Habersham County Marriage License

Marriage license applications in Habersham County are handled by the Probate Court in Clarkesville. This is the only office in the county that can issue a marriage license. Both people must show up in person at the same time. The court sits in the northeast corner of Georgia, serving couples from the mountain communities and surrounding areas. You can call ahead to ask about wait times, but no appointment is needed. Walk-ins are welcome during regular hours. Bring valid ID and the correct fee so your visit goes smoothly.

Habersham County Probate Court

The Habersham County Probate Court handles all marriage license filings in the county. The office is in Clarkesville, which is the county seat. Staff can help with questions about the process, forms, and fees. Call before you visit if you want to confirm hours or check on any special closures.

The Georgia Department of Public Health provides general information on marriage license rules. You can view the state page at georgia.gov for an overview of how the process works statewide.

This state resource covers the basic steps and links to forms used across Georgia counties.

Both applicants need to be present. You cannot send just one person to pick up or fill out the application alone. The court issues the license the same day in most cases. There is no waiting period in Georgia, so you can have your ceremony right away once the license is in hand.

Requirements for a Habersham County Marriage License

Georgia law sets the requirements. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. You need a valid form of photo ID. The court accepts several types of identification.

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

If you were married before, bring proof that the prior marriage ended. This means a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate. The Habersham County Probate Court will not issue a new license without this documentation. Social Security numbers are also needed for the application form, though you do not need to bring the card itself.

No blood test is required in Georgia. That rule was dropped back in 2003. There is also no residency requirement. You do not have to live in Habersham County or even in Georgia. Any couple can apply here. However, if neither person lives in the state, the ceremony must take place in the county where the license was issued.

You can start your application ahead of time using the online application portal. Print the completed form and bring it with you to the court. This can save time at the window.

Habersham County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee for a marriage license in Habersham County is $56. Couples who complete a premarital education course pay just $16. The course must be at least six hours long and completed within 12 months before you apply. You need to bring the certificate of completion when you visit the court.

Cash is typically accepted at the Habersham County Probate Court. Check with the office about credit or debit card payments before your visit. All fees are non-refundable once the application is processed. The fee covers the license itself and one certified copy of the marriage certificate after the signed license is recorded.

Extra certified copies of your marriage certificate can be ordered from the Probate Court. Each additional copy costs around $10. You may need extra copies for name changes, insurance updates, or bank account changes. It helps to order a few at the same time.

After the Wedding Ceremony

Once the ceremony takes place, the officiant must sign the marriage license. The signed license has to be returned to the Habersham County Probate Court within 30 days. This is a state requirement. If the license is not returned on time, it may cause problems with your marriage record.

Mail the signed license to: Habersham County Probate Court, P.O. Box 226, Clarkesville, GA 30523. The court will record the marriage and send you a certified marriage certificate. This process can take a few weeks. If you have not received your certificate after 45 days, call the court at (706) 754-2923 to check on it.

Keep your marriage certificate in a safe place. You will need it for name changes, updating your Social Security card, and other legal matters. Getting replacement copies later is possible but takes extra time and fees.

Habersham County Marriage Record Search

Marriage records filed in Habersham County are kept at the Probate Court. You can search for existing records through the Georgia Probate Records search tool. This online database covers many Georgia counties and lets you look up marriage records by name.

The Georgia Department of Public Health holds state-level marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. You can reach the vital records office at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords. For records before 1952 or after 1996, contact the Habersham County Probate Court directly.

Certified copies can be requested in person or by mail. When requesting by mail, include your name, the names of the people on the license, the approximate date, and a check or money order for the copy fee. Allow a few weeks for processing.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Habersham County. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county, so you have options if another courthouse is more convenient for you.