Georgia marriage licenses are issued by the county probate court. Georgia residents may apply at any county court, where out of state residents should apply in the county where they will be married.

Both parties should present when applying for a license. Counties have a range of application processes, most offer walk-in, some have appointments.  Check your county probate website for how to order and exact identification requirements, which is typically proof of age and identity (eg: marriage certificate, state driver’s license).

Be ready to pay the license application fee. This varies significantly between counties, from $15 (with pre-marriage counseling) to over $70. Once the wedding has been performed the officiant will return the completed license to the court. The couple can then apply for the official wedding certificate.

After the wedding the officiant will file the completed wedding license with the probate court in the county where it was issued.

The newlyweds can order a certified copy of the marriage certificate directly from the court. Check your county court website for information on how to order;  online, walk-in, appointment or mail. Certificate ordering fees also vary between counties. Usually between $10 and $20.

The SSA must be the first place where you change names, as the DMV will only allow a name that is an exact match with SSA records.

Start by visiting https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/change-name. Some applicants may have their identity and marriage verified online, if the court has processed and uploaded wedding details. A replacement SSA card with the same number but your new name will be mailed.

If you can’t be verified online, you will be directed to an SSA location to complete the name change in person. The site will explain what documents to take and you may be able to book an appointment.

You can still walk into a SSA location in person to change names using the SS5 form, however you will need to present full evidence of identity documents.

Once you have received proof of your new name, you can attend a DMV location update photo ID.

Visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services customer service center in person. Follow these three steps:

• Submit the online form before attending
• Take your original marriage certificate
• Take your current Georgia driver’s license

Customers are allowed one free name or address change during the term of their original driver’s license otherwise there is a $10 fee. 

You may have a hyphenated name on your license, however that name must be reflected on your marriage record. Brides married out of state may choose a hyphenated surname. 

Visit your local county tag office in person or mail in the form.

If applying in person: there is no need to complete the MV-1 form. Simply visit a county tag office with a certified copy of your certificate, your current Georgia title, and your updated driver’s license. Find your local tag office at https://mvd.dor.ga.gov/motor/tagoffices/SelectTagOffice.aspx

If applying by mail: complete the MV-1 Motor Vehicle Title application form and return it to your local county tag office. We provide the form along with all other notification paperwork in your Easy Name Change kit.

There is no charge for a name change. There is an $18 fee for a NEW title to be issued.

If your passport was issued less than 12 months ago AND you were married within the past 12 months, you qualify for a free replacement using form DS-5504.

Passports issued over a year ago and/or if you were married more than a year ago, then use form DS-82 and pay full renewal fees ($130 for passport books, $30 for passport cards). No refunds are given for unused time remaining on your passport.