- The premarital physical is no longer required.
- Both applicants must provide their Social Security Card or provide proof of their Social Security number. Applicants may present a Social Security Card or a W-2 Form or a company pay stub with name and number for verification.
- An alien admitted to the United States for permanent residence or to engage in employment must be issued a Social Security number. Applicants who are not eligible for a Social Security number may obtain a marriage license by signing an affidavit attesting to this fact. The Affidavit can be printed from the website or is available at the Register of Deeds Office.
- Under the age of 16 is unlawful to marry.
- Applicants over 16 years of age and under 18 years of age may marry a person no more than four years older, and the register of deeds may issue a license for the marriage, only after there has been filed with the register of deeds a certified copy of an order issued by a district court authorizing the marriage as provided in G.S. 51-2.1, or written consent to the marriage, said consent having been signed by the appropriate person as follows: (1) By a parent having full or joint legal custody of the underage party; or (2) By a person, agency, or institution having legal custody or serving as a guardian of the underage party. The consent form is available at the Register of Deeds Office as this person must be present for consent. Such written consent shall not be required for an emancipated minor if a certificate of emancipation issued pursuant to Article 35 of Chapter 7B of the NCGS or a certified copy of a final decree or certificate of emancipation from this or any other jurisdiction is filed with the register of deeds.
- Divorced applicants must provide the month and year the divorce was finalized. Applicants recently divorced (within 30 days) must present an original or certified copy of the divorce decree. There is no waiting period between the divorce and applying for the new license.
- The license is good immediately upon issuance and is valid for 60 days in the state of NC. It must be returned to the Register of Deeds’ Office in the county in which it was issued within 10 days of the marriage ceremony.
- The fee for the marriage license is $60.00. Payable by cash, check, or credit card.
- Marriage licenses are issued between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Applicants should be in our office prior to 4:00 p.m.
- If you plan to be married by the magistrate, the fee will be $50.00, cash payments only. Please contact their office for information regarding office hours or the ceremony.
- If you need a copy of your marriage license, you may obtain it at the office, in person, online, or by mail. Certified copies are $10.00 each. Please be sure to sign your request if the request is sent by mail; along with a copy of your unexpired driver's license or other photo I. D.
- To speed up the processing time of your marriage license, you may print out the Work Sheet for Preparation of Marriage License Form and bring the completed form to the Register of Deeds Office with you.
- If both applicants cannot come to the Register of Deed Office, one may complete the Affidavit in Lieu of Personal Appearance. This form must be properly notarized and brought to our office with the second applicant. Both applicants CANNOT send in the form for issuance of licenses.
- To complete an online marriage application please click here. *Please note, you will still need to come into the Register of Deeds office to finalize the application as you need to provide proof of ID and Social Security numbers.
