Paulding County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Paulding County are issued by the Probate Court in Dallas. Both applicants must come to the courthouse together with valid photo ID. The standard fee is $56, and couples who have completed a premarital education course pay $16. Paulding County is a fast-growing county northwest of Atlanta. Georgia has no waiting period and no blood test requirement. You can get your marriage license and hold the ceremony the same day. The probate court office processes applications Monday through Friday during normal hours.
Paulding County Marriage License Quick Facts
Paulding County Probate Court
The Paulding County Probate Court in Dallas is where you go for a marriage license. Dallas is the county seat, located about 30 miles northwest of Atlanta. The court has been busy in recent years as the county population has grown, so plan ahead for your visit.
| Office | Paulding County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 310, Dallas, GA 30132 |
| Phone | (770) 443-8340 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Dallas is accessible from US-278 and GA-120. The courthouse area has free parking. Because Paulding County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in Georgia, the office can be busier than smaller rural courts. Arrive early to avoid a long wait. Call ahead if you have questions about what to bring or want to confirm office hours.
Paulding County Marriage License Requirements
Both people must show up at the Paulding County Probate Court in person. No exceptions. Each applicant needs a valid photo ID. The court accepts these forms of identification:
- State driver's license or ID card
- Valid U.S. passport
- Certified birth certificate
- Military ID
If either person was married before, proof that the marriage ended is required. A certified divorce decree or death certificate for the former spouse will work. Both applicants must be 18 years or older. Under OCGA 19-3-2, Georgia sets the minimum age for marriage at 18 for most cases.
Georgia residents can apply in any county. You do not have to live in Paulding County. Non-Georgia residents must apply in the county where the wedding will take place. No blood test has been needed since 2003.
Paulding County Marriage License Fees
The standard fee is $56. Couples who complete a qualifying premarital education program pay $16. The program must be at least six hours long. It must be taught by a licensed counselor, therapist, or member of the clergy. You have to finish it within 12 months of applying for the license.
Bring the certificate of completion to the Paulding County Probate Court on the day you apply. Without it, the full $56 applies. Call (770) 443-8340 to ask about accepted payment methods. Fees are non-refundable once paid.
Georgia Marriage License Information
Georgia provides marriage license details at georgia.gov. The page covers rules and requirements for every county in the state.
For Paulding County specifics, the Dallas probate court can answer your questions about local procedures and logistics.
After the Wedding Ceremony
The officiant signs the marriage license right after the wedding. The signed license must go back to the Paulding County Probate Court within 30 days. OCGA 19-3-30 requires this step. Mail it or drop it off.
The court records the license and mails your marriage certificate. Processing takes up to 30 days. If you have not received it after 45 days, call (770) 443-8340.
Your marriage certificate is a vital legal document. Keep it safe. You will use it to change your name, update tax records, modify insurance, and handle other legal needs. Additional certified copies are available from the Paulding County Probate Court.
Apply Online and Search Records
Begin your application at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill it out from home, print it, and bring it with you to the Paulding County courthouse. You must still visit in person with your ID and fee.
To look up existing marriage records, use the marriage record search tool. The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov keeps records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside that period, contact the Paulding County Probate Court.
Nearby Counties
Paulding County shares borders with several metro Atlanta area counties. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county in the state.