Alabama Marriage Certificate Recording Guide (2026)
Alabama has issued no marriage license since 29 August 2019 (Ala. Code § 30-1-9.1). Instead each of you signs a notarized affidavit, you both sign a marriage certificate form, and it is recorded with the Judge of Probate within 30 days of the later signature. The statewide charges are $10 to record and $60 for the domestic violence trust fund, so $70 is the floor; counties add their own charges.
The one thing to knowThere is no license to apply for and no ceremony required. The marriage is valid on the date you both sign; the form must be recorded within 30 days of the later signature.
The process
- Each of you signs a notarized affidavit
Since 29 August 2019 the notary on each affidavit replaced both the license and the witnesses. Bring photo ID to the notary.
- Both of you sign the marriage certificate form
The marriage is valid on the date you both sign, not on the day it is recorded. No ceremony and no witnesses are required.
- Record it with the Judge of Probate within 30 days
The statewide charges are $10 to record (§ 12-19-90(b)(32)) and $60 for the domestic violence trust fund (§ 30-6-11). $70 is the floor, not the price: counties add their own charges, so confirm the total with your probate office.
Marriage license fees by county — all 67 Alabama counties
What to bring
- Each notarized affidavit
- The marriage certificate form, signed by both of you
- Photo ID, for the notary
- The recording fee — at least $70; confirm your county’s total
Frequently asked questions
Does Alabama still issue marriage licenses?
No. Ala. Code § 30-1-9.1(g) abolished the marriage license and the ceremony requirement. You record a marriage certificate with the Judge of Probate instead.
How much does it cost?
At least $70: $10 to record (§ 12-19-90(b)(32)) and $60 for the domestic violence trust fund (§ 30-6-11), plus any charge the county adds. Call your county probate office for its total.
Do both of us have to appear before the Judge of Probate?
No. Each of you signs a notarized affidavit and you both sign the form; the notary replaces the appearance, and the form is then recorded with the Judge of Probate.
How long do we have to record it?
Within 30 days of the later signature.