Jeff Davis County Marriage License

Marriage license applications in Jeff Davis County are filed at the Probate Court in Hazlehurst. This is a rural county in southeast Georgia. The Probate Court is the only office that issues marriage licenses here. Both applicants must appear in person at the same time. Walk-ins are accepted during regular office hours. The staff can guide you through the application process and answer any questions about what you need to bring. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially if you are traveling from another area. The license is normally issued on the spot once the paperwork and fee are taken care of.

Jeff Davis County Probate Court

The Jeff Davis County Probate Court is in Hazlehurst, the county seat. The court handles marriage licenses, wills, guardianships, and other probate filings. Because it is a smaller office, wait times tend to be short. You may deal with the probate judge directly.

For a general overview of how marriage licenses work in Georgia, check the state marriage license page on georgia.gov.

This state resource covers the basics and links to forms you may need.

A phone call ahead of your visit is a good idea. The office may close for court sessions or holidays not on the standard calendar. The staff will let you know the best time to come by.

Requirements for a Jeff Davis County Marriage License

Both applicants must be present. Each needs a valid photo ID. Georgia requires everyone to be at least 18 to get a marriage license.

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

If you were married before, the court needs proof that the prior marriage ended. Bring a certified divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate. The application requires your Social Security number, though you do not need to show the card itself.

No blood test is needed in Georgia. That was removed from the law in 2003. There is no waiting period. Once the license is issued, you can have the ceremony immediately. Georgia residents can apply in any county. Non-residents must hold the ceremony in Jeff Davis County if that is where they obtained the license.

You can start the application online at georgiaprobaterecords.com. Print the form and bring it to the courthouse. This cuts down on time spent at the counter.

Jeff Davis County Marriage License Fees

A marriage license in Jeff Davis County costs $56. If you bring a premarital education certificate, the fee is $16. The education program must be at least six hours and completed within 12 months before your application.

All fees are non-refundable. Ask the court about accepted payment methods. Cash is usually safe at smaller county offices. The fee includes one certified copy of the marriage certificate sent after the license is returned and recorded.

Extra certified copies cost about $10 each. Order a few when you apply. You will need them for name changes, updating your driver's license, and notifying banks and insurance companies.

After the Wedding Ceremony

The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. Return the signed document to the Jeff Davis County Probate Court within 30 days. This is a state requirement and should not be overlooked.

Mail the signed license to: Jeff Davis County Probate Court, P.O. Box 329, Hazlehurst, GA 31539. You can also return it in person. The court records the marriage and sends you a certified certificate. Plan on about two to four weeks for delivery.

If your certificate has not arrived after 45 days, call (912) 375-6610 to check the status. Once you have the certificate, store it in a safe place. This is a key document for many legal and personal updates.

Jeff Davis County Marriage Record Search

Look up Jeff Davis County marriage records at the Georgia Probate Records search tool. This online database covers many Georgia counties and allows name searches.

The Georgia Department of Public Health keeps state marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. Visit dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords for access. For other dates, the Jeff Davis County Probate Court in Hazlehurst is your source.

Certified copies can be requested in person or by mail. When mailing a request, include names, approximate date, and a check or money order. Allow a few weeks for processing.

Nearby Counties

Jeff Davis County is bordered by several south Georgia counties. You can apply for your marriage license at any Georgia probate court.