Show All Answers

1. What to Expect When You Open an Estate

Instructions for administering an estate

2. How do I prepare an Estate Inventory

How to prepare an inventory

3. What is required to apply for a marriage license?

All applicants must apply in person and a $50 fee is required at the time of application (cash or check). Additional requirements include:
- For ages 19 and older: Driver's license or state issued ID number or passport, and a social security number or resident alien ID number.
- For age 18: Certified birth certificate, driver's license or state issued ID or passport, and social security number or resident alien ID number.
- For ages 16 and 17: Certified birth certificate, driver's license or state issued ID or passport, and social security number or resident alien ID number and custodial parent's consent.

Find out what is required if applicant does not have a SSN or resident alien ID number.

4. What if an applicant does not have a social security or resident alien number?

In lieu of a social security number or resident alien card, the court will accept other documentation including a visa, passport, picture ID and other documentation appropriate to the visa status.

For further information, please contact the Probate Court.

5. What is the waiting period for a marriage license?

There is a 24 hour waiting period before the license can be issued.

6. After the 24 hour waiting period has expired, do both applicants need to be present to pick up the marriage license?

If both applicants were present at the time of application, only one will be required to pick up the marriage license.

7. Can the license be mailed after the 24 hour waiting period?

If both applicants were present at the time of application and completed the mailing request form, the license can be mailed for a fee of $1.

8. Can I view marriage license or estate records for York County online?

The records are not yet available online, but may be viewed using the Court's software program, ICON. To see and print these records, you may go to the public computers located in the Register of Deeds office in the Government Center (6 S. Congress St., York) and on the 2nd floor of the Historical Courthouse in the office of the Clerk of Court (2 S. Congress St., York). There will soon be a form available on the Probate Court web page for requesting copies. 

Marriage licenses are available online and either plain or certified copies may be ordered by going to www.southcarolinaprobate.net. 

through the South Carolina Probate search.

9. Can someone else pick up my marriage license for me?

Yes - at the time of application, both applicants must be present and complete a form to designate a person to pick up the marriage license.

10. Will the marriage license expire?

No, it will not expire but is valid for marriage only in South Carolina.

11. How do I obtain a certified copy of my marriage license?

You may come by our office, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per copy. If you wish to send a request by mail, please send both applicants' names, date of marriage, $5 fee (check or money order) and a self addressed stamped envelope.
**Please note: due to our courier's schedule, requests for priority or express mail delivery must be made by 11 a.m. for same day pickup from the Probate Court.
You may also submit an online request here online request through the Probate Court search.

12. I had a death in my family, do I need to probate the estate and will I need an appointment?

Yes, an appointment is necessary. Due to COVID restrictions and the high volume of estates under administration, please contact the Court at 803-684-8513 to schedule the appointment with an estate paralegal. We will ask you a few questions before advising whether you will need to open an estate, but in most situations the probate process will be needed and will be of benefit to your family. After you make the appointment, you'll receive a Court Information Sheet via mail or email. Please complete the form and bring it with you to the appointment.  

13. Can I use a South Carolina marriage license in another state?

No. You must use the license in South Carolina.

14. How do I qualify to receive a $50 state income tax credit when applying for a marriage license?

If a couple has completed a qualifying premarital preparation counseling course prior to applying for the license, and presents a certificate of completion at the time of application, they may be eligible for a $50 non-refundable state income tax credit.
See S.C. Code 20-1-230 for further information. Premarital Certification of Completion (PDF).