Find Hart County Marriage License

Marriage license filings in Hart County take place at the Probate Court in Hartwell. The court handles all marriage license applications for the county. Hart County sits in northeast Georgia along Lake Hartwell, near the South Carolina border. Both people must visit the office in person to apply. Bring photo ID and be ready to pay the fee on the spot. The process is quick. Most couples walk out with their license the same day they apply. No appointment is needed, and the court takes walk-ins during regular hours.

Hart County Probate Court

Marriage licenses in Hart County come from the Probate Court in Hartwell. The office is located at the county courthouse. You can reach them by phone if you have questions about what to bring or when to come. The probate judge and staff manage marriage licenses along with other court business.

For a general overview of Georgia's marriage license process, check the georgia.gov marriage license page.

The state site explains the basic process and lists what is needed at any Georgia probate court.

The office serves walk-ins during business hours. Hart County is a popular spot for lake weddings, so the court may see more applications during warmer months. Regardless of the season, the process and fees stay the same.

Requirements for a Hart County Marriage License

Both applicants must visit the court together. Each person needs valid photo identification. The minimum age is 18. No exceptions without a court order.

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

If you were previously married, bring documentation that shows how the marriage ended. A certified divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate is what the court needs. Without this, your application will not be processed. Social Security numbers go on the application form, but you don't need to bring the actual card.

Georgia does not require a blood test. That ended in 2003. There is no waiting period at all. Get the license and get married the same day if you choose. There is no residency requirement for Georgia residents. Non-residents can apply at the Hart County Probate Court, but the ceremony must happen in Hart County if neither person lives in Georgia.

Save time by filling out the application online ahead of your visit. Use the Georgia Probate Records application to get started. Print the completed form and bring it with you.

Hart County Marriage License Fees

A standard marriage license in Hart County costs $56. The reduced rate is $16 for couples who have completed a premarital education course. The course must be at least six hours long and done within 12 months of your application.

Bring your premarital education certificate to the court. No certificate, no discount. All fees are non-refundable once the application has been submitted. Call the office at (706) 376-7160 to ask about accepted payment methods.

The fee includes one certified copy of the marriage certificate. You will receive it by mail after the court records the signed license. Extra copies are available for about $10 each. Getting extra copies at the time of your visit is a good idea if you plan to change your name or update records with banks and other agencies.

After the Wedding Ceremony

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license. Return the signed license to the Hart County Probate Court within 30 days. This step is required by Georgia law. Missing the deadline can create problems with your marriage record.

Mail the signed license to: Hart County Probate Court, P.O. Box 389, Hartwell, GA 30643. Or bring it in person. The court records the marriage and sends your certified certificate by mail. Allow two to four weeks for this process.

If you don't get your certificate after 45 days, contact the court. They can tell you if the license was received and where things stand. Keep your certificate in a secure place. You will need it for name changes and other legal updates.

Hart County Marriage Record Search

Search for Hart County marriage records using the Georgia Probate Records search tool. You can look up records by name. The database covers many Georgia counties.

State-level marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996 are available through the Georgia Department of Public Health. For records outside that window, contact the Hart County Probate Court in Hartwell. They maintain local records going back many years.

Certified copies can be ordered in person or by mail. When you mail a request, include both parties' full names, the approximate marriage date, and a check or money order for the fee. Give the court a few weeks to process your request and send the copies back.

Nearby Counties

Hart County borders several other Georgia counties. You can get your marriage license from any county in the state if that works better for your schedule.