Pierce County Marriage License Lookup

Marriage licenses for Pierce County are issued at the Probate Court in Blackshear. Both applicants must visit the court together with valid photo identification. The fee is $56 for a standard license or $16 with a premarital education certificate. Pierce County is in southeast Georgia, not far from the Okefenokee Swamp area. There is no blood test and no waiting period in Georgia. You can apply for your license and have the ceremony the same day if you choose to do so.

Pierce County Probate Court

The Pierce County Probate Court in Blackshear handles all marriage license applications. Blackshear is the county seat. The courthouse is in the center of town and the staff can walk you through the application process. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours.

Blackshear is located along US-84 in southeast Georgia. The town is quiet and the courthouse has free parking. Since this is a small office, the wait is usually short. Call the court if you have any questions before making the trip.

What You Need for a Pierce County Marriage License

Both people must appear at the court in person at the same time. No one else can apply on your behalf. Each applicant needs a valid photo ID. Pierce 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 the marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or death certificate for the former spouse is what you need. The court checks this before issuing a license. Both applicants must be 18 or older under OCGA 19-3-2.

No blood test is needed. Georgia ended that requirement in 2003. Georgia residents can apply in any county in the state. You do not have to live in Pierce County. Out-of-state couples must get the license in the county where the wedding will take place.

Pierce County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee is $56. Couples who have completed premarital education pay $16. The course must last at least six hours and be led by a licensed counselor, therapist, or clergy member. You must finish it within 12 months of applying.

Have the certificate of completion with you when you visit. Without it, you pay the full $56. Call (912) 449-2020 to confirm what payment the office accepts. All fees are non-refundable once paid.

Georgia Marriage License Resources

The state website has general marriage license information. Visit georgia.gov to read about the rules that apply across Georgia.

For local details specific to Pierce County, the probate court in Blackshear can help. Give them a call with any questions.

After the Wedding Ceremony

The officiant signs the license right after the ceremony. Return it to the Pierce County Probate Court within 30 days. That is what OCGA 19-3-30 requires. Mail it or bring it in person.

The court records the license and mails you a marriage certificate. This takes up to 30 days. If it has been more than 45 days, call (912) 449-2020 to ask about the status.

Store the marriage certificate somewhere secure. You will need it for name changes, legal updates, insurance, and more. Extra certified copies can be ordered from the Pierce County Probate Court.

Online Application and Records

Start the application process at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill it out online, print it, and take it to the Pierce County courthouse. You still must appear in person.

Search existing records using the marriage record search tool. The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov keeps records from June 1952 through August 1996. For other dates, contact the Pierce County Probate Court.

Name Change After Marriage in Pierce County

Changing your last name after the wedding is not automatic. You have to do it yourself, step by step. Start with the Social Security office. Bring your certified marriage certificate and fill out an application for a new Social Security card. There is no fee for this. Once Social Security updates your name, you can move on to everything else.

Next, visit the DMV for a new driver's license. You need your marriage certificate and current ID. Then update your name at the bank, with your employer, on insurance policies, and with any other accounts. Pierce County does not handle name changes, but the marriage certificate from the Probate Court is the key document you need to start the whole process.

Nearby Counties

Pierce County borders several other counties in southeast Georgia. Georgia residents are free to apply for a marriage license at any county probate court in the state.