Georgia marriage license guide
How to get a marriage license in Georgia
Georgia is one of the few states where marriage licenses are issued by the Probate Court rather than a county clerk. The base fee is $56, but it drops to $16 if both parties complete a state-approved premarital education course. There is no waiting period and the license does not expire — but the signed license must be returned to the issuing Probate Court within 30 days of the ceremony. Georgia abolished common-law marriage on January 1, 1997, but honors those validly formed before that date.
Georgia marriage license at a glance
- Issued by
- Probate Court
- License fee
- $16–$77
- Waiting period
- None (issued same day)
- Validity
- No expiration (valid until used)
- Minimum age
- 18 (without parental consent)
- Witnesses required
- None
- ID requirement
- Government-issued photo ID; Social Security number
- Blood test?
- No (not required in any US state)
- Common-law marriage?
- Not recognized
- Statute
- Ga. Code Ann. §§ 19-3-1 et seq.
Source: www.accgov.com. Fees vary by county within Georgia — check with the local clerk before applying.
Georgia counties — where to apply
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Informational only — not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your local county clerk before applying.