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1. Do I have to make an appointment to apply for a weapons carry license?

Yes. If you are applying for a weapons carry license for the first time, you are required to schedule an appointment with the Probate Court. 

To Schedule An Appointment:

1. Call the Probate Court at 762-400-6326.
2. Leave a message stating that you need to schedule an appointment to submit an application for a weapons carry license. This message must also include your name and your phone number. Please speak clearly and slowly on the message so that Probate Court will be able to return your call in a timely manner.  
3. Probate Court will return your call to confirm an appointment date and time. Note that Probate Court returns calls in the order in which the messages are received.

2. What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?

What You Will Need Bring to Your Appointment:

1. Completed application packet. Download and print the application packet (PDF). If you are not able to print documents, call 762-400-6326 or email pam.middlebrooks@accgov.com to request that one be mailed to you. Fill out the application packet but do not sign the signature field on page 2 of the packet. You will complete the signature during your appointment.
2. Valid driver’s license or state-issued ID card showing a Clarke County address
3. Check or money order (no cards or cash) in the amount of $71.00 addressed to Athens-Clarke County Probate Court for license fee. Note that the license fee increases to $73.25 effective August, 2, 2020. 
4. Separate check or money order (no cards or cash) in the amount of $5.00 addressed to the Sheriff’s Office for fingerprinting
5. If you were born outside of the United States you will also need one of the following documents to support your application:
   • U.S. Passport
   • U.S. Birth Certificate for Applicant and/or  Applicant’s Parent 
   • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization

3. Do I have to make an appointment to renew my weapons carry license?

No. Renewals must be done through the mail only. At this time, Probate Court is able to renew Clarke County Weapons Carry Licenses only.

To Renew a Weapons Carry License

1. Download and print the application packet (PDF). If you are not able to print documents, call 762-400-6326 or email pam.middlebrooks@accgov.com to request that one be mailed to you. Fill out the application packet but do not sign the signature field on page 2 of the packet. You will complete the signature during your appointment.
2. Have your signature witnessed by a notary public in the space reserved on the form for a clerk’s signature. 
3. Place your completed and notarized application in an envelope with the following forms of payment:
   1. Check or money in the amount of $30.00 addressed to Athens-Clarke County Probate Court for renewal fee
   2. Check or money in the amount of $5.00 addressed to Clarke County Sheriff’s Office for local background check.
4. Mail your application and forms of payment to:
   Athens-Clarke County Probate Court
   ATTN: Weapons Carry License Renewal
   325 E. Washington St., Suite 200
   Athens, GA 30601

4. How long do I have to wait to get my permit?

Processing times vary. All applications must have both a FBI and a GBI criminal background check. The time it takes to receive the background checks from these agencies will vary. The average time is at least four to six weeks, but is dependent upon each applicant’s criminal history. A weapons carry license will not be issued until all background checks are received and reviewed by the judge.

5. How will I receive my permit?

We will mail your permit to you.

6. I have already had my fingerprints done for something else; do I have to do them again?

Yes. Law requires a new set of fingerprints be done for all new weapons carry license applications.

7. What forms of payment do you accept?

Probate Court accepts only check or money orders. No cards or cash are accepted at this time.

8. How much does it cost?

The fees associated with weapons carry licenses are as follows:

First Time License Applications

• $71.00 (through July 31, 2020) / $73.25 (effective August 2, 2020) + $5.00 fingerprinting fee

License Renewals

•  $30.00 + $5.00 local background check fee

9. I am not able to print the application/renewal packet. What do I do?

If you are not able to print documents, call 762-400-6326 or email pam.middlebrooks@accgov.com to request that one be mailed to you.

10. I live in Clarke County now, but my Weapons Carry License is from another county. Can I renew it by mail?

At this time, Probate Court is able to process renewals for residents with a Clarke County Weapons Carry License only. 

11. Do I have to have my application notarized?

If you are applying for a Weapons Carry License for the first time, a clerk will witness your signature during your appointment.

If you are renewing an existing Clarke County Weapons Carry License by mail, you are permitted to have a notary public witness your signature before mailing in your renewal application.

12. My license expired, but the courts were closed due to COVID-19. What do I do?

According to the Governor’s Executive Order effective May 8, 2020, if your license expired between February 13, 2020 and August 12, 2020, you have 120 days (not the statutory 30 days) after the expiration date on the face of the license to apply for a renewal license. 

The renewal deadline for licenses expiring later will also be extended if the judicial emergency period is extended.

To Renew a Weapons Carry License

1. Download and print the application packet (PDF). If you are not able to print documents, call 762-400-6326 or email pam.middlebrooks@accgov.com to request that one be mailed to you. Probate Court is able to renew Clarke County Weapons Carry Licenses only at this time.
2. Have your signature witnessed by a notary public in the space reserved on the form for a clerk’s signature. 
3. Place your completed and notarized application in an envelope with the following forms of payment:
   1. Check or money in the amount of $30.00 addressed to Athens-Clarke County Probate Court for renewal fee
   2. Check or money in the amount of $5.00 addressed to Clarke County Sheriff’s Office for local background check.
4. Mail your application and forms of payment to:
   Athens-Clarke County Probate Court
   ATTN: Weapons Carry License Renewal
   325 E. Washington St., Suite 200
   Athens, GA 30601