Access Banks County Marriage License

Marriage license applications in Banks County are processed at the Probate Court in Homer. Couples must visit in person to fill out the application and present their identification. Banks County is in northeast Georgia, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The standard license fee is $56, but if you and your partner complete a premarital education program, the cost drops to $16. Georgia has no blood test requirement and no waiting period. The court issues your license the same day you apply, provided everything checks out. Call the court if you have specific questions about the process.

Banks County Probate Court Information

The Banks County Probate Court in Homer handles all marriage licenses for the county. Homer is a small town along the Yonah-Homer corridor. The courthouse is easy to find, and parking is free. Staff are available during regular weekday hours to help with your application.

If you are coming from the Gainesville area or Cornelia, the drive to Homer is short. Give yourself enough time before closing. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes before 5:00 PM is a good idea so you can finish the paperwork without rushing.

Requirements to Get a Marriage License

Both applicants show up together. This is non-negotiable. Each person needs a photo ID. The court accepts these:

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

Bring proof of how your last marriage ended, if applicable. A certified divorce decree or death certificate works. The court needs to see original or certified documents. Photocopies may not be accepted.

You must be 18 years old or older. Georgia allows a 17-year-old to marry if they can prove emancipation and have completed a premarital education course per OCGA 19-3-2. The other applicant must be within four years of age. No marriage is allowed under 17.

The application itself requires basic information: full legal names, birth dates, current addresses, and the names of each applicant's parents. You sign an oath saying there is no legal reason you cannot marry. Georgia also requires that each applicant acknowledge receipt of an HIV/AIDS brochure before the license is issued. This comes from OCGA 19-3-35.1.

Fees for a Banks County Marriage License

The license costs $56. That is the standard fee. With a premarital education certificate, you pay $16 instead. The program must be at least six hours of instruction with a licensed professional or active clergy member. You have to complete it within 12 months of applying.

OCGA 19-3-30.1 is the statute that provides this fee reduction. Keep your certificate of completion and present it at the Banks County Probate Court when you apply. You cannot get the discount after the fact.

Confirm accepted payment methods by calling (706) 677-6208. Most courts accept cash. Some also take checks or cards. All fees paid are non-refundable.

After the Wedding in Banks County

Once your ceremony is done, the officiant signs the license. Then the completed license goes back to the Banks County Probate Court. You have 30 days to return it, per OCGA 19-3-30. Mail it or drop it off.

The court records the signed license and mails you a marriage certificate. Plan on about 30 days for this. If you do not have it after 45 days, call the court. You will need the marriage certificate for name changes, insurance, and other legal updates.

Georgia Marriage License Resources

The State of Georgia provides an overview of the marriage license process at georgia.gov, which is useful for all Georgia counties including Banks County.

For details specific to Banks County, contact the probate court in Homer directly. The state page gives the general framework.

Start Your Application Online

Save time by completing the marriage license application online at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Print the form and bring it to the Banks County Probate Court. You still need to appear in person with your ID and payment.

To find existing marriage records, use the marriage record search tool. The Georgia Department of Public Health has state marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996. For other years, the Banks County Probate Court has the records.

Nearby Counties

Banks County is in northeast Georgia. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county. These counties are next to Banks County: