Quitman County Marriage License

Marriage licenses in Quitman County are handled by the Probate Court in Georgetown. This is one of the least populated counties in Georgia, so the office tends to be quieter than most. Both people who plan to get married need to show up at the courthouse with valid photo ID and the correct fee. The Probate Court in Quitman County processes applications on a walk-in basis during normal hours. Staff can help walk you through each step if you have questions about what to bring or how the process works.

Quitman County Probate Court

The Quitman County Probate Court in Georgetown handles all marriage license applications for the county. Georgetown is the county seat and the only place to file. Because of the small population, wait times are typically short. You can call ahead if you want to make sure someone is available to process your application right away.

The State of Georgia requires all marriage licenses to be issued through a county probate court. Quitman County follows the same state rules that apply everywhere in Georgia.

The court is closed on state holidays and weekends. If you need help with forms or have questions about what counts as valid ID, call the office before your visit. Staff in Quitman County are used to helping couples who have not gone through the process before.

What You Need to Apply

Both applicants must come to the Quitman County Probate Court in person. No one can apply on your behalf. You need to bring a valid form of identification. The court uses this to confirm your identity and age before issuing the license.

Accepted forms of ID include:

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

If you were married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate. The court needs proof that the previous marriage has ended. Georgia law does not require a blood test or waiting period. You can get your license and use it the same day.

You must be at least 18 years old to get a marriage license in Georgia. A 17-year-old may qualify under limited conditions, including proof of emancipation and a premarital education course. No one under 17 can receive a license in the state.

Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county. If neither person lives in Georgia, you must apply in the county where the ceremony will take place. So if you plan to marry in Quitman County and you are from out of state, this is the right office for you.

Quitman County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee for a marriage license in Quitman County is $56. Couples who complete a qualifying premarital education program pay just $16. The course must include at least six hours of instruction and be completed within 12 months of the application date. Bring the certificate of completion with you when you apply.

The premarital education must be done by a licensed counselor, social worker, therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or active member of the clergy. Both people in the couple need to take the course together. This is not something one person can do on their own to get the discount.

Payment methods can vary by county. Call the Quitman County Probate Court at (229) 334-2156 to confirm what forms of payment they accept. Some small Georgia counties only accept cash or money orders. It is a good idea to check before you go so there are no surprises at the counter.

After the Wedding Ceremony

Once the ceremony is done, the person who officiated your wedding must sign the marriage license. This step is important. The signed license then needs to go back to the Quitman County Probate Court within 30 days. Mail it to: Quitman County Probate Court, P.O. Box 71, Georgetown, GA 39854.

After the court records the license, they will mail you a certified marriage certificate. This usually takes a few weeks. If a month has passed and you have not received it, call the court to check on the status. The marriage certificate is the official proof that the marriage took place.

Keep your marriage certificate in a safe place. You will need it for things like changing your name on your driver's license, updating your Social Security card, or adding a spouse to your insurance. If you need extra certified copies later, contact the Probate Court.

Searching Marriage Records Online

You can start a marriage license application online through the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill it out from home and print the form. Then bring it with you when you visit the Quitman County Probate Court. This can cut down on time spent at the office.

To search for existing marriage records in Quitman County, try the marriage license search tool on the same site. This database covers many Georgia counties and lets you look up records by name.

The state vital records office at dph.georgia.gov holds marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside that window, you need to contact the Quitman County Probate Court directly. They hold local records from before 1952 and after 1996.

Certified copies of a marriage certificate can also be requested from the state office or the county. The state charges $10 for a search fee and $5 per additional copy. County fees may differ. Contact the Quitman County Probate Court for current pricing on certified copies.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Quitman County. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county, but your records will be filed in the county where you applied.