Appling County Marriage License

Marriage licenses in Appling County are issued through the Probate Court in Baxley. Both people who plan to marry must come to the courthouse at the same time to fill out the application. The court handles all marriage license requests during normal business hours on weekdays. Appling County uses the standard Georgia fee schedule, so you can expect to pay $56 for a license or $16 if you have a premarital education certificate. No blood test is needed. There is no waiting period in Georgia, which means you can get your license and have the ceremony on the same day if you choose.

Appling County Probate Court

The Appling County Probate Court is the sole office that issues marriage licenses in the county. It sits in Baxley, which is the county seat. You can walk in during regular hours to start your application. Call ahead if you want to confirm the court is open or to ask about any special steps.

Baxley is a small town, and the courthouse is easy to find. Parking is free near the building. Plan to arrive well before closing time so you have enough time to fill out the forms and pay. The staff can answer questions about what you need to bring.

What You Need to Bring

Both applicants must show up in person. No exceptions. You cannot send a friend or family member in your place. Each person must bring a valid photo ID. The court accepts these forms of identification:

• State driver's license or state ID card
• Valid U.S. passport
• Certified birth certificate
• Military ID

If you were married before, you need proof that the prior marriage ended. Bring a certified copy of your divorce decree or a death certificate for your former spouse. The court will not issue a new license if you still have an active marriage on file. This rule applies to both applicants.

You must be at least 18 years old. Georgia law does allow a 17-year-old to marry, but only with proof of emancipation and a premarital education certificate. No one under 17 can get a license. These rules come from OCGA 19-3-2, which sets age and eligibility standards for marriage in Georgia.

Appling County Marriage License Fees

The cost is $56 for a standard marriage license. This is the base fee set by Georgia law. If both of you complete a qualifying premarital education course, the fee drops to $16. The course must be at least six hours long and completed within 12 months of your application. A licensed counselor, therapist, or member of the clergy must lead it.

Bring cash or check to the Appling County Probate Court. Some Georgia counties also accept credit cards, but you should call (912) 367-8126 first to confirm which payment methods the office takes. Fees are not refundable once paid.

Under OCGA 19-3-30.1, the state waives the license fee for couples who finish premarital education. The $16 fee covers only the administrative charges. Keep your certificate of completion handy because you need to show it at the time you apply.

Residency Rules for Appling County

Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county. You do not have to live in Appling County to get your license here. If both applicants live out of state, you must apply in the county where the wedding ceremony will take place. That is a state rule, not a local one.

Some couples choose Appling County for their wedding because of the rural scenery or family ties to the area. The license is valid across all of Georgia, regardless of which county issued it.

Georgia Marriage License Resources

The State of Georgia provides general marriage license information on its official website. You can learn more about the process at georgia.gov.

This page covers the basics that apply to every county, including Appling. For county-specific details, calling the probate court is always your best bet.

After the Wedding Ceremony

Your officiant must sign the marriage license right after the ceremony. Then the signed license needs to go back to the Appling County Probate Court within 30 days. This is a state law under OCGA 19-3-30. Mail it or drop it off in person.

Once the court records the signed license, they will mail you a marriage certificate. This usually takes up to 30 days. If more than 45 days pass and you have not received your certificate, call the court at (912) 367-8126 to check on it.

Keep the marriage certificate in a safe place. You will need it for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal matters. Certified copies can be requested from the Appling County Probate Court for a small fee.

Online Application Option

Georgia offers an online marriage license application through the Georgia Probate Records portal. You can fill out the form at home and print it before your visit. This saves time at the courthouse. You still have to go in person, though. The online form just speeds up the paperwork.

If you want to search for existing marriage records, the same portal has a marriage record search tool. The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov holds records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside that range, contact the Appling County Probate Court directly.

Nearby Counties

Appling County borders several other counties in southeast Georgia. If the Appling County Probate Court does not fit your schedule, Georgia residents can apply in a neighboring county instead. Your marriage license will be filed in whichever county issues it.