Find Marriage Records in McDuffie County

McDuffie County marriage records are stored at the Probate Court in Thomson, Georgia. The court on Railroad Street issues marriage licenses, holds signed certificates, and provides copies to the public. If you need to search for a marriage record in McDuffie County or want to apply for a new license, call (706) 595-2124 to check on office hours and required documents. Both people must come to the courthouse together. Thomson is the only place where McDuffie County handles marriage license applications.

McDuffie County Probate Court

The Probate Court at 210 Railroad Street in Thomson handles all marriage record matters for McDuffie County. The office issues licenses, keeps certificates on file, and provides certified copies. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

McDuffie County is in east-central Georgia near Augusta. Many residents in the area use the Thomson courthouse for marriage licenses rather than driving to the larger city. The court staff can help you with the full application process and answer questions about what ID you need. If you plan to visit the McDuffie County Probate Court for a marriage license, call ahead to make sure the clerk is available and that you have the right paperwork.

The Georgia.gov marriage license application page covers the statewide requirements that apply in every Georgia county including McDuffie County.

The Georgia Archives holds historical marriage records from across the state, including older documents from McDuffie County.

Marriage Licenses in McDuffie County

Both people must appear at the McDuffie County Probate Court in Thomson at the same time. You cannot send someone else. Bring valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID. If either person was previously married, bring the final divorce decree or death certificate for the former spouse.

The standard license fee in McDuffie County is in the Georgia range of $56 to $77. Couples who complete six or more hours of premarital education pay $16 to $37 under O.C.G.A. 19-3-30.1. That is a $40 discount. The counseling has to come from a licensed professional or active clergy member and must be done within 12 months of the application. Bring the signed certificate to the McDuffie County courthouse.

Your license is valid for 60 days after issue. There is no waiting period in Georgia. You can hold the ceremony the same day. If 60 days pass without a ceremony, the license expires and you must reapply at the McDuffie County Probate Court.

Search McDuffie County Marriage Records

The quickest way to search for a marriage record in McDuffie County is to call (706) 595-2124. Give the clerk the names and a rough date. They can check the files and let you know what is available. In-person visits to the Thomson courthouse also work.

For records from June 1952 through August 1996, the Georgia Department of Public Health may have copies at their Atlanta office. The search fee is $10 and is not refundable. Mail requests take 8 to 10 weeks. Records outside those years are only at the McDuffie County Probate Court.

The Georgia Archives in Morrow has historical marriage records on microfilm from many Georgia counties. McDuffie County records from the 1800s and early 1900s may be available there for genealogy research.

Note: Marriage records from after August 1996 are only at the county Probate Court in Thomson.

McDuffie County Marriage Record Costs

Certified copies of marriage certificates from the McDuffie County Probate Court cost $10 each. Request them in person or by mail. Mail requests go to 210 Railroad Street, Thomson, GA 30824. Include payment and the names and date of the marriage. Call ahead to check accepted payment methods.

The state office has a separate $10 search fee for records from 1952 to 1996. Extra copies from the state cost $5 each. Under O.C.G.A. 15-9-60, each county sets its own license fee. McDuffie County uses the standard Georgia rates.

McDuffie County Marriage Requirements

Under O.C.G.A. 19-3-2, both people must be at least 18. A 17-year-old may marry only with proof of emancipation, and the older person cannot be more than four years older per O.C.G.A. 19-3-36. No one under 17 can marry in Georgia.

Georgia residents can apply at any county. You do not need to live in McDuffie County to get a license in Thomson. If neither person lives in Georgia, you must apply in the county where the ceremony will take place. The McDuffie County clerk reviews all ID and documents before issuing the license.

After Getting Married in McDuffie County

The officiant must sign the license and file it at the McDuffie County Probate Court within 30 days of the ceremony. Under O.C.G.A. 19-3-1, the marriage needs proper recording to be official. The couple gets a certified certificate by mail within about 30 days. This is needed for name changes, insurance, and bank updates.

If the signed license is not returned, the marriage may not be in McDuffie County records. Make sure your officiant files it at the courthouse in Thomson. The Georgia Probate Court standard forms page has additional documents you may need.

Cities in McDuffie County

Thomson is the county seat and largest city in McDuffie County. Dearing and Wrens are other communities in the area. No cities in McDuffie County have a population over 25,000. All marriage records go through the Probate Court in Thomson.

Nearby Counties

These counties border McDuffie County. Check your address before applying for a marriage license.