General Procedures

By clicking the image above, you can access probate-related standard forms and instructions issued by the State of Georgia

Complete the application online. Applicant 1 is the Groom or the person whose last name will not change. Applicant 2 is the Bride or the person whose last name may change. If either party was previously married, a final divorce decree or a death certificate is required. The cost is $77 for an application without premarital counseling; with proof of at least 6 hours of documented premarital counseling, the cost is $37. Once the application is submitted online, both parties must be present at the Court to receive the license. The processing of marriage licenses ends at 4 p.m. The Probate Court does not conduct marriage ceremonies. After the parties are married, the marriage license must be recorded in the County where the marriage license was obtained. 

Complete the application online, and call to schedule an appointment, no walk ins. You must be at least 21 years old unless you are active military. When applying, select New License whether the license is new or a renewal. If it is a renewal, bring your current license to the appointment, and the application will be changed to renewal. Once the application is submitted, you will be given a confirmation number. Call to schedule your office appointment to complete the application process. The fee payable to the Probate Court is $84.75 for a new application, and  $45 for a renewal. The state-mandated NICS background check and fingerprinting process is also handled with the court.

To request a birth or death record, you must have an official photo identification. The cost in the office (payable by cash, money order, or credit/debit card) or by mail to the Probate Court (payable by check or money order only) is $25. Each additional copy is $5 more. If you do not have an acceptable photo I.D., an immediate adult family member (i.e., mother, father, sister, brother, son, or daughter) may request on your behalf with their I.D. To request a vital record by mail, you must include a copy of the requestor’s official photo I.D. card, along with the record requested, the requester’s address, telephone number, and relationship to the person for whom the record is sought. Mail the written request and the payment to the Probate Court of Burke County at P.O. Box 322, Waynesboro, GA 30830. Do not send cash in the mail.