McDuffie County Marriage License

Marriage licenses in McDuffie County are issued at the Probate Court in Thomson. Both applicants need to visit the courthouse in person and bring valid ID. The cost is $56 for a regular marriage license, or just $16 if you have finished a premarital education course. No blood test is required and there is no waiting period in Georgia. McDuffie County sits in the eastern part of the state, near Augusta. The probate court office handles all marriage license applications during weekday business hours, and walk-ins are accepted.

McDuffie County Probate Court

The Probate Court in Thomson is where you go for a marriage license in McDuffie County. Thomson is the county seat and is located about 35 miles west of Augusta. The courthouse is easy to find and has free parking nearby.

Call the court before your visit if you have questions about what to bring. The staff at the McDuffie County Probate Court can help you with the paperwork and let you know about payment options. Plan to arrive early enough that you have time to finish the application before closing.

Requirements for Your Marriage License

Both people must come to the court at the same time. No one else can apply for you. Each person needs a valid photo ID. The McDuffie County Probate Court accepts:

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

Previously married? Bring a certified copy of your divorce decree or a death certificate for your former spouse. The court must verify that all previous marriages have ended before issuing a new license. You need to be at least 18 years old under OCGA 19-3-2.

Georgia does not require a blood test. That rule was dropped back in 2003. There is also no residency requirement for Georgia residents. You can live anywhere in the state and apply in McDuffie County. Non-residents of Georgia must apply in the county where they will hold the wedding.

McDuffie County Marriage License Fees

A standard marriage license in McDuffie County costs $56. This is the Georgia statewide fee. Couples who complete premarital education pay $16 instead. The course must be at least six hours and completed within 12 months of applying. It has to be taught by a licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member.

Have your certificate of completion ready when you visit the courthouse. Without it, you pay the full fee. Call (706) 597-2804 to confirm payment methods before you go. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the amount paid.

Georgia Marriage License Resources

The state has general marriage license info at georgia.gov. This page covers the rules that apply to every county in Georgia.

For McDuffie County specifics, the probate court in Thomson is the best source. They can tell you about local procedures that may differ slightly from other counties.

After the Wedding

The officiant signs the license after the ceremony. Return the signed license to the McDuffie County Probate Court within 30 days. This is a state requirement under OCGA 19-3-30. You can mail it or hand-deliver it.

After the court records the license, they mail your marriage certificate. Processing can take up to 30 days. If you do not get it within 45 days, call (706) 597-2804 to follow up on the status.

The marriage certificate is a legal document you will need for many things. Name changes, bank accounts, and insurance all may require it. Keep your certificate safe and request extra copies from the court if needed.

Online Application and Records

You can begin the application process online through the Georgia Probate Records portal. Print the completed form and bring it to the McDuffie County Probate Court with your ID and payment. An in-person visit is still required.

For searching existing marriage records, the marriage record search tool is available online. The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov has marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. Records outside that range are kept at the McDuffie County Probate Court.

Nearby Counties

McDuffie County borders several counties in eastern Georgia. If the McDuffie County Probate Court schedule does not work for you, try one of these neighboring counties instead.