While the licenses could previously only be handled four days a week, the office will now process weapons carry licenses Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Acord also mentions that the state has recently changed guidelines for renewing these permits. Now, a Worth County resident whose license expired within the last 30 days can renew his or her license without being fingerprinted at a significantly discounted price. However, the judge also mentions that if a resident has recently moved from another county, or if the license has been expired for 31 or more days, a new license will be required.
If the license only needs to be renewed, the person requesting the permit will not need to be re-fingerprinted. The renewal fee is only $30, and will take about two or three weeks to process. However, if a new license is required, fingerprints must be taken at a cost of $52.75 in addition to the $30 processing fee. This process will take between four and six weeks to complete. Former law enforcement officers receive a discounted rate at $15.50 for a new license or $7 for a renewal.
Also, cash will not be accepted for the fingerprinting fee. However, the probate court can now accept credit and debit cards for a $2 convenience fee. Money orders are also accepted. The application process will take approximately 15 minutes for a renewal, but may take up to 45 minutes for a new license.
Judge Acord also states that background checks can now be processed “in house” at the probate court office. However, she also mentions that fingerprinting is not available for any service other than requesting a firearms license.
For more information on firearms licenses, visit www.georgiacarry.org or www.georgiapacking.org.