Marriage License Fee in Georgia

The fee pays the county probate court to issue the license, process the application, and record the marriage after the ceremony. Because Georgia issues licenses through county probate courts, the fee you pay is tied to the county where you apply and may include a certified copy or local service charges.

This page explains the statewide rules and how county fee schedules affect the total cost.

You apply in person at the probate court, and the court issues the license once eligibility requirements are met. Because each county sets its own appointment process and payment rules, contact the probate court in advance for hours, documentation requirements, and accepted payment methods.

The probate court is also the office that records the license after the ceremony.

Banks County and Chatham County both list a $76 fee without a premarital education certificate and a $36 fee with a qualifying premarital education certificate. DeKalb County lists $66 without premarital education and $26 with a certificate, plus a $2 shipping fee.

These examples show why it is important to check the fee schedule for the specific county where you will apply.

County schedules note that the program must include at least six hours of instruction, and Banks County specifies that the program must be completed within 12 months of application and that both applicants must attend together.

Bring the signed and dated certificate to the probate court at the time of application to receive the discounted fee.

Counties reference O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1 and specify that the program must include at least six hours of instruction.

Bring the certificate to the probate court appointment; if it is missing or incomplete, the court will charge the full fee. If you are unsure whether a course qualifies, verify with the probate court before scheduling.

Chatham County cites Georgia law requiring emancipation for 17-year-old applicants, and Banks County notes that at least 15 days must have passed since the emancipation order and that premarital education is required.

These conditions can affect timing, so minors should contact the probate court early to confirm documentation requirements and to avoid unnecessary fees.

Banks County notes that its fee includes a certified copy once the ceremony is performed, and Chatham County lists the same. Other counties may add shipping or service fees for online applications or card payments.

DeKalb County, for example, includes a $2 shipping fee for online requests and notes a service fee for card transactions. Always review your county's fee schedule so you understand what is included and what additional costs may apply.

DeKalb, Fulton, and Chatham County guidance state that Georgia residents may apply for a marriage license in any county in the state. If neither applicant is a Georgia resident, the license must be obtained in the county where the ceremony will be performed.

This rule can affect travel planning and appointment availability, so confirm the county in advance if you are an out-of-state couple planning a Georgia ceremony.

DeKalb County lists acceptable documents such as a valid driver's license, original or certified birth certificate, valid passport, or military identification. Chatham County lists similar documents and notes that both applicants must be present.

Georgia.gov also states that proof of age is required and that a marriage license cannot be issued without it. Bring original or certified documents rather than photocopies to avoid delays.

It also notes that a 17-year-old may be issued a marriage license if certain conditions are met. Chatham County references Georgia law that requires emancipation for 17-year-old applicants.

If you are under 18 or have questions about eligibility, contact the probate court before scheduling an appointment so you can confirm what documentation is required.

County courts typically require certified divorce decrees or other official documentation showing prior marriages have been dissolved. Gather these documents before the appointment so the application can be completed in one visit.

If you have more than one prior marriage, bring the most recent final decree as required by the probate court.

DeKalb and Chatham County both include this in their marriage license instructions.

This removes a medical step from the process, but applicants still need to meet identification, eligibility, and documentation requirements at the probate court.

This means the license remains valid until it is used, unlike states with a short validity window. Even though there is no expiration, you still need to comply with county appointment requirements and return the signed license after the ceremony.

Check your county guidance to confirm the no-expiration policy.

This means eligible applicants can receive the license and marry without a mandatory delay.

The lack of a waiting period makes scheduling flexible, but you still need to plan around appointment availability and documentation requirements at the probate court.

DeKalb County notes that marriage license applications are processed by appointment only and that applicants must complete the online application first. Chatham County provides similar instructions and notes that walk-in applicants will be directed to schedule an appointment.

These county requirements affect timing and travel plans, so check the probate court's process before you go.

The probate court will not issue a license without proof of a scheduled appointment. This two-step process is common across counties and means that completing the online form is only the first step.

Allow time for both the online application and the in-person visit.

Chatham County notes that it does not accept personal checks for marriage licenses and that a 5% service fee is assessed for credit or debit card transactions. DeKalb County lists a 2.75% service fee for card transactions and notes that fees are nonrefundable.

Some counties also operate cashless annex locations. Review your county's payment rules so you bring an accepted form of payment and avoid rescheduling.

Chatham County instructs applicants to complete the online form and then schedule an appointment for both applicants to appear. DeKalb County also requires an online application and appointment.

Online submission can save time, but it does not replace the in-person appearance required to issue the license.

This distinction matters for planning: the license is the authorization, and the certificate is the recorded proof.

Keep the license secure until the ceremony and ensure the officiant returns the signed license to the probate court promptly.

Once the license is filed, the court issues the marriage certificate, which Georgia.gov notes is mailed within 30 days. This timing does not affect the license fee, but it does affect when you can receive certified copies for name changes or benefits.

Ask the probate court about the preferred method for returning the completed license and requesting copies.

Banks County notes its fee includes a certified copy after the ceremony, while Fulton County lists fees for additional certified copies. DeKalb County lists separate fees for certified copies of the marriage certificate, license, and application. If you anticipate needing multiple certified copies, review the county fee schedule so you can budget for those costs.

Chatham County notes that digital certified copies can be requested through Georgia Probate Records and that mail requests require a research fee plus a certified copy fee. Check the probate court instructions for the fastest option.

Appointment-only policies can also create delays if you wait too long to schedule. Another common issue is arriving without a premarital education certificate when requesting the reduced fee.

Review the probate court checklist before your appointment to avoid repeat visits.