Dougherty County Marriage License

Marriage licenses in Dougherty County are issued at the Probate Court in Albany. The court offers an online application so you can fill out your information before visiting. Both people must appear in person. Processing ends at 3:00 PM each day, so arrive with plenty of time. The fee is $56 for a standard license or $16 with a premarital education certificate. There is also a $10 recording fee that applies after the ceremony when you return the signed license.

Dougherty County Probate Court

The Dougherty County Probate Court is at 225 Pine Avenue in Albany. The court is in the Dougherty County Government Center. Marriage license applications are accepted Monday through Friday, but processing stops at 3:00 PM. If you show up after 3:00 PM, you will need to come back the next business day.

The court has an online application. Fill it out before your visit to speed things up. Print the completed form and bring it along with your photo ID and payment. Even with the online form, both people must appear at the court to finalize the application.

Albany is the largest city in southwest Georgia. The Government Center is in downtown Albany and easy to reach from major roads. Free parking is available around the building.

Marriage License Requirements

Both applicants must be present. Each person needs a valid photo ID. Accepted forms include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You also need proof of age if it is not on your ID.

Previously married applicants must bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate. The Probate Court will not issue a new license without confirmation that all previous marriages have ended.

There is no blood test in Georgia. No waiting period. The license is issued the same day. Georgia marriage licenses do not expire. If at least one applicant is a Georgia resident, you can apply in any county. Non-residents must apply in the county of the ceremony.

You must be at least 18. A 17-year-old needs proof of emancipation, and their partner cannot be more than four years older. Both must have a premarital education certificate in that situation. No one younger than 17 can get a license in the state.

Dougherty County Marriage License Fees

The base fee is $56. With premarital education, it drops to $16. The premarital course must be at least six hours and completed within 12 months. Both applicants take the course together. A licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member must provide the instruction.

Dougherty County also charges a $10 recording fee. This is separate from the license fee and is due when you return the signed license after the ceremony. Not all Georgia counties charge this, so it is worth noting.

Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10 each. Request them from the Dougherty County Probate Court by visiting in person or by mail. The Georgia Department of Public Health holds state-level marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996.

After the Wedding

The officiant signs the license after the ceremony. Return the signed license to the Dougherty County Probate Court within 30 days. Pay the $10 recording fee at that time. The court records the document and mails your marriage certificate. Allow up to 30 days for delivery.

If you do not receive your certificate within 45 days, call the Probate Court at (229) 431-3200. Make sure the officiant completed all sections of the license before returning it. Incomplete forms are a common reason for delays.

Dougherty County Marriage Records

Start your application through the Georgia Probate Records portal. The online form asks for basic information about both applicants. Print it and bring it to the court. This cuts down on time at the counter.

You can also search for past marriage records through the marriage record search tool. For general information about the Georgia marriage license process, visit the Georgia.gov marriage license page.

Cities in Dougherty County

Albany is the county seat and by far the largest city in Dougherty County. All residents get their marriage license at the Probate Court in Albany.

Nearby Counties

Dougherty County is in southwest Georgia. These surrounding counties each have a Probate Court that issues marriage licenses.