Applying for your marriage license in North Carolina
Applying for your marriage license is a very important step in the planning process. Follow the steps below to obtain your marriage license in North Carolina. Also, read my tips about out of state couples that are getting married in North Carolina and how to know if you are hiring the right Officiant.
*Please note that I am not an employee of the State of NC and I’m not with any Register of Deeds office in NC. I am also not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. Even though I have written out all the steps to obtain your marriage license, laws change year to year, so it is important to double check with your local Register of Deeds office before applying for your marriage license. For example, in Forsyth County you can find more information at https://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/ROD/marriage_license2.aspx
Marriage License General Information:
North Carolina does not require that you obtain your marriage license from a specific County. You only have to obtain a marriage license within the State. Each County has a Register of Deeds Office.
The license must be obtained from the Register of Deeds office within 60 days of your wedding date. If you file for your license outside of the 60 days, it will expire before your wedding date. After the wedding, you must return your marriage license to the office of which you applied.
Officiant General Information:
In order for the marriage to be legal, your Officiant must be an ordained minister, a minister authorized by a church, or a magistrate. You are allowed to use a licensed Officiant from a different state, as long as they are an ordained minister or a minister authorized by a church. Please check with your Officiant to make sure she or he meets the requirements.
Obtaining a marriage license step by step:
1. Some offices let you fill out a worksheet ahead of time. You can find this on the Register of Deeds’ website. If you complete the paperwork before your arrival, it will save you time.
2. Bring your social security card/number to the office.
3. Bring your proof of age. If you are over the age of 21 you will need your drivers license. If you are under the age of 21, please see the requirements for proof of age using the link provided if you are in Forsyth County: https://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/ROD/marriage_license2.aspx
4. Bring cash to pay the filing fee. In Forsyth County the fee is $70.00, but please check with your local Register of Deeds office to confirm the price. Some offices will not accept checks, or credit cards. Bring extra cash, in case the fee has gone up.
5. Some offices will require that you have a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Important information:
There is no waiting period once your license has been issued. You may use the license at any time during the 60 days.
Please check the hours of operation at the specific Register of Deeds office you plan to apply. Each office has its own office hours. Most will not issue a marriage license after 4:30pm.
Both parties need to be at the Register of Deeds office to apply for a marriage license. If one applicant over the age of 18 cannot appear in person, then the other applicant can seek the license but will have to submit a sworn affidavit in lieu of the absent applicant’s appearance. Please check your local Register of Deeds office to verify. The Register of Deeds office will provide the form, however it must be notarized.
If you are an out of state couple:
If you are from another State, but plan to get married in North Carolina, you must apply for your marriage license within North Carolina. Plan to schedule a trip to NC 60 days prior to the wedding date to apply for your license. Do not wait until the last minute to apply. Be sure to bring all the necessary paperwork with you.
Your Officiant does not have to be a North Carolina licensed Officiant, but they must be an ordained minister or a minister authorized by a church. Check with your Officiant before signing a contract with them. This law varies from State to State, so it is important that your Officiant meets the North Carolina requirements.
For questions or concerns:
If you have questions that were not addressed in this blog post, please call a local Register of Deeds office. They can help answer any questions you have. It is important to research, or call before you visit to make sure you have the correct forms and identification. And always give yourself plenty of time to obtain your marriage license.