Find Terrell County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Terrell County are issued at the Probate Court in Dawson. The court serves all residents of the county and handles marriage license applications during regular business hours. Both people planning to marry must visit the office together. You will need valid photo ID and the license fee. At $56 for the standard rate, the cost is in line with most Georgia counties. A reduced fee of $16 is available for couples who finish a premarital education course. There is no waiting period and no blood test under Georgia law.
Terrell County Marriage License Quick Facts
Terrell County Probate Court
The Terrell County Probate Court in Dawson is the sole office where you can apply for a marriage license in this county. Dawson is in southwest Georgia, and the courthouse is centrally located in the town. Staff can help you through the application, which typically takes less than half an hour.
The state of Georgia marriage license page has an overview of what to expect when applying at any county probate court.
These statewide rules apply the same in Terrell County as they do everywhere else in Georgia.
| Office | Terrell County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 464, Dawson, GA 39842 |
| Phone | (229) 995-4461 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
The courthouse is closed on weekends and state holidays. If you are coming from outside the area, call ahead to make sure someone is available to process your application.
Application Requirements
Both applicants must appear in person. This is a rule set by state law. Each person needs to bring a valid form of photo ID. The Terrell County Probate Court will not issue a license without verifying both identities.
Accepted forms of identification:
- State-issued driver's license or ID card
- Valid U.S. passport
- Original or certified birth certificate
- Military ID
If either applicant was married before, you must provide proof the prior marriage is over. This means a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate. Without this documentation, the court cannot move forward with your application.
There is no residency requirement for Georgia residents. You can live in any part of the state and apply in Terrell County. Non-residents of Georgia may only apply in the county where the ceremony will take place. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. No blood test has been required in Georgia since 2003.
Fees for a Marriage License
The fee is $56 for a marriage license in Terrell County. Couples who have a premarital education certificate can pay $16. The course has to be at least six hours and done within the past year. Show the certificate when you apply.
All fees are non-refundable. Payment is due when you apply. Contact the court at (229) 995-4461 to ask about accepted payment methods. Small county offices may prefer cash or check over card payments.
If you need certified copies of the marriage certificate after the wedding, those are available from the Terrell County Probate Court at a small per-copy fee. Order a few extras so you have them for updating legal records.
Returning the Signed License
After your ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license. This step makes it official. The signed license must be returned to the Terrell County Probate Court within 30 days. You can mail it or bring it in.
The court records the license and mails you a certified marriage certificate. This is the document you use to prove you are legally married. It takes a few weeks to process, so be patient. If you do not receive it after 45 days, get in touch with the probate court.
Your marriage certificate is needed for name changes, joint insurance, tax filing, and other legal matters. Keep it in a secure spot. Replacing a lost certificate requires time and an additional fee.
Terrell County Marriage Records
Use the Georgia Probate Records search tool to look up marriage records from Terrell County. It is free and lets you search by name.
To fill out your application before visiting the court, go to the online application page. Complete it, print it, and bring it with you to Dawson.
The Georgia Department of Public Health has state marriage records from June 1952 to August 1996. For anything outside that range, the Terrell County Probate Court is your source.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Terrell County. Georgia residents can get a marriage license at any county probate court in the state.