Although there is no official word on whether or not all of the Probate Courts are reopening, there are several counties who have said they will renew and issue new licenses starting today. These are to be by APPOINTMENT ONLY and most have an online application they are asking you to fill out (except for signing) and bring with you to your appointment.
We are not sure when all Probate courts are going to begin issuing new and renewals. If you are in need of either, please contact your Probate Court and ask. If you find out that it is and not on the list below, please let us know.
You will need to check with you local Probate Court and determine if they are open and what process they will expect you to follow in order to apply. As of this time, we know that the following Probate Courts are open today:
Barrow, Carroll, Chatham, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, Floyd, Hall, Houston, Laurens, Newton, Rabun, Walton and Worth will be accepting appointments as of May 14, 2020. If you hear of others opening, please let us know and we will update the list.
Clayton County has told one of our members that they are setting up a mail in renewal system and that all instructions should be available on their website tomorrow, May 15, 2020. If you live in Clayton County, call the Probate Court and ask for instructions.
Also, If your GWL is past renewal, here is what the Governor put in his Executive Order 05.08.20.01 about the extension of your GWL:
Now, THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO THE AFOREMENTIONED GEORGIA LAW, CODE SECTION 38-3-51, AND THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY
That the requirement under Code Section 16-11-129 that renewals of weapons carry licenses and renewal licenses must be applied for within thirty (30) days after the expiration of such licenses, is hereby suspended for weapons carry licenses and renewal licenses which expire between February 13, 2020 and June 12, 2020
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED
That applications for renewals of such weapons carry licenses and renewal licenses shall be considered to be for a renewal license if the holder of such weapons carry license or renewal license applies within 120 days after the expiration date on the face of license, and that if the Public Health State of Emergency is Extended, then this provision shall apply to any weapons carry license renewal license that expires during the Public Health State of Emergency
This is not what we originally asked for nor what we sued for but it is what we got. Remember, it is getting closer to election time and it is at least some relief for some of us. We will soon be able to stop carrying our AR 15s while wearing masks because we have no valid license as recommended by Federal Judge Steve Jones!
