Find DeKalb County Marriage Records

DeKalb County marriage records are filed at the Probate Court in Decatur, Georgia. This is one of the most populated counties in the state with over 760,000 residents. The Probate Court handles all marriage license applications, keeps files of recorded marriages, and provides certified copies. DeKalb County requires appointments for marriage license work, so you must plan ahead. Whether you need to search for an existing marriage record or apply for a new license, the Probate Court on North McDonough Street in Decatur is the only office that handles it.

DeKalb County Probate Court Office

The DeKalb County Probate Court is at 556 North McDonough Street, Room 1100, in Decatur. The main phone number is (404) 371-2601. You can also email the court at probatecourt@dekalbcountyga.gov. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but all visits are by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted.

This is a busy court that serves one of the largest counties in Georgia. The staff handles a high volume of marriage license applications each week. Because of that, the appointment-only system keeps things running. Only the two applicants are allowed in the office. No family, friends, or children can come with you. If you miss your appointment, contact the court for instructions. You may need to resubmit your online application.

The DeKalb County Probate Court website has full details on services, hours, and how to reach the office.

The site covers all court services from marriage licenses to estate matters. For marriage records, look under the services section.

DeKalb County Marriage License Application

Getting a marriage license in DeKalb County follows a multi-step process. First, both people must complete the online application at georgiaprobaterecords.com. Save the "Order #" from your receipt confirmation page. Then schedule an appointment through the court's online system. Print the email confirmation and bring it with you to the appointment in DeKalb County.

At the appointment, both people must be present. Bring a valid photo ID for each person. The court accepts a driver's license, birth certificate, passport, or military ID. If either person was married before, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate. Under O.C.G.A. 19-3-2, both applicants must be at least 18 years old.

The DeKalb County marriage license page walks through each step of the process in detail.

The page covers ID requirements, the online application, and what to expect at your appointment. Read it carefully before your visit to avoid delays.

Note: If you miss your scheduled appointment in DeKalb County, you may need to contact the court and possibly resubmit the entire online application.

DeKalb County Marriage License Fees

DeKalb County charges $66 for a marriage license without premarital counseling. With proof of a qualifying premarital education program, the fee drops to $26. These fees are slightly higher than the state minimum because DeKalb County adds local court costs on top of the base amount set by O.C.G.A. 15-9-60.

The court accepts cash, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards. No bills larger than $20 are accepted for cash payments. Personal checks are not accepted. A 2.75% charge applies to debit and credit card transactions. Plan your payment method before the appointment. If you bring cash, make sure it is in small bills.

To get the reduced rate, both people need to finish at least six hours of premarital counseling under O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1. The counseling must come from a licensed professional or active clergy member and be completed within 12 months of the application. Bring the signed, notarized certificate to the DeKalb County Probate Court. Without it, you pay the full $66.

Searching DeKalb County Marriage Records

The DeKalb County Probate Court has a marriage records search portal. Certified copies cost $10 each. Online requests add a $2 shipping fee and a 2.75% charge for debit or credit card payments. You can also visit the court in person, though remember that appointments are required.

The DeKalb County government Probate Court page has links to online services and records requests.

Check the county website for updates on online search tools and request forms. The site may have links to the records search portal.

The state also has some records. The Georgia Department of Public Health holds marriage records from June 1952 through August 1996. The state search fee is $10, which is not refundable. For records before 1952 or after 1996, the DeKalb County Probate Court is the only source. Mail requests to the state take 8 to 10 weeks. The Probate Court in DeKalb County is generally faster for local records.

Marriage Laws Affecting DeKalb County

Georgia law applies to every marriage in DeKalb County. Under O.C.G.A. 19-3-1, a valid marriage requires that both people can contract, they enter an actual contract, and they follow state law. Neither person can have a living spouse from a marriage that was never dissolved. Both must be of sound mind.

There is no blood test. No waiting period exists in Georgia. Once the court issues the license, you can use it right away. The license is good for 60 days. After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the DeKalb County Probate Court within 30 days. The court records the marriage and mails a certified copy to the couple. Under O.C.G.A. 19-3-36, a 17-year-old may marry only with proof of emancipation, and the older party can be no more than four years older than the younger one. No one under 17 can marry in Georgia.

Residency rules are the same here as everywhere in the state. If at least one person is a Georgia resident, the license can come from any county. If neither person lives in Georgia, the license must come from the county where the ceremony will take place. DeKalb County, being part of metro Atlanta, gets many applications from people who live across county lines. As long as one person is a Georgia resident, applying in DeKalb County works fine.

Cities in DeKalb County

DeKalb County has many cities and communities spread across the metro Atlanta area. All marriage licenses come from the Probate Court in Decatur, no matter which part of DeKalb County you live in.

Other areas in DeKalb County include Decatur, Lithonia, Clarkston, Pine Lake, and Stone Mountain. All of these are served by the same Probate Court for marriage records and licenses.

Nearby Counties

These counties share a border with DeKalb County. If you live near the line between two counties, check your address to know which court to use for your marriage license.