Lincoln County Marriage License
Lincoln County marriage licenses are issued at the Probate Court in Lincolnton. This small county is in eastern Georgia along the Savannah River, close to the South Carolina border. Couples who live in Lincoln County or plan to marry here can apply at the Probate Court. Both people must appear in person with valid ID. The standard fee is $56. Couples with a premarital education certificate pay $16. Georgia has no waiting period and no blood test requirement for marriage licenses.
Lincoln County Marriage License Quick Facts
Lincoln County Probate Court
The Probate Court is in Lincolnton, the county seat. It handles all marriage licenses for Lincoln County. The office is small but the staff is familiar with the process and can guide you through each step. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask any questions.
| Address | P.O. Box 545, Lincolnton, GA 30817 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (706) 359-5505 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| County Seat | Lincolnton |
Reach the court at (706) 359-5505. Lincoln County is a rural county, and the courthouse is the center of local government. If you are traveling from Augusta or another city, plan your trip around the court's hours. Walk-ins are welcome but calling first is always a safe bet.
What You Need for a Lincoln County Marriage License
Both applicants must come to the Probate Court together. The court will not accept an application from just one person. Each person needs valid photo identification. The staff will verify your identity and age before processing the application.
Forms of ID the court will accept:
- State driver's license or photo ID card
- U.S. passport (must be valid)
- Certified birth certificate
- Military ID card
Were you married before? Bring proof the prior marriage ended. A certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate is needed. The court has to see this before issuing a new license. Both applicants must be 18 or older. Georgia does not allow minors to marry.
No blood test is required. There is no waiting period. Once the license is issued, you can hold your ceremony whenever you want. Georgia residents can apply in any county. If neither person is a Georgia resident, you must marry in Lincoln County. Your Social Security number is part of the application.
Lincoln County Marriage License Fees
The standard fee is $56. Most Georgia counties charge this same amount. If you have completed a qualifying premarital education course, the fee drops to $16. The course must include at least six hours of instruction and must have been completed within 12 months of the application date.
Bring the course certificate when you apply. The court cannot give you the reduced rate without it. Fees are due at the time of application. They are non-refundable. Call the court to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit.
Certified copies of the marriage certificate are available after the license is returned and the marriage is recorded. You will need at least one copy for official purposes like name changes or insurance updates. Ask the court about the current copy fee.
Returning the License After the Wedding
The person who performs your wedding signs the marriage license after the ceremony. The signed license must be sent back to the Lincoln County Probate Court within 30 days. This is a firm state deadline. If you miss it, it can cause problems with your marriage record.
After the court receives and records the license, certified copies of the marriage certificate are available. The recording process may take a few weeks. If you need your certificate quickly, let the court know and ask if there is a way to speed things up.
The Georgia Department of Public Health at dph.georgia.gov has marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For all other years, the Lincoln County Probate Court is the place to go.
Lincoln County Marriage License Online Tools
Fill out the marriage license application online at georgiaprobaterecords.com. Print the completed form and take it to the court. This saves time during your visit, but you still must appear in person with ID and payment.
Search for existing Lincoln County marriage records through the marriage record search on the same portal. The state page at georgia.gov covers the general rules for getting married in Georgia.
No Georgia county offers a fully online marriage license. The online tools help you prepare, but the in-person visit to the Probate Court is required by state law.
Wedding Officiants
Under Georgia law, judges, ministers, and other authorized officials can officiate weddings. State and federal judges sitting in Georgia qualify. Ordained clergy of any religion can perform the ceremony. Retired judges are also eligible.
The officiant does not have to register with Lincoln County. Their job is to sign the license and return it to the court within 30 days. If you are not sure whether your officiant is authorized, contact the Probate Court for guidance.
Nearby Counties
Lincoln County is in eastern Georgia near the South Carolina border. These neighboring counties also issue marriage licenses through their Probate Courts.