Mobile County Marriage License Search

Mobile County marriage licenses are filed at the Probate Court in downtown Mobile. This county has the oldest marriage records in Alabama, dating back to 1813. The Landmark WEB system provides online access to over 5 million documents. Mobile is Alabama's port city and home to the original American Mardi Gras. The recording fee is $73. This guide covers everything about marriage records in Mobile County.

Mobile County Probate Court Office

The Mobile County Probate Court is in downtown Mobile. The office is at 151 Government Street. This is one of the busiest Probate Courts in Alabama. Staff handle thousands of filings each year.

The courthouse is in the heart of the city. Parking is available nearby. The office serves a large population. Wait times can vary. Morning visits tend to be faster. Avoid the lunch hour if you can.

The Probate Court has a long history. It has served Mobile County for over two centuries. Records here go back to when this area was still part of the Mississippi Territory. The current staff continue this tradition of service.

Note: Mobile County does not accept checks for marriage license recording. Bring cash or a card.

Mobile County Marriage License Fees

Mobile County charges $73 to record a marriage license. This is at the state average. The fee includes recording and one certified copy. You pay when you file.

Important: Mobile County does not accept checks for marriage recording. You must pay with cash or a credit/debit card. Cards may have a small processing fee. Plan your payment before you arrive.

Extra certified copies cost less. You can get more copies at the time of filing or later. Many couples need copies for name changes, insurance, and legal matters. Plan ahead for how many you need.

Fee details for Mobile County:

• Marriage license recording: $73
• Additional certified copies: Around $5 each
• Payment: Cash or card only, no checks
• Card processing fee: About 2.5%

How to File in Mobile County

Filing in Mobile County follows the state process. Alabama uses licenses. There is no license. You complete a form and file it with the Probate Court.

Download the form first. Get it from dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. The form must be typed. Handwritten forms will be rejected. Fill in all fields for both parties.

Both parties sign the form. Each signature needs notarization. Use an Alabama notary. Out-of-state notarization is not valid since June 2022. Many banks offer free notary services.

Bring the completed form to the Probate Court. Pay the $73 fee. Remember, no checks. Staff will process your filing. You get a certified copy on the spot. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Your marriage is legal on the date of the second signature. You have 30 days from that date to file. Do not miss the deadline.

What to bring to Mobile County Probate Court:

• Typed marriage license form
• Both signatures notarized by Alabama notary
• Photo ID for both parties
• $73 in cash or card (no checks)

Can You Search Mobile County Records Online?

Mobile County has one of the best online records systems in Alabama. The Landmark WEB portal provides access to over 5 million documents. Marriage indexes go back to 1813. This is the oldest collection in the state.

Visit the portal at landmarkweb.mobilecountyal.gov. You can search by name or date. Index searches are free. Document images cost about $0.10 per page. Marriage images are available from September 2019 forward.

The Landmark WEB system makes research easy. You can search from home. The index includes names, dates, and basic info. For full documents, you may need to pay the viewing fee or request copies from the office.

The state also has records. Alabama Center for Health Statistics keeps records from August 1936 onward. Order through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. But for Mobile County records before 1936, use the Probate Court.

Mobile County's collection is special. Records from the 1800s exist here. Genealogists and researchers come from across the country. The staff are experienced with historical research requests.

Mobile County's Historic Marriage Records

Mobile County has the oldest marriage records in Alabama. Records date back to 1813. That was before Alabama became a state. This area was part of the Mississippi Territory then.

The historic collection covers over 200 years. Thousands of marriages are documented. The records show how Mobile grew from a small port to a major city. Families can trace their roots through these documents.

Mobile was the original American Mardi Gras city. The celebration started here before New Orleans. This rich culture has attracted residents for centuries. Many couples chose to marry here through the years.

The Landmark WEB system makes these records accessible. You can search indexes from 1813 online. Document images start from September 2019. For older images, contact the Probate Court directly.

The Probate Court takes record preservation seriously. Staff work to protect and digitize historical documents. This effort makes Mobile County a resource for researchers everywhere.

If you have ancestors who married in Mobile County, records may exist. The staff can help you search. Bring any information you have about names and dates. Even partial information can help locate records.

Alabama Marriage License Laws

Alabama law changed in 2019. The state stopped issuing licenses. Now couples use a marriage license form. The main law is Code of Alabama Section 30-1-9.1.

No ceremony is needed in Alabama. No officiant must sign. No witnesses are required. The marriage is legal once both parties sign, notarize, and file within 30 days.

Age rules apply in Mobile County. You must be 18 to marry on your own. Those 16 or 17 need a parent's notarized affidavit. No one under 16 can marry under Alabama law.

Marriage records are public. Under Code of Alabama Section 22-9A-21, anyone can request copies. You need ID and payment. There are no restrictions.

Wait 60 days after a divorce before remarrying. This is state law. The Probate Court may ask for proof of your divorce date.

Cities in Mobile County

Mobile County has one qualifying city with over 50,000 residents. The city of Mobile is the county seat and the main population center.

Other communities in Mobile County include Prichard, Saraland, Citronelle, and Chickasaw. All residents file marriage licenses at the Mobile County Probate Court downtown.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Mobile County. You can file your marriage license in any Alabama county.

Search Mobile County Marriage Records

Use our search tool to find marriage records and other public records in Mobile County, Alabama.