Covington County Marriage License Records
Marriage licenses in Covington County are filed at the Probate Court in Andalusia. About 37,000 people live in this southern Alabama county near the Florida border. The standard recording fee is $75.50. Minors (ages 16-17 with parental consent) pay a slightly higher fee of $78.50. This guide covers everything you need to file in Covington County.
Covington County Quick Facts
Covington County Probate Court Office
The Probate Court handles all marriage licenses in Covington County. The office is in the courthouse in Andalusia. This city is the county seat. The courthouse is downtown, easy to find.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The court closes for state holidays. No appointment is needed. Walk-ins are welcome for marriage filing. Arrive before 4:00 PM to allow processing time.
| Office | Covington County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Court Square Andalusia, AL 36420 |
| Phone | (334) 428-2512 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Note: Minors ages 16-17 pay a slightly higher fee. Parental consent is required.
Covington County Marriage License Fees
The standard recording fee in Covington County is $75.50. If either party is a minor (age 16-17), the fee is $78.50. This $3 difference covers additional processing for parental consent verification.
The fee covers recording, state filing, and one certified copy. The base court fee is $10. The state adds $60 for the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Additional processing charges make up the rest.
Payment methods include cash and checks. Ask about credit and debit cards. For mail requests, send a check or money order to Covington County Probate Court.
Extra certified copies cost about $5 each. Get several when you file. They are useful for name changes and legal documents.
How to File in Covington County
Filing a marriage license in Covington County follows standard Alabama rules. The process is straightforward for adults. Minors need extra paperwork.
First, get the form. Download it from dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. The form must be typed. Both parties fill out their sections. Print after completing.
To file in Covington County, adults bring these items:
- Completed marriage license form (typed)
- Valid photo ID for both parties
- Notarized signatures from both parties
- $75.50 recording fee
- Social Security numbers
Both people sign in front of an Alabama notary. The notary stamps and signs. Complete this before visiting the courthouse.
Bring everything to the Probate Court. The clerk reviews your form. If complete, they file it right away. You get a certified copy. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
File within 30 days of the last signature. Your marriage is valid from that date.
Covington County Minor Fees
Covington County charges minors a higher fee. If either party is age 16 or 17, the recording fee is $78.50 instead of $75.50. This $3 difference covers extra processing.
Why the difference? Minors require parental consent. The court must verify the consent affidavit. This takes extra staff time. The higher fee covers this additional work.
Requirements for minors (age 16-17):
- Recording fee: $78.50
- Notarized parental consent affidavit
- Parent must sign in front of a notary
- Birth certificate may be required
- Valid ID for all parties
Alabama law allows marriage at age 16 with parental consent. Under Section 30-1-5, a parent or guardian must consent in writing. The consent must be notarized. Call the Probate Court for the specific consent form.
No one under 16 can marry in Alabama. There are no exceptions.
Can You Search Covington County Records Online?
Covington County has limited online access for marriage records. Direct contact with the Probate Court is usually needed for specific searches.
Call (334) 428-2512 to search for records. Staff can look up names and dates. They can tell you if a record exists. For certified copies, you may need to visit or mail a request.
The state also keeps records. Alabama Center for Health Statistics has marriage records from 1936 forward. Order through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The fee is $15 for search and first copy.
For genealogy, try FamilySearch.org. They have digitized Alabama marriage records. Access is free with an account.
Marriage License Laws in Alabama
Alabama changed its marriage laws in 2019. Marriage licenses are gone. The state uses licenses now. No ceremony is required. No officiant is needed.
Alabama Code Section 30-1-9.1 set up the new system. Your marriage is valid when both sign and the form is recorded. File within 30 days.
Under Section 30-1-4, you must be 16 or older. Ages 16-17 need parental consent per Section 30-1-5.
Marriage records are public under Section 22-9A-21. Anyone can request copies.
After divorce, wait 60 days to remarry. Covington County follows this rule.
Search Covington County Records
Use our search tool to find marriage records and other public records in Covington County, Alabama.
Cities in Covington County
Covington County has several towns. Andalusia is the largest and county seat. Opp and Florala are other communities. All residents file at the Probate Court in Andalusia.
Andalusia has about 8,700 residents. Opp has about 6,500. No city in Covington County has a population over 50,000. For marriage services, everyone uses the courthouse in Andalusia.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Covington County. You can file in any Alabama county. Consider nearby options based on convenience.