North Carolina Marriage License Information

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To be married in North Carolina you must acquire a marriage license in North Carolina.  You can obtain your marriage license in any county in the State of North Carolina and it is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere within the state.  

There is no waiting period for the license, so essentially, you could get the marriage license and be married the same day. No blood tests or physical exams are required. 

 Depending upon the county, the following items MAY be required:

•  Both applicants must personally appear at the Register of Deeds office.
• Both applicants must present a valid government issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) that includes date of birth information.
• Applicants under the age of 21 may be required to present a certified birth certificate.
• Applicants under the age of 18, please contact the Register of Deeds office for additional requirements.
• Both applicants must provide their Social Security number, or an affidavit which indicates that you are not eligible for a Social Security number.
• If a previous marriage ended in divorce less than a year before, you will need to bring a paper copy of your divorce decree. If the divorce was more than a year before, you will only need to provide the month and year of divorce on the application.

You will sign it on the day it is issued to you in the Register of Deeds office. The license is currently $60 and is valid for 60 days after issuance. These offices are closed on holidays and weekends.    Be prepared to bring cash or check since credit and debit cards are not accepted. 

***Each counties requirements may be different, therefore, please confirm all requirements and office hours directly with the Register of Deeds where you will obtain your license prior to your visit. ***

What's Next?

The Register of Deeds office will hand you two originals, deliver to me on the day of the rehearsal or wedding date so that I can be sure to fill out all the correct information as well as have your two witnesses complete their parts and sign in the designated areas after the ceremony. I will then submit the license back to the Register of Deeds in the county from which it was issued. This must be done within ten days of the wedding date.