Albany Marriage License Search
Marriage licenses in Albany are handled by the Dougherty County Probate Court. The City of Albany does not issue marriage licenses on its own. All couples in Albany must visit the probate court office on Pine Avenue to apply in person. Albany is the county seat of Dougherty County, so the courthouse is right in town. With a population of about 66,700, Albany is the largest city in southwest Georgia. The probate court stops taking new applications at 3 PM each day, so plan your visit early.
Albany Marriage License Quick Facts
Where to Get an Albany Marriage License
Albany residents apply at the Dougherty County Probate Court. The office sits at 225 Pine Avenue in downtown Albany. Both people must show up in person to fill out the application. No appointment is needed, but processing stops at 3 PM each day. Walk in early to make sure you have time to get through the process.
The Dougherty County Probate Court is the screening portal for all Albany marriage license applications.
This screenshot shows the Dougherty County Probate Court page where Albany residents can find hours and contact details.
| Court | Dougherty County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 225 Pine Avenue, Albany, GA 31701 |
| Phone | (229) 431-3200 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (processing ends 3:00 PM) |
Keep in mind the 3 PM cutoff is strict. If you arrive after that time, staff will ask you to come back the next business day. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.
Albany Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must appear together. You must be at least 18 years old. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a certified birth certificate with an English translation.
If either person was married before, you need proof that the prior marriage ended. Bring a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate. The court will not issue a new license without it. Georgia law is clear on this point.
Social Security numbers are needed for both applicants. Georgia does not require blood tests. That rule ended in 2003. There is no waiting period in Georgia either. Once you get the license from the Dougherty County Probate Court, you can hold your ceremony right away.
Minors aged 17 can only apply with proof of legal emancipation. No one under 17 can get a marriage license in Georgia. These rules apply statewide and the Dougherty County Probate Court enforces them the same way every other county does.
Marriage License Fees in Albany
The standard fee for a marriage license in Dougherty County is $56. This is the amount most couples pay when they apply at the Albany probate court. There is also a $10 recording fee on top of the license cost. Plan to pay $66 total if you have not done premarital counseling.
Couples who complete a premarital education course can cut the fee down to $16 for the license. The course must last at least six hours. A licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member must run it. You need to bring the certificate when you apply. The $40 savings can be worth the time and effort.
The court accepts cash and money orders. Some courts also take cards. Call ahead to check current payment options at the Dougherty County Probate Court. Fees are not refundable once you pay them. Certified copies of the marriage certificate run about $10 each if you need extras later on.
After Your Albany Wedding Ceremony
Your officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. The signed license must go back to the Dougherty County Probate Court within 30 days. Mail it or drop it off in person. The court records it and sends a certified copy of the marriage certificate to you by mail.
Recording can take a few weeks. If you have not heard back after 45 days, call the court at (229) 431-3200. You can order more certified copies at any time through the probate court or the Georgia Department of Public Health for records from June 1952 through August 1996.
Search Albany Marriage License Records
You can look up existing marriage records through the Georgia Probate Records search tool. This free statewide database lets you search by name and filter by county. Dougherty County records are part of this system.
The Georgia Department of Public Health keeps marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996. For records before or after that window, contact the Dougherty County Probate Court. Third-party services like VitalChek can also process orders for Georgia marriage records, though they charge extra service fees on top of the state cost.
Georgia law under O.C.G.A. Title 19, Chapter 3 sets the rules for marriage licenses across the state. The probate court must follow these rules when it issues or denies a license. Marriage records in Georgia are public. Anyone can request a copy.
Albany Premarital Counseling Options
Several local providers in the Albany area offer qualifying premarital education programs. The course must be at least six hours. It can be done in one day or spread across a few sessions. Churches, licensed therapists, and community programs all count as long as they meet the Georgia requirements.
Ask your provider for a signed certificate of completion before your visit to the probate court. Without it, you pay the full $56 fee. The savings of $40 per couple makes this a smart step for many Albany residents planning a wedding on a budget.
Dougherty County Marriage License Records
Albany is in Dougherty County, and all marriage licenses go through the Dougherty County Probate Court. For the full list of office details, fees, and resources for Dougherty County, visit the county page.