

Source: Forsyth County Sheriff · Georgia AG: 1994 indemnity opinion

Sources for this guide

1. Forsyth County Sheriff: Bonding Information
2. Forsyth County Sheriff: Real Property Bonds
3. Georgia Attorney General U94-17 (1994): indemnity agreements

Sources checked September 15, 2026. Follow the current order and the official instructions for the case.