Richmond County Marriage License

Marriage license applications in Richmond County are processed at the Probate Court on James Brown Boulevard in Augusta. The court serves Augusta and all of Richmond County. An online application is available to get started before your visit. Both people must appear in person with valid identification. The application process takes about 20 to 30 minutes at the courthouse, and the license is issued the same day. Richmond County is on the eastern border of Georgia, right across the Savannah River from South Carolina, making it a common choice for couples in the Augusta metro area.

Richmond County Probate Court

The Richmond County Probate Court is at 735 James Brown Blvd., Suite 1000, in Augusta. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Both people must come together during these hours. The court processes applications on a first-come basis. Expect about 20 to 30 minutes for the whole thing.

Call (706) 821-2434 for questions. The fax number is (706) 821-2442. Visit the Richmond County Probate Court website for the latest on procedures and forms.

Below is the Georgia state marriage license page that outlines the general application process used in Richmond County.

Each Georgia county operates within this statewide framework but may set its own fees and procedures.

Marriage License Requirements in Richmond County

Both people must show up at the Probate Court together. You need valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, birth certificate, or passport all work. If either person was married before, bring the final divorce decree or death certificate.

You must be at least 18 to get a marriage license. A 17-year-old can apply with proof of emancipation and a premarital education certificate. Nobody under 17 can get a license in Georgia for any reason.

Georgia residents can apply in any county. Non-residents must apply in the county where the ceremony will take place. There is no waiting period. No blood test either. That was dropped in 2003. The Richmond County marriage license does not expire, so you have time between getting the license and holding the ceremony.

Richmond County Marriage License Fees

The fee for a marriage license in Richmond County is $76. This is on the higher end for Georgia counties. With a premarital education certificate, the fee drops to $36. The course must be at least six hours, completed within 12 months, and done together as a couple. You need the certificate at the time of applying.

Certified copies of marriage records cost $10 for the search fee plus $10 per certified copy. So if you need one copy, it is $20 total. If you need two copies, it is $30. This pricing is specific to Richmond County.

All fees are non-refundable. Make sure you have everything in order before you start the process. If your application is denied for missing documents, you will not get the money back.

Apply Online for Richmond Marriage License

Richmond County offers an online application to speed up your visit. Start at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Fill out the form at home, print it, and bring it with you to the courthouse. This saves time at the office.

Even after completing the online form, both people still need to appear in person. You will sign the application under oath at the court. Bring your ID and any supporting documents like a divorce decree. The online step is optional but recommended.

To search for existing Richmond County marriage records, try the marriage record search tool. The state vital records office has records from June 1952 to August 1996. For records before or after that range, the Richmond County Probate Court is your source.

After Your Wedding

The officiant signs the license after the ceremony. Return the signed license to the Richmond County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it to 735 James Brown Blvd., Suite 1000, Augusta, GA 30901 or bring it in person. The court records the marriage and sends a certified certificate by mail.

If you need name change documents, the marriage certificate is your starting point. Take it to the Social Security office first, then the DMV. Georgia law requires that each person choose a legal surname at the time of the marriage license application. That goes on the form under oath.

Georgia Marriage Laws

Marriage licenses in Georgia are governed by OCGA 19-3-30. The probate court judge issues the license at the county courthouse. There is no waiting period, and the license does not expire in most counties including Richmond. The completed license must be returned within 30 days after the ceremony.

OCGA 19-3-2 sets the eligibility rules. Both people must be of sound mind, at least 18, and not married to someone else. Prohibited family relationships are listed in OCGA 19-3-3. The premarital education fee reduction comes from OCGA 19-3-30.1.

Cities in Richmond County

Richmond County includes the city of Augusta. All residents apply for their marriage license at the Richmond County Probate Court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Richmond County in eastern Georgia. Georgia residents can apply for a marriage license in any county.