Georgia Court Reporting Requirements & Deposition Admissibility Standards

Deposition practice in Georgia civil litigation is governed primarily by the O.C.G.A. § 9-11-28, O.C.G.A. § 9-11-30, and O.C.G.A. § 9-11-32 of the Georgia Civil Practice Act.

Under § 9-11-28, a deposition must be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths under Georgia law or before a person otherwise authorized by the statute. In practice, this typically includes notaries public, court reporters, or other individuals legally empowered to administer oaths.

Section 9-11-30 requires that the deposition officer administer the oath to the witness and record the testimony. The officer must then certify that the transcript accurately reflects the testimony given. This certification becomes part of the official deposition record relied upon when deposition testimony is later used in motion practice, evidentiary proceedings, or at trial.

Section 9-11-32 governs the use of depositions in court proceedings and addresses objections to the manner in which a deposition was taken. Certain procedural irregularities—including issues relating to the qualification of the deposition officer or the manner in which testimony was recorded—may be waived if not raised during the deposition.

Georgia law permits depositions to be recorded by stenographic, audio, audiovisual, or other approved methods. Regardless of the recording method used, practitioners typically ensure that the deposition officer is properly authorized to administer the oath and that the transcript certification complies with the requirements of the Georgia Civil Practice Act.

Last reviewed: April 2026

State-Mandated Credentials

Credential No state license required for deposition reporters. Voluntary certifications: Credentials such as the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) from the National Court Reporters Association and the Certified Court Reporter (CCR) from the National Verbatim Reporters Association are commonly held by reporters in Georgia and reflect nationally recognized professional standards.

Status ✓ Required

Applies To Official stenographic deposition transcripts intended for use in Georgia courts

Issuing Authority Georgia Judicial Council — Board of Court Reporting

Admissibility Impact

Official stenographic deposition transcripts must be produced by a Georgia Certified Court Reporter (CCR).

Permitted Reporting Methods

Stenographic

Authorized

Video

Authorized

Audio

Limited

Digital

Conditional

Remote Depositions

Georgia permits remote depositions by stipulation of the parties or court order. Courts have broad discretion to allow depositions by remote electronic means.

Common Admissibility Pitfalls

⚠️ Using a stenographic reporter who does not hold an active Georgia certification

⚠️ Assuming remote depositions eliminate certification requirements

⚠️ Improper or incomplete certification language

⚠️ Informal oath administration during remote proceedings

⚠️ Poor exhibit control or unclear exhibit references

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a state certification required for Florida depositions?

A: Yes. Florida requires a Certified Court Reporter for official stenographic deposition transcripts.

Q: Does remote testimony change credential requirements?

A: No. State certification requirements apply equally to remote and in-person depositions.

Q: Can a videographer replace a stenographic transcript?

A: No. Video may supplement the record, but it does not replace a certified stenographic transcript prepared by a state-certified court reporter.

Authoritative Sources

Georgia Rules of Civil Procedure (Depositions & Discovery)
Georgia Rules of Evidence
Georgia Supreme Court Rules & Administrative Orders