Probate court issues licenses. 1-year validity. No waiting period.
Georgia Marriage License — State Rules
Georgia issues licenses through probate courts (not county clerks), has no waiting period, and a 1-year validity window — one of the most generous combinations in the country. Fulton County (Atlanta), Chatham County (Savannah), and Buncombe County-adjacent Burke County in the North Georgia mountains are particularly popular.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | County Probate Court |
| Waiting period | None |
| License validity | 1 year |
| Fee range | $56 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | 2 required |
| Residency required? | No — Georgia has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes — both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No — Georgia does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the County Probate Court
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport. Both parties.
- Social Security Number — required on the application for both parties. Physical card typically not required. Non-U.S. citizens without an SSN write "None."
- Prior marriage information — date and state the prior marriage ended (divorce or death). For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
- Fee payment — $56. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
Georgia County Guides
Select your county for the exact office address, hours, fee, appointment requirements, and county-specific procedural detail.
County-by-county guides for all Georgia counties are being expanded continuously. Use our checklist tool for a personalized document list based on your state while additional county pages are added.
Frequently Asked Questions — Georgia
No. Georgia has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a Georgia marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Georgia.
The waiting period in Georgia is None. This means you must wait this long after receiving the license before holding the ceremony. See our waiting periods guide for the complete statewide comparison and waiver procedures.
A Georgia marriage license is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. If the ceremony does not occur within this window, the license expires and you must reapply and pay the fee again. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact deadline.
No. A Georgia marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within Georgia. If your ceremony is in a different state, you must apply for a license in that state. Your home state will recognize any legally performed marriage from another state.