City guide · Columbus, Georgia · Details last checked Nov 3, 2026

Columbus, Georgia document errands: printing, fax, notary, passports and certified copies (2026)

Where to print, notarize, apply for a passport and get certified copies in Columbus, Georgia, using only official and provider pages. Each fact links to its source. Some facts are statewide or national rather than local. We label those. Looking for Columbus, Ohio? See our Columbus, Ohio guide.

Printing, copying, scanning and fax

Chattahoochee Valley Libraries

• Prices: copy machines are at all locations; copies are black and white and cost 10 cents each. Prints are 10 cents a page for black and white and 50 cents for color ^[1].
• Scanning: the copy machines scan in color at no cost; you save scans to your own drive through a USB Type-A port ^[1].
• Computers and wireless printing: desktop computers are free with a library card or guest pass, and SmartALEC lets you send documents to print from anywhere ^[1].
• Fax: we didn't find fax service on the library's services list ^[1].
• Where: Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Rd, 706-243-2669. Hours are Mon–Thu 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri–Sat 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sun 1:30–6 p.m. It's closed Nov. 11 for Veterans Day and Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving, and closes at 6 p.m. on Nov. 25. The page also lists a Thanksgiving closure dated "November 27, 2025," so check with the library about Nov. 27 ^[13]. The Census Geocoder places the library in Columbus city ^[14].

• Clerk of Superior & State Courts: court and real estate records can be faxed or emailed as standard copies for $2.50 for the first page and $1.00 for each page after ^[15].
• The UPS Store: it lists 4 locations with Columbus, Georgia addresses. Its city page says its stores offer packing, shipping, printing, shredding, notarizing, faxing and mailbox services ^[16]. The Census Geocoder places these 3 in Columbus city: 1639 Bradley Park Dr, Ste 500; 3201 Macon Rd, Ste 139; and 8132 Veterans Parkway, Ste 409. It didn't match the fourth, 6361 Talokas Ln, Ste C140 ^[16][14]. Prices aren't listed online: its 1639 Bradley Park Dr store page shows no prices and says products, services, pricing and hours of operation may vary by location ^[17], so call the store for prices (last checked Nov 3, 2026).

See printing prices and fax prices.

Notary in Columbus

• Library: we didn't find notary service on the library's services list ^[1].
• The UPS Store: its Columbus page lists notarizing ^[16]. Prices aren't listed online; call the store ^[17]. Notary rules vary by state ^[18].
• Becoming a notary (Muscogee County): the Clerk's cost schedule lists a new notary certificate and a renewal at $55.00 each, and a certificate of authority at $2.00 ^[19]. The Clerk's notary and passport line is (706) 225-3208 ^[15]. We didn't find a fee on the Clerk's pages for notarizing your documents.
• How notaries are appointed (statewide): Georgia notaries are commissioned for a four-year term by the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where they live; residents of neighboring states who work or own a business in Georgia can apply in that county. Applicants must be at least 18 and complete the notary training course. The appointment fee is $40.00–$55.00 depending on the county. A Georgia notary can act anywhere in the state ^[20].
• Fees (statewide): the GSCCCA's summary of Georgia notary law says the authorized fee is $2.00 for each notarial act. On request, a notary may charge $2.00 more for a certificate from the Clerk of Superior Court showing the commission is in effect. A notary doesn't have to charge, but must tell you beforehand if there's a fee and the amount allowed by law ^[21].
• Journal (statewide): since January 1, 2025, a notary must keep a written or electronic journal entry for each notarial act done for a self-filer ^[21].
• The law itself (statewide): Georgia notary law is Title 45, Chapter 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated: Article 1 (§§ 45-17-1 to 45-17-20) and Article 2 (§§ 45-17-30 to 45-17-34). Under § 45-17-11, the fee is $2.00 for administering an oath, $2.00 for each attendance to make proof and certifying it, and $2.00 for every other certificate, and a notary can't charge more than $4.00 for each service. A notary doesn't have to charge, but must tell you the permitted fees before acting. Under § 45-17-5, a commission lasts four years, and the clerk of superior court can renew it for another four ^[22].
• Check a notary (statewide): the GSCCCA keeps the statewide notary database and has an online Notary Public Search Index. Its Notary Division phone is 404-327-6023 ^[20].

Passports in Columbus

The U.S. Department of State's Passport Acceptance Facility Locator data lists 3 facilities with Columbus, Georgia addresses. The Census Geocoder places all 3 in Columbus city ^[23][14]:

• Clerk of Superior & State Courts: passport services at 100 10th Street, 2nd Floor Tower, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., (706) 225-3208. Appointments aren't required but help you be seen on time; it takes about 30 minutes per applicant ^[4]. The office is moving and is closed Nov. 9; see the note above ^[4][6].
• Clerk fees and payment: the $35.00 execution fee and $20.00 photos are paid to the Clerk by cash, money order or credit/debit card. The State Department fee is paid separately by check or money order; temporary or starter checks aren't accepted ^[4].
• Probate Court: passports are walk-in only, Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. The $35 fee is paid to the court by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit or debit card, with a $2.50 processing fee. The State Department fee is check or money order only ^[5].
• Photos (offices differ): the Clerk charges $20.00 per photo ^[4]; the Probate Court takes photos for $15 ^[5]. The locator lists photos at both ^[23].
• Return delivery (pages differ): the Clerk lists an optional 1–2 day Return Deliver Fee of $23.36, so an expedited book with it is $213.36; passport cards aren't returned overnight ^[4]. The Probate Court lists 1–3 day delivery at $26.87, effective Oct. 1, 2026 ^[5]. That matches the State Department figure below, not the Clerk's or the USPS figure.
• Post office: the locator says to book appointments or see more passport times at usps.com/scheduler ^[23].
• Renewals: the Clerk says renewal by mail with Form DS-82 is possible if your passport meets the State Department's conditions ^[4].
• Library: we didn't find passport service on the library's services list ^[1].
• Post office fees (national): a $35.00 acceptance fee and a $15.00 photo fee "if needed" ^[24].
• Faster return delivery (national): two official pages list different prices. USPS lists "$22.05—1- to 3- day delivery service for faster return shipping to you from the State Department" ^[24]. The State Department's fee page lists 1–3 business day return delivery at $26.87, for passport books only ^[25]. We couldn't re-read the State Department page on Nov 3, 2026, because it blocked our check. Confirm the fee with the acceptance facility before you pay.

See the passport checklist and passport photo prices.

Birth, death, marriage, court and recorded-document copies

Birth and death certificates (West Central Health District)

• Fee: $25.00 for one certified copy and $5.00 for each additional copy on the same person bought at the same time. Valid picture ID is required, fees aren't refundable, and personal checks haven't been accepted since April 1, 2011 ^[2]. That's the same as the state fees below.
• Which records: certified birth copies are available whether you were born in Muscogee County or any other Georgia county ^[2].
• Where: Vital Records in Columbus, 5601 Veterans Parkway, Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. It closes at 3:30 p.m. on listed 2026 Mondays, including Nov. 9 and Dec. 14. The Vital Records Annex, next to the Department of Driver Services at 8397 Macon Rd., Midland, 706-530-4336, is open Tuesday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:00–11:30 a.m. ^[2]. The Census Geocoder places both in Columbus city ^[14].
• By mail: orders are mailed by USPS; tracked UPS mailing costs extra. Phone 833-337-1749, option 1, option 1 ^[2].

Birth and death certificates from the state (statewide)

• State fees (statewide): birth and death certificates are $25.00 each, plus $5.00 for each additional copy. Marriage certificates are $10.00 plus $5.00 for additional copies, and amendments are $10.00 plus the cost of the certificate ^[26].
• Payment (statewide): credit or debit cards at walk-in service or online, cash at walk-in service only, certified checks and money orders. Personal checks aren't accepted ^[26].
• Who can get one (statewide): certified birth and death certificates go only to people with a direct and tangible interest, such as immediate family members or legal representatives of the family ^[27][28]. Georgia.gov says only the registrant, an immediate family member or a legal representative can request one ^[12].
• Older births (statewide): the State Office of Vital Records has births from January 1919 on. For older births, contact the county where the birth happened or the Georgia Archives ^[27].
• In person (statewide): for same-day service, visit the State Office of Vital Records, 1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday–Friday except state holidays, or any county vital records office ^[12]. The state works with 159 county offices ^[29]. Georgia Vital Records doesn't do same-day cruise rush requests ^[27].
• By mail (statewide): mail the request form and payment to the State Office of Vital Records at the Phoenix Boulevard address. Georgia.gov gives a response time of 8–10 weeks ^[12], and the Department of Public Health says 8 to 10 weeks for mail-in death certificate requests ^[28].
• Online (statewide; pages differ on timing): the state's ROVER service charges $25 per certified copy plus $8 for processing. FedEx shipping is $16 per order and speeds up delivery only; the Department of Public Health says standard processing takes up to 10 weeks ^[30]. Georgia.gov gives an online response time of 2–4 weeks, or up to 5 business days for expedited orders, and lists ROVER, GO Certificates and VitalChek ^[12]. Ask the office which timing applies before you order.
• Divorce records (statewide): the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the divorce was granted holds the copies ^[12].

Marriage licenses (Muscogee County Probate Court)

• Who issues licenses (statewide): county probate courts. You must be at least 18, or 17 if certain conditions are met. If at least one of you lives in Georgia, any county's probate court can issue the license; if neither does, you must apply in the county where the ceremony will be. Both of you must be present ^[11].
• After the ceremony (statewide): the signed license should go back to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony, and the certificate typically arrives by mail within 30 days ^[11].
• Older copies (statewide): the State Office of Vital Records holds marriage applications and certificates from June 1952 to August 1996, with a non-refundable $10.00 search fee and $5.00 for each additional copy. Records outside those years are at the probate court of the county that issued the license ^[31].
• Muscogee County fee: $56.00, or $16.00 with printed proof of at least 6 hours of premarital counseling. The fee doesn't include any certified copies ^[3].
• When and payment: walk-in only; the court stops processing licenses at 4:00 p.m. You can start the application online. Pay by cash, money order or credit/debit card (3% fee added); American Express, personal checks and phone tap (Apple/Google Pay) aren't accepted. Phone 706-225-4750 ^[3]. The court is moving Nov. 6–9; see the note above ^[7].
• After the ceremony: return the original license to the Probate Court in person or by U.S. Mail ^[3].
• Copies: certified copies are $10.00 each once the license is returned and recorded. By mail, send the marriage date, both names, a return address and a $10 money order per copy to Probate Court, P.O. Box 1340, Columbus, GA 31902. Online requests are credit card only and take about 5–7 days by mail ^[3].
• Divorce papers: the Probate Court says copies of Muscogee County divorce documents come from the Superior Court Clerk's office ^[3].

Recorded documents (Muscogee County Clerk of Superior & State Courts)

• State law (statewide): under § 15-6-77 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, filing each instrument pertaining to real estate, including deeds, is $25.00; maps or plats are $10.00 a page; and recording any instrument not otherwise specified is $5.00 for the first page plus $2.00 for each page after ^[22]. The county's posted fees follow; if they differ from the statute, ask the Clerk which applies.
• Muscogee County recording fees: the Clerk's cost schedule lists deeds and other real estate instruments at $25.00, cancellations, satisfactions, releases or assignments at $25.00 each, and plats, maps and condominium floor plans at $10.00. "All Other Recording" is $5.00 for the first page and $5.00 for the second ^[19].
• E-filing and alerts: the Clerk takes real estate documents online through the GSCCCA e-file portal, and offers free FANS alerts on filings about your property. Recording Division: (706) 653-4358, option 2 ^[32].

Court and real estate record copies (Muscogee County Clerk)

• State law (statewide): § 15-6-77 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated sets Superior Court clerk fees. Uncertified copies are $0.50 a page, or $1.00 if the clerk helps. Certifying a record is $2.50 for the first page plus $0.50 for each page after. The clerk's certificate and the court's seal are $1.00 each. Issuing a notary's certificate of appointment or reappointment is $20.00. The latest amendment shown is Ga. L. 2024, SB 19, effective January 1, 2025; no 2025 or 2026 amendment is listed ^[22].
• Statute and county totals (statewide): those are the clerk's fees under § 15-6-77, which also allows fees set by other general laws ^[22]. Totals posted elsewhere, such as the GSCCCA's $40.00–$55.00 notary appointment range ^[20], are higher than the $20.00 certificate fee, and we didn't find a source that itemizes the difference. The county's posted fees follow; if they differ from the statute, ask the Clerk which applies.
• Copy fees: in person, a standard copy is $1.00 a page and a certified or exemplified copy is $2.50 for the first page plus $0.50 for each page after. By mail, certified or exemplified copies are $10.00 for the first 25 pages per document plus $1.00 for each page after ^[15].
• Pages differ: the Clerk's cost schedule lists uncertified copies at $0.50 a page without help or $1.00 a page with help ^[19], while its copy request page lists a standard copy at $1.00 a page ^[15]. Ask which applies.
• Payment: cash, money order, business check, Apple and Google Pay, and American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa cards; a 3.5% fee is added to card and phone payments ^[15].
• Where and when: the Government Center, 100 10th Street, 2nd floor Tower, with security screening; (706) 653-4358, option 1. Mailing address: P.O. Box 2145, Columbus, GA 31902 ^[15]. Office hours are Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., closed on City holidays ^[6]. The Census Geocoder places the Government Center in Columbus city ^[14].

Apostilles and other certifications (statewide)

• Who issues them (statewide): the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) is the only state agency that issues apostilles for Georgia documents, and Atlanta is its only location. For countries outside the Apostille Convention, the Georgia Secretary of State issues a Great Seal Certification instead (404-656-2871) ^[33].
• Fees (statewide): $3.00 per document for an apostille. A certification of notary public, for documents used in the U.S., is $2.00 per document ^[33].
• What it takes (statewide): birth, death and marriage certificates, divorce decrees and court documents must be official certified copies signed and sealed by the issuing Georgia official. Notarized documents don't need a county certification first. Out-of-state and federal documents go elsewhere ^[33].
• Walk-in (statewide): 1875 Century Blvd., Ste. 100, Atlanta, GA 30345, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday–Friday, no appointment needed; it typically takes less than 20 minutes. Pay by cash, a check with a pre-printed name and address payable to GSCCCA, a money order or credit card ^[33].
• By mail (statewide): GSCCCA, Attn: Notary Division, at the same address. Include a cover letter naming the destination country and a prepaid, self-addressed envelope or airbill; processing normally takes one to two business days. Contact notary@gsccca.org, 404-327-6023 or 800-304-5175 ^[33].

The GSCCCA's apostille office at 1875 Century Blvd. is outside Columbus: the Census Geocoder places it in Chamblee city ^[14]. More on certified copies: how to get a certified copy.

Money orders

USPS money order fees are national: $2.65 for $0.01 to $500.00, and $3.75 for $500.01 to $1,000.00. Pay with cash or a debit card, not a credit card. The limit is $1,000 per domestic money order ^[34]. Other sellers: money order guide.

Shredding

• Free community paper shredding (past): the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission held a free drive-thru shredding event on Saturday, April 25, 2026, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., at the Citizen Service Center, 3111 Citizens Way, with a limit of three trash bags; 3-ring binders, external hard drives and metal weren't accepted ^[9].
• Next event: the commission says it holds shredding events twice a year, and that the fall date will be announced. Questions: 706-225-4008 ^[35]. We didn't find a fall 2026 date on an official page (last checked Nov 3, 2026).
• The UPS Store: its Columbus page lists shredding ^[16]. Prices aren't listed online; call the store ^[17].

For paid per-pound shredding, see where to shred documents.

Questions

Sources

Sources last checked Oct 29 or Nov 3, 2026, as marked on each, except the locator data file.

1. Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, "Library Services": cvlga.org/library-services (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
2. West Central Health District, "Vital Records": westcentralhealthdistrict.com/programs-services/vital-records (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
3. Muscogee County Probate Court, "Marriage Licenses": columbusga.gov/probate/Marriage-Licenses (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
4. Muscogee County Clerk of Superior & State Courts, "Passport Services": muscogeecourts.columbusga.gov/Passports (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
5. Muscogee County Probate Court, "Passports": columbusga.gov/probate/Passports (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
6. Muscogee County Clerk of Superior & State Courts, "Home (notice and contact)": columbusga.gov/muscogeecourts (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
7. Muscogee County Probate Court, "Home (moving notice and holiday hours)": columbusga.gov/probate (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
8. Columbus Consolidated Government, "John D. Allen Judicial Center ribbon-cutting (press release, Oct. 23, 2026; PDF)": columbusga.gov/Portals/communityaffairs/adam/Press%20Releases/kxQM9ZVJO0miouXNGIhdpQ/Document/Media%20Release%20John%20D%20Allen%20Ribbon%20Cutting.pdf (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
9. Columbus Consolidated Government, "Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission Announces Earth Week 2026 Activities (press release, April 14, 2026; PDF)": columbusga.gov/Portals/communityaffairs/Resources/Press-Releases/Earth%20Week%202026%20Activities.pdf?ver=XD-ioTJ4I3Pr10BGgoNVdA%3D%3D (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
10. U.S. Census Bureau, "2020 Place by County relationship file, Georgia": www2.census.gov/geo/docs/reference/codes2020/place_by_cou/st13_ga_place_by_county2020.txt (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
11. Georgia.gov, "Apply for a Marriage License": georgia.gov/apply-marriage-license (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
12. Georgia.gov, "Request Vital Records (last updated June 2026)": georgia.gov/request-vital-records (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
13. Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, "Columbus Public Library": cvlga.org/about-us/columbus-public-library (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
14. U.S. Census Bureau, "Census Geocoder (address to geography lookup)": geocoding.geo.census.gov/geocoder (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
15. Muscogee County Clerk of Superior & State Courts, "Copy Requests": muscogeecourts.columbusga.gov/Copy-Request (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
16. The UPS Store, "The UPS Store Locations in Columbus, Georgia": locations.theupsstore.com/ga/columbus (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
17. The UPS Store, "The UPS Store, 1639 Bradley Park Dr (store page)": locations.theupsstore.com/ga/columbus/1639-bradley-park-dr (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
18. The UPS Store, "Notary Services Nationwide": theupsstore.com/store-services/notary-services (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
19. Muscogee County Clerk of Superior & State Courts, "Superior and State Courts Cost Schedule (effective July 1, 2024; PDF)": cdnresources.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/muscogeecourts/resources/FeeSchedule2024.pdf (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
20. Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA), "General Notary Information": gsccca.org/notary-and-apostilles/notaries/general-notary-information (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
21. Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA), "Georgia Notary Law": gsccca.org/notary-and-apostilles/notaries/georgia-notary-law (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
22. Georgia Code Revision Commission, "Official Code of Georgia Annotated (free public access for the Georgia General Assembly through LexisNexis, current through the 2026 Special Session; the legislature's site links to it as its Georgia Code)": lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
23. U.S. Department of State, Passport Acceptance Facility Locator (locator data file, downloaded Oct 28, 2026, filtered to Georgia): passportfacilitylocator.travel.state.gov (last checked Oct 28, 2026)
24. USPS, "Passports": usps.com/international/passports.htm (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
25. U.S. Department of State, passport fees page (Last Updated March 19, 2026): travel.state.gov/en/passports/apply/help/fees.html (last checked Oct 29, 2026)
26. Georgia Department of Public Health, "Fees (vital records; page last updated 3/11/2026)": dph.georgia.gov/ways-request-vital-record/fees (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
27. Georgia Department of Public Health, "Birth (vital records; page last updated 10/21/2026)": dph.georgia.gov/ways-request-vital-record/birth (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
28. Georgia Department of Public Health, "Death (vital records)": dph.georgia.gov/ways-request-vital-record/death (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
29. Georgia Department of Public Health, "Office Locations, Georgia Vital Records": dph.georgia.gov/Vital-Records-Registrar-Locations (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
30. Georgia Department of Public Health, "How do I order Georgia birth and death records online?": dph.georgia.gov/VitalRecords/how-do-i-order-georgia-birth-and-death-records-online (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
31. Georgia Department of Public Health, "Marriage (vital records; page last updated 1/9/2025)": dph.georgia.gov/ways-request-vital-record/marriage (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
32. Muscogee County Clerk of Superior & State Courts, "Real Estate Recordings and Records": muscogeecourts.columbusga.gov/Real-Estate-Recording-and-Records (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
33. Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA), "General Apostille Information": gsccca.org/notary-and-apostilles/apostilles/general-apostille-information (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
34. USPS, "Money Orders": usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm (last checked Nov 3, 2026)
35. Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, "Free Paper Shred Event": keepcolumbusbeautifulga.org/free-paper-shred-event (last checked Nov 3, 2026)

Related guides

• Atlanta, Georgia document errands
• Montgomery, Alabama document errands
• Columbus, Ohio document errands
• Where to get something notarized, and what it costs: banks, credit unions, libraries, AAA, The UPS Store and online notary, plus state fee limits.
• US passport application checklist: what to bring, fees, forms and photocopy rules from the State Department.
• How to get a certified copy: birth, death, marriage, property and court records from the offices that issue them.
• Free notary options
• Map of our city guides
• All guides