Search Newton County Marriage License

Marriage licenses in Newton County are issued at the Probate Court in Covington. Both people must appear at the court in person with valid identification. The license costs $56, or just $16 if you have a premarital education certificate. Newton County is east of Atlanta and has grown a lot in recent years. Covington is the county seat and home to the probate court. Georgia has no blood test and no waiting period, so you can get married the same day you apply for your license.

Newton County Probate Court

The Newton County Probate Court in Covington handles all marriage license applications for the county. The courthouse is on the Covington town square. Staff process marriage license requests during regular business hours and walk-ins are accepted.

Covington is about 35 miles east of downtown Atlanta. The town square is well-known and easy to find. Parking is available on nearby streets and in public lots. Newton County has a growing population, so the court may be busier than some smaller counties. Try to arrive early in the day for the best experience.

Newton County Marriage License Requirements

Both applicants must come to the court at the same time. No one else can apply on your behalf. Each person needs a valid photo ID. Newton County accepts:

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

If either person was married before, bring proof that the marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or death certificate for the former spouse is required. The court will not issue a new license without it. Both people must be at least 18 years of age. OCGA 19-3-2 sets the minimum age for marriage in Georgia.

There is no residency rule for Georgia residents. You can apply in Newton County even if you live elsewhere in the state. Couples from outside Georgia must apply in the county where they will hold the ceremony. Blood tests are not required.

Newton County Marriage License Fees

A marriage license in Newton County costs $56. If you and your partner complete a premarital education program, the fee drops to $16. The course must be at least six hours. It must be led by a licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member. You need to complete it within 12 months of your application date.

Bring the certificate of completion when you apply. Without it, you will pay the full $56. Contact the court at (770) 784-2055 to ask about payment methods. All fees are final once paid and cannot be returned to you.

State Marriage License Resources

Georgia has a page about marriage licenses on its website. Visit georgia.gov for information that covers all Georgia counties.

For questions specific to Newton County, call the Covington probate court office. They can tell you about local payment options and other details.

After the Wedding

The officiant signs the license after the ceremony. The signed license must go back to the Newton County Probate Court within 30 days as required by OCGA 19-3-30. You can mail it or bring it in person to the Covington courthouse.

The court records it and mails your marriage certificate. Allow up to 30 days for processing. If you do not get the certificate within 45 days, call (770) 784-2055 to follow up.

The marriage certificate is your legal proof of marriage. You need it for name changes, tax filing, insurance updates, and more. Keep it in a safe location. Extra certified copies can be ordered from the Newton County Probate Court.

Online Application and Marriage Records

Start the application online at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Print it and bring it to the Newton County Probate Court with your ID and payment. You still need to appear in person.

You can search existing marriage records using the marriage record search tool. The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov has records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside that window, contact the Newton County Probate Court.

Nearby Counties

Newton County borders several counties east of Atlanta. Georgia residents can get a marriage license from any county probate court in the state.