Certified Copy of Documents
Banks County Probate Court is the custodian of vital records which includes birth and death records. Certified copies cost $25.00 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy(CASH ONLY). For standard Probate Court forms and other information not listed here, go to the Georgia Probate Court website
**All Probate Court business requires an appointment at this time. This includes weapons permits, both new and renewals. Please call to schedule an appointment*
To request a certified copy of marriage license or application for marriage license:
- Marriage must be since 1859
- Provide request in writing by mail or in person at the office
- Name of groom and bride at time of the marriage
- Date of marriage
- $11.00 money order (or cash in person)
- Self-addressed envelope if mailed
To request a certified copy of Birth or Death Certificate:
- Birth must be since 1861
- Death must be since 1924
- Request in person with state issued picture identification
- Full name of birth of person
- Date of birth or death
- County of birth or death
- Full name of parents.
However, as explained below, there are instances in which specific documentation is required based on who is requesting the record:
• The person named on the certificate- If the person named on the certificate (i.e. the registrant) is the requestor, that person must provide valid photo identification at the time of the request (N/A for death certificates)
• The parent(s) named on the birth record- Must provide valid picture identification
• An authorized legal guardian or agent- Any person who has legal custody or control of a minor child must provide a certified copy of the court order establishing guardianship and legal custody
• Grandparents of the person named on the certificate- Must provide proof of relationship such as the birth certificate of the registrant’s parent
• An adult child or adult sibling of the person named on the certificate- Must provide proof of relationship by providing a copy of his or her birth certificate listing one of the same parents, along with his or her valid government issued picture identification which includes signature
• The spouse of the person named on the certificate- Must provide a copy of the marriage certificate, a photo copy of the spouse’s picture identification, which includes the spouse’s signature, with a notarized letter from the spouse giving permission (For death certificate copy of marriage certificate required only)
• Attorney-Must represent an immediate family member and provide a notarized letter on letterhead signed by the attorney; provide bar number indicating reason for the request and whom they represent; provide supporting documentation with the fee; provide a notarized release from the biological mother, in the event of an adoption
. • State or Federal Government Officials-The State Registrar or the local custodian may disclose data from Vital Records to authorized representatives of Federal State, or County agencies of government which request such data in the conduct of their official duties.
To request a certified copy of wills, estates, guardianships and other probate records:
- Record must be for event no earlier than 1859
- Provide request in writing by mail or in person at the office
- Explanation of the record requirement
- Full names of parties involved
- Date of record
- Cost is a $10.00 search fee plus $1.00 a page per copy
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