Heard County Marriage License

Marriage license applications in Heard County are filed at the Probate Court in Franklin. This small, rural county sits along the Alabama border in west Georgia. The Probate Court is the only office that can issue marriage licenses here. Both people must appear in person to apply. The staff handles a limited number of applications, so the process tends to move quickly. Bring valid photo identification and the filing fee. Walk-ins are welcome during office hours. If you are coming from out of town, call ahead to make sure the office will be open when you arrive.

Heard County Probate Court

The Heard County Probate Court handles all marriage license applications in the county. The office is at the courthouse in Franklin. Because this is a small court, the probate judge may personally assist with your application.

Georgia's general requirements for marriage licenses are outlined on the state marriage license page.

Review the state page before your visit so you know what documents to bring along.

A phone call before your trip is wise. Small county offices may close for holidays, training, or court hearings that are not on the regular schedule. The court staff will let you know the best time to come in.

Requirements for a Heard County Marriage License

Georgia law applies equally across all counties. Both people must show up at the court. Each needs a valid ID. You must be 18 or older to get a marriage license without special permission.

• Driver's license or state-issued ID
• Certified birth certificate
• Valid passport
• Military ID

Bring proof that any prior marriage ended. This could be a certified divorce decree, annulment, or a death certificate. The court will not issue a new license without it. Social Security numbers are required on the form but you don't need the card.

No blood test is needed. Georgia removed that rule in 2003. There is no waiting period. You can marry the same day you get the license. There are no residency requirements for Georgia residents. Out-of-state couples can apply, but the ceremony must be in Heard County if neither person lives in Georgia.

The online application at georgiaprobaterecords.com lets you fill out the form before you go. Print it and bring it along. This can cut your time at the counter.

Heard County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee is $56. If both of you completed a qualifying premarital education course, the fee is only $16. The course needs to be six hours minimum and done in the 12 months before you apply. Bring the certificate.

All fees are non-refundable. Ask the court what forms of payment they accept when you call. Cash and money orders are usually safe bets at smaller courts. The fee includes one certified copy of the marriage certificate sent to you after the signed license is recorded.

Extra certified copies are available for roughly $10 each. Having multiple copies on hand is useful for name change requests, updating bank accounts, and filing paperwork with the Social Security Administration. Order them when you visit or request them later by mail.

After the Wedding Ceremony

Your officiant signs the license after the ceremony. That signed license must get back to the Heard County Probate Court within 30 days. This is a state requirement. Failing to return it on time can delay your marriage record.

Mail the completed license to: Heard County Probate Court, P.O. Box 40, Franklin, GA 30217. You can also return it in person. The court will record the marriage and mail your certified certificate. Plan for two to four weeks of processing time.

Haven't received your certificate after 45 days? Call the office at (706) 675-3301 and ask for an update. Store your certificate somewhere safe once it arrives. You will use it for many things, from name changes to insurance updates.

Heard County Marriage Record Search

Look up existing Heard County marriage records through the Georgia Probate Records search. The tool lets you search by name across many counties in the state.

State marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996 are kept by the Georgia Department of Public Health. Access them at dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords. For records outside that timeframe, go to the Heard County Probate Court directly.

Mail requests for certified copies should include both names on the license, the approximate marriage date, and payment. Allow a few weeks for the court to process your request and send copies back to you.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Heard County. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license at any county probate court, so pick the one that works best for you.