Access Washington County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Washington County are issued at the Probate Court in Sandersville. Both applicants must visit the court together to apply. Washington County is in central Georgia, and the probate court is the only office in the county authorized to issue marriage licenses. You will need current identification and the filing fee. The state of Georgia does not require a blood test or a waiting period. Your license is valid right away, and you can hold your ceremony as soon as you leave the courthouse with it in hand.
Washington County Marriage License Quick Facts
Washington County Probate Court Information
The Washington County Probate Court is located in Sandersville. This is the only office in the county where marriage licenses are processed. The courthouse serves a relatively small population, so you likely will not face a long wait.
Call the office at (478) 552-3186 with any questions. Mail goes to P.O. Box 271, Sandersville, GA 31082. The court is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. It is closed on state holidays and weekends.
| Office | Washington County Probate Court, Sandersville, GA 31082 |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 271, Sandersville, GA 31082 |
| Phone | (478) 552-3186 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Walk-ins are accepted during normal hours. However, it is smart to call first and confirm the office is open. Small county courts may have occasional closures that are not posted online. The judge may be able to perform a ceremony if you ask in advance.
What You Need to Apply in Washington County
Both people must come to the court at the same time. No one can file for you. Each applicant needs a valid photo ID. No blood test is required. Georgia dropped that rule years ago. There is zero waiting period.
The court accepts these forms of ID:
- Driver's license or state-issued ID
- U.S. passport
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- Military ID
Both applicants must be 18 or older. If you were married before, you will need proof that the previous marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or a death certificate is what the court needs. Do not leave this document at home if it applies to you.
Any Georgia resident can apply in Washington County. You do not have to live there. If neither applicant is a Georgia resident, you must apply in the county where the wedding will be held. The license can be used in any Georgia county.
Washington County Marriage License Fees
The cost of a marriage license in Washington County is $56. That is the standard rate for most counties in Georgia. Couples who bring proof of completing a premarital education program can get the fee reduced to $16. The program must include at least six hours of instruction and be done within the last 12 months.
Have the certificate in hand when you walk in. No proof means no discount. Fees are paid up front and cannot be refunded. Call the court to ask about accepted forms of payment.
Certified copies of recorded marriage certificates are available for a fee. Contact the Washington County Probate Court for the current cost. You can request copies by mail or pick them up at the office.
After the Wedding
The person who performs your ceremony signs the marriage license. The signed license must go back to the Washington County Probate Court within 30 days. Mail it to P.O. Box 271, Sandersville, GA 31082 or return it in person.
The court will record the marriage once they receive the completed license. After recording, you can request certified copies of the marriage certificate. This is the official document that proves your marriage.
Georgia's Department of Public Health at dph.georgia.gov holds statewide marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. For records outside that period, the Washington County Probate Court is your source.
Georgia Marriage License Rules
The Georgia.gov website provides a statewide overview of marriage license rules. These rules apply in Washington County and every other county in the state.
All 159 Georgia counties follow the same state laws. No waiting period. No blood test. Both people appear with ID and pay the fee. The differences are small and mostly come down to local details like exact hours and what forms of payment are accepted.
Online Application and Search Tools
You can begin the application process online at the Georgia Probate Records portal. Complete the form from home and print it. Then bring it to the Washington County Probate Court along with your ID and payment.
To search for existing marriage records in Washington County, use the marriage record search page. Some records, especially older ones, may not show up in the online database. For those, contact the court.
Nearby Counties
Washington County shares borders with several other Georgia counties. You can apply for a marriage license in any county if you are a Georgia resident.