Blood Test for Marriage License in Atlanta: Required?
No, Atlanta Does Not Require a Blood Test
Georgia eliminated its premarital blood test requirement years ago. You can walk into the Fulton County Probate Court or any Georgia county probate court and apply for your marriage license without any medical screening, blood work, or health certification.
This question comes up often because premarital blood testing was standard across the United States for decades. Your parents or grandparents likely needed one. But Georgia law no longer includes this requirement, and the process in Atlanta today is straightforward: bring your documents, pay the fee, and walk out with your license.
Why States Required Premarital Blood Tests
The premarital blood test requirement dates back to the 1930s, when syphilis infection rates were rising across the United States. State legislatures used marriage license applications as a public health checkpoint. The reasoning was direct: screen couples before they married, identify sexually transmitted infections early, and reduce the spread of syphilis and other communicable diseases.
By 1944, more than half of U.S. states had adopted premarital blood test laws. The tests served their purpose for a time, but two factors made them less effective over the decades. Routine medical care became more accessible, meaning fewer infections were first caught through marriage screening specifically. The cost of administering the tests also outweighed the declining number of positive results.
States began repealing these laws one by one. Georgia joined the majority of states that concluded premarital blood tests were no longer a cost-effective public health measure. The repeal did not reduce public health protections because modern STI screening happens through regular healthcare visits, not marriage license applications.
States That Still Require Blood Tests for Marriage
Montana is the only state that still has a premarital blood test provision in its statutes, though even there the requirement is limited in scope and rarely enforced in practice.
If you are planning a destination courthouse wedding in another state, check that state’s specific requirements before traveling. Marriage license rules vary significantly between states, covering everything from mandatory waiting periods to residency requirements and witness rules. Georgia is one of the more straightforward states for obtaining a marriage license.
Voluntary Premarital Health Screenings
Georgia law does not require health testing, but some couples choose to get screened before marriage on their own. This is a personal decision, not a legal requirement for your marriage license.
Premarital health screenings can cover sexually transmitted infections, genetic conditions like sickle cell trait or cystic fibrosis carrier status, and general wellness panels. Most primary care physicians can run these tests during a routine office visit. Many health insurance plans cover STI screening and genetic counseling as preventive care, meaning the out-of-pocket cost may be minimal.
Whether you pursue voluntary testing is entirely your choice. The Fulton County Probate Court will not ask about your health status or require any medical documentation as part of your marriage license application.
What You Actually Need for an Atlanta Marriage License
Georgia requires the following when you apply for a marriage license at the probate court. For a full walkthrough of the process, see our guide to getting a marriage license in Georgia.
Both partners must appear in person. You cannot send a representative or apply by mail. Both applicants must visit the probate court together during business hours.
Valid government-issued photo ID. A Georgia driver’s license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID all work. The ID must be current and not expired. If the name on your ID does not match the name on your application (for example, from a previous marriage), bring documentation that explains the discrepancy, such as a divorce decree or court-ordered name change.
Social Security numbers. Both applicants must provide their Social Security numbers on the marriage license application. You do not need to bring the physical card, but you must know the number.
Application fee. The standard Georgia marriage license fee is $56. Couples who complete a state-approved premarital counseling course before applying pay a reduced fee of $16, saving $40. The course must be completed and certified before you submit your application.
Residency. At least one applicant must be a Georgia resident. Non-residents can still marry in Georgia, but they must apply for the license in the county where the ceremony will take place.
The $40 Premarital Education Discount
Georgia actively incentivizes premarital education by offering a $40 reduction on the marriage license fee. This is one of the largest fee discounts of its kind among U.S. states.
Qualifying programs cover communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, financial planning for couples, and setting expectations for married life. Approved programs are offered through religious organizations, community centers, and licensed family counselors throughout the Atlanta metro area.
To claim the discount, bring your certificate of completion to the probate court when you apply for your license. The certificate must come from a state-approved provider. Contact your county’s probate court for a current list of accepted programs.
Many couples report that premarital counseling gives them practical tools for their partnership, independent of the fee savings. Georgia’s program addresses real relationship skills, not just ceremony planning.
Waiting Periods and License Validity in Georgia
Georgia has no waiting period after you receive your marriage license. You can legally marry the same day you pick up the license from the probate court.
Georgia marriage licenses also have no expiration date. This sets Georgia apart from states like California (90-day expiration) and New York (60-day expiration). You can obtain your license weeks or months before your ceremony without worrying about it becoming invalid.
This flexibility is particularly useful for couples planning their wedding on a budget who want to separate the legal paperwork from ceremony planning. Get your license whenever it is convenient, then take your time arranging the courthouse wedding itself.
Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate: Two Different Documents
Your marriage license grants legal permission to marry. You obtain it from the probate court before your ceremony.
Your marriage certificate is the official record proving your marriage took place. After your ceremony, your officiant signs the license and returns it to the county. The probate court processes it and issues your marriage certificate, which typically arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
You will need your marriage certificate for post-wedding tasks: updating your name on your driver’s license and Social Security card, deciding whether to change your last name, changing bank accounts, modifying insurance policies, and updating your tax filing status.
Applying for Your License at Fulton County Probate Court
The process at the Fulton County Probate Court is direct. No blood tests, no waiting period, no license expiration. Bring valid photo IDs, your Social Security numbers, and the application fee. You can walk out with your marriage license the same day.
The Fulton County Probate Court handles both marriage license applications and civil wedding ceremonies. For couples who want a meaningful, low-stress wedding experience, Atlanta’s city hall is a popular choice that combines both steps in a single visit. If you are ready to move forward, our Atlanta courthouse wedding guide covers ceremony scheduling, what to expect on the day, and everything you need to know about getting married at Atlanta city hall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia require a blood test to get married?
No. Georgia eliminated the premarital blood test requirement years ago. You do not need any medical screening, blood work, or health certification to obtain a marriage license in Georgia. Apply at your county’s probate court with valid photo ID, Social Security numbers, and the application fee.
How much does a marriage license cost in Atlanta?
The standard Georgia marriage license fee is $56. Couples who complete a state-approved premarital education course before applying pay a reduced fee of $16, saving $40. The course must be certified by an approved provider.
Is there a waiting period for a marriage license in Georgia?
No. Georgia has no waiting period. You can legally marry the same day you receive your marriage license from the probate court. Georgia marriage licenses also have no expiration date, so you can hold the license as long as you need before your ceremony.
Can non-residents get a marriage license in Atlanta?
Non-residents can marry in Georgia, but at least one applicant must be a Georgia resident to apply at any probate court. If neither partner is a Georgia resident, you must apply for the license in the specific county where your ceremony will take place.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license grants legal permission to marry and is obtained before your ceremony. A marriage certificate is the official record proving your marriage took place. After your ceremony, your officiant signs the license, files it with the county, and the probate court issues your marriage certificate within one to two weeks.