DeKalb County Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses in DeKalb County are filed at the Probate Court in Fort Payne. About 72,000 people live in this northeastern Alabama county. DeKalb is known as the "Sock Capital of the World" for its hosiery manufacturing. The recording fee is $74, slightly below average. The county has an annex in Rainsville for some services.
DeKalb County Quick Facts
DeKalb County Probate Court Office
The Probate Court handles all marriage licenses in DeKalb County. The main office is in the DeKalb County Courthouse in Fort Payne. This city is the county seat. The courthouse is downtown.
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.
| Office | DeKalb County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 Grand Avenue SW Fort Payne, AL 35967 |
| Phone | (256) 845-8510 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Note: DeKalb County has an annex in Rainsville. Call to confirm which services are available at each location.
DeKalb County Marriage License Fees
The recording fee in DeKalb County is $74. This is slightly below the state average. You pay when you file. The fee covers recording, state filing, and one certified copy.
The fee includes standard charges. The base court fee is $10. The state adds $60 for the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Additional local fees make up the remaining $4.
Payment methods include cash and checks. Ask about credit and debit cards. For mail requests, send a check or money order to DeKalb 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 DeKalb County
Filing a marriage license in DeKalb County follows standard Alabama rules. The process is straightforward.
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 DeKalb County, bring these items:
- Completed marriage license form (typed)
- Valid photo ID for both parties
- Notarized signatures from both parties
- $74 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.
DeKalb County Industry
DeKalb County earned the title "Sock Capital of the World." At its peak, the area produced most of the nation's hosiery. Fort Payne became the center of sock manufacturing in America.
The industry has declined in recent decades. Global competition moved production overseas. But the legacy remains. The Hosiery and Sock Shop still draws visitors. Fort Payne's history ties to this industry.
Beyond socks, the county offers natural beauty. Little River Canyon National Preserve is here. The canyon is one of the deepest in the Southeast. DeSoto State Park attracts hikers and campers. The area sits on Lookout Mountain.
For couples, DeKalb County offers options. Get married and explore the canyon. The natural setting provides backdrop for photos or celebrations. The Probate Court handles the paperwork. You handle the adventure.
Can You Search DeKalb County Records Online?
DeKalb County has limited online access for marriage records. Direct contact with the Probate Court is usually needed for specific searches.
Call (256) 845-8510 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. DeKalb County follows this rule.
Search DeKalb County Records
Use our search tool to find marriage records and other public records in DeKalb County, Alabama.
Cities in DeKalb County
DeKalb County has several towns. Fort Payne is the county seat and largest city. Rainsville, Henagar, and Fyffe are other communities. All residents file at the Probate Court in Fort Payne.
Fort Payne has about 14,000 residents. Rainsville has about 5,000. No city in DeKalb County has a population over 50,000. For marriage services, the main courthouse in Fort Payne is your destination.
Nearby Counties
These counties border DeKalb County. You can file in any Alabama county. Consider nearby options based on convenience.