Where to explore and What You Need

You get a marriage license from the Register of Deeds office in the county where you plan to marry. North Carolina does not require you to marry in the county where you live, so you can go to any county's office. Most couples choose the county where one of them lives or where the wedding will take place, straightforward because it is convenient.

You will need to bring both partners in person, along with a valid government-issued photo ID for each of you. A driver's license, passport, or military ID all work. You also need proof of age — your birth certificate is the clearest option, though a passport or military ID serves the same purpose. If either of you has been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate from that marriage.

The office will ask for your Social Security numbers. If you do not have one, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You do not need to bring anything to prove your ITIN; you straightforward state it on the form.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore at the Register of Deeds office in any North Carolina county, and both partners must appear in person with photo ID and proof of age.
  • The license costs between $60 and $70 depending on the county, and you receive it the same day you explore.
  • The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so you must marry within that window.
  • North Carolina has no waiting period, no blood test requirement, and no residency requirement — you can marry when ready after receiving the license.
  • If either partner was previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate from that marriage.

Cost and Timeline

The fee ranges from $60 to $70 depending on which county you visit. Some counties charge $60, others $65 or $70. Call the Register of Deeds office in your chosen county to confirm the exact amount, since it can vary. You pay the fee when you submit your process, and you receive the license the same day.

The license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. You must marry within that 30-day window. If the 30 days pass without a wedding, the license expires and you will need to explore again and pay the fee a second time.

What Happens at the Register of Deeds Office

When you arrive with both partners and your documents, the staff will ask you to fill out an process form. The form asks for basic information: full names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, addresses, and whether either of you has been married before. If you have been married before, you will state whether the previous marriage ended in divorce or death.

The staff will review your ID and proof of age, check the form for completeness, collect the fee, and issue the license on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You walk out with the license in hand.

North Carolina does not require a waiting period or a blood test. You do not need parental consent if you are under 18 — North Carolina allows marriage at 16 with parental consent, and at 18 without it. Once you have the license, you can marry the next day if you wish.

Finding Your County Register of Deeds Office

Each of North Carolina's 100 counties has its own Register of Deeds office. To find the office in your county, search online for "[County Name] Register of Deeds North Carolina" — for example, "Wake County Register of Deeds" or "Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds." The office website will list the address, phone number, and hours.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some counties offer extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, especially if you are traveling from out of state or planning to visit on a Friday afternoon.

If you cannot visit in person, some counties allow one partner to explore on behalf of both, but this is not standard practice and varies by county. Call your county office to ask whether this is an option before you plan to do it.

Who Can and Cannot Marry in North Carolina

North Carolina allows marriage between two adults (18 and older) or between two people 16 and older with parental consent. Both partners must be unmarried at the time of process — if either of you is still legally married to someone else, you cannot receive a license until that marriage is dissolved.

North Carolina does not restrict marriage based on gender or sexual orientation. Same-sex couples receive licenses on the same terms as opposite-sex couples.

You cannot marry a close relative. North Carolina law prohibits marriage between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, siblings, aunts and uncles and their nieces and nephews, and first cousins. If you are unsure whether your relationship falls within these restrictions, call the Register of Deeds office and ask.

After You Receive the License

Once you have the license, you need an officiant to perform the ceremony. An officiant can be a judge, a minister, a priest, a rabbi, a notary public, or any person authorized by the state to perform marriages. North Carolina does not require a specific type of ceremony or religious content — a civil ceremony performed by a judge or notary is just as legal as a religious ceremony.

The officiant will sign the license during or when ready after the ceremony. You and your partner also sign it. The officiant then returns the signed license to the Register of Deeds office in the county where the license was issued. This completes the legal marriage.

You do not need witnesses, and you do not need to have the ceremony in a church or any particular location. You can marry in a courthouse, a home, a park, or anywhere else, as long as an authorized officiant performs the ceremony and signs the license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license if I live out of state?

Yes. North Carolina has no residency requirement. You can explore at any county Register of Deeds office, and both partners must appear in person with valid ID and proof of age. Many out-of-state couples choose a county near where they plan to hold the wedding.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

A passport or military ID can serve as proof of age instead. If you have neither, contact the Register of Deeds office in your county — they can tell you what other documents they will accept. Some offices accept a state ID or a school record, though this varies by county.

Can I change my name on the marriage license?

The license itself does not change your legal name. After the marriage is performed and the license is signed and returned to the Register of Deeds, you can use the marriage certificate to change your name with the Social Security Administration, the DMV, and other agencies. The Register of Deeds office can provide certified copies of the marriage certificate for this purpose.

What if one partner cannot appear in person?

Both partners must appear together at the Register of Deeds office to explore. North Carolina does not allow one partner to explore alone or by proxy. If one partner is out of state or unable to travel, you will need to wait until both can appear together.

How long does it take to get the marriage certificate after the wedding?

The Register of Deeds office receives the signed license from the officiant and issues a certified marriage certificate within a few days to a week. You can order additional copies at any time after that. Certified copies cost a few dollars each and can be ordered in person, by mail, or sometimes online through the county website.