Jackson County Marriage License

Marriage license filings for Jackson County are done at the Probate Court in Jefferson. Jackson County is a growing area northeast of Atlanta, and the Probate Court processes a good number of marriage licenses each year. Both applicants need to visit the office together with valid photo ID. No appointment is necessary. The court issues licenses on a walk-in basis during normal hours. The process is quick. Most couples leave with their license the same day. Bring the filing fee and any extra documents you might need, like a divorce decree if you were previously married.

Jackson County Probate Court

The Jackson County Probate Court issues all marriage licenses for the county. The office is in Jefferson, the county seat. Staff handle applications along with other probate court business. The court sees more traffic than some smaller Georgia counties because of the area's growing population.

Georgia's statewide marriage license process is explained at georgia.gov.

Review the state page before heading to the courthouse so you know what to expect.

The court is open five days a week. Try to arrive well before closing if you want your license the same day. Staff may stop taking new applications close to 5 PM. Calling ahead is always a safe move, especially around holidays.

Requirements for a Jackson County Marriage License

Georgia law sets the rules for all counties. Both people must come to the court. Each needs a valid photo ID. You have to be 18 or older.

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

Anyone previously married must bring a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate. The Jackson County Probate Court will not process your application without it. Social Security numbers are required on the form. You do not need the actual card.

Georgia ended the blood test requirement in 2003. No waiting period exists. You can get married the same day the license is issued. There is no residency requirement for people who live in Georgia. Non-residents may apply but the ceremony must be held in Jackson County.

Fill out the application online before your visit at georgiaprobaterecords.com. Print it and bring it to the court. This makes the in-office process shorter.

Jackson County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee for a marriage license in Jackson County is $56. Couples who have done a premarital education program pay only $16. The program must be at least six hours and completed within the past 12 months.

You need to have the premarital education certificate with you at the time of application to get the lower rate. All fees are non-refundable. Call the court to confirm accepted payment methods. The fee covers the license and one certified copy of the marriage certificate, which is mailed after the signed license is recorded.

Extra certified copies cost about $10 each. These are useful for name changes, bank updates, and insurance filings. Order a few while you are at the court to save a return trip.

After the Wedding Ceremony

After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license. The signed license must be returned to the Jackson County Probate Court within 30 days. This is required by state law. Late returns may cause delays in your marriage being officially recorded.

Mail the signed license to: Jackson County Probate Court, P.O. Box 255, Jefferson, GA 30549. You can also bring it in person. Once the court receives it, they record the marriage and send your certified certificate by mail. Processing takes roughly two to four weeks.

If you don't receive your certificate within 45 days of returning the license, call (706) 387-6240. The staff can check the status. Keep your marriage certificate in a safe, secure place once you have it. Making copies for personal records is also a good practice.

Jackson County Marriage Record Search

Search for Jackson County marriage records at the Georgia Probate Records search portal. You can look up records by name across many Georgia counties.

Marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996 are also available through the Georgia Department of Public Health. For records before or after that period, the Jackson County Probate Court in Jefferson holds the files. Contact them by phone or visit in person.

Certified copies can be requested by mail or in person. Include both names, the approximate date, and payment. Processing times vary but usually take a couple of weeks.

Nearby Counties

Several counties border Jackson County. Georgia residents are free to apply for a marriage license in any county that is convenient.