Can I use a copy I have had for years?

Maybe. If it is in good condition and the signature is still valid/recognizable by GSCCCA, yes. If it's old, torn, or the signature is faded, order a new one.

Complete 2026 Guide

GA Marriage Certificate Apostille: The Complete Mailing Guide

A complete guide to apostilling your Georgia marriage certificate. Learn why you must get a certified copy from the Probate Court and how to submit it to the GSCCCA.

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Reviewed by Amelia Rivera

Lead Apostille Specialist • Verified February 17, 2026

At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot

Issuing Authority	GSCCCA (Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority)
Processing Time	1–2 business days (typical GSCCCA processing after receipt, plus shipping)
State Fee	$3.00 per document
Critical Requirement	Probate Court Certified Copy Must be issued by the County Probate Court (Gold Standard).
Notary Required?	❌ No (for certified vital records)

🏛️ The Probate Court Requirement

For apostille purposes in Georgia, the gold standard is a certified copy issued by the Probate Court in the county where the marriage license was issued.

Why Probate Court?

They hold the original records and issue copies with the proper seal and signature recognized by GSCCCA.
State-issued copies (from DPH) are acceptable but sometimes have processing delays. Probate Court copies are often faster to obtain.
Visit the official GSCCCA Apostille FAQ for county-specific requirements.

Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents

Not every document showing marriage details is eligible. Georgia is strict about format.

Accepted for Apostille

• Certified copy from County Probate Court
• Certified copy from GA Dept of Public Health
• Must have raised/embossed/printed official seal
• Must have Probate Judge or Clerk signature
• Printed on security paper

Not Accepted

• "License" without the "Certificate" portion completed
• Decorative/commemorative certificates
• Photocopies (even if notarized)
• Laminated documents
• Documents signed by an officiant only (must be recorded)

Requirements Checklist

MUST HAVE

Original Certified Copy: Issued by County Probate Court (preferred) or State Vital Records.
Official Seal: Must bear the seal and signature of the Judge or Clerk.
Apostille Request Form: Completed and included with submission.

CANNOT ACCEPT

Photocopies: Even if notarized, they will be rejected.
Souvenir Certificates: Decorative certificates are not valid legal records.
Laminated Documents: The GSCCCA cannot stamp laminated papers.

Processing Times in 2025

Mail-in Service

1-2 Business Days

GSCCCA generally processes within 1-2 business days after receipt; total turnaround depends on shipping transit.

In-Person Drop-Off

Typically 1-2 Business Days

GSCCCA guidance is 1-2 business-day processing after receipt. Same-day completion is not guaranteed.

State and Document Fees

Service	Typical Fee (USD)
Georgia Apostille (per document)	$3.00
Certified Marriage Certificate (Probate Court)	~$10.00 - $20.00
Additional Copies (ordered same time)	~$5.00 each
Return Shipping	Varies by carrier

* State fees are separate from any service fees charged by professional apostille providers.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Wrong Document Type Submitting the "Marriage License" instead of the "Marriage Certificate" (application vs. recorded document).
Missing Signature/Seal Certificate lacks the Probate Judge/Clerk signature or the raised/embossed seal.
Laminated Documents Lamination prevents the apostille from being attached. These are automatically rejected.
Wrong Destination Request form lists a non-Hague country (requires Great Seal) or is missing the country entirely.

Apostille vs. Authentication (Non-Hague)

If your destination country is NOT a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (e.g., China, Vietnam, UAE), you need a different process called "Great Seal Certification".

The 3-Step Authentication Process:

1 State Certification Get a "Great Seal Certification" from the Georgia Secretary of State (Elections Division), NOT GSCCCA.
2 Federal Authentication Submit the certified document to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
3 Embassy Legalization Final legalization by the destination country's embassy or consulate.

Practical Tips Before You Submit

📄

Order Two Copies Keep one for your records; send one for apostille.

✍️

Check Spelling Ensure names match your passport exactly.

🚫

No Lamination Never laminate a document you need to apostille.

📎

Keep Together Don't remove staples once the apostille is attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notarize my marriage certificate? ▼

No. Certified marriage certificates issued by the Probate Court are public records and should not be notarized. The apostille authenticates the Probate Judge or Clerk's signature directly.

Can I apostille my original marriage license? ▼

Only if it is the "Certified Copy" of the recorded license. The document you received before the ceremony is just the license to marry. You need the certificate that proves the marriage was recorded after the ceremony.

How long is the apostille valid? ▼

The apostille does not expire, but some countries require the marriage certificate to be issued within the last 6-12 months. Check with the receiving authority.

Can I apostille a photocopy? ▼

No. GSCCCA requires the original certified copy with the raised or embossed seal. Photocopies are not accepted.

What if I was married in another state? ▼

You must obtain the apostille from the state where the marriage took place. Georgia can only apostille Georgia marriage certificates.

Can I use the same apostille for multiple countries? ▼

Technically yes for Hague countries, but the apostille is attached to a specific document. If you need to submit it to two countries, you usually need two separate certified copies and two apostilles.

Official Sources Used For This Page

These official references were used to validate requirements and process routing.