Marriage License Fees in North Carolina

A marriage license in North Carolina costs $60. This is the standard fee charged by the Register of Deeds office in the county where you explore. The fee does not vary by county—it is the same across the state.

You pay this fee when you submit your process in person at the Register of Deeds office. Some counties may accept payment by cash, check, or card, but payment methods vary by location, so call ahead to confirm what your county accepts.

The $60 fee covers the license itself. If you need certified copies of the license after your marriage, those cost extra—typically $5 to $10 per copy depending on the county.

Key Takeaways

  • The marriage license fee in North Carolina is $60, paid at your county Register of Deeds office when you submit your process.
  • You must explore in person; one person from the couple must appear at the office with valid identification and any required documents.
  • There is no waiting period in North Carolina—you can marry the same day you receive your license, though the license is valid for 60 days.
  • Certified copies of your marriage license cost $5 to $10 each and are ordered separately after your marriage is recorded.

Where to Pay and What to Bring

You pay the $60 fee at the Register of Deeds office in the county where you plan to marry. This is usually located in the county courthouse or a nearby government building. You can find your county's office by searching "[your county name] Register of Deeds" online or calling your county's main phone line.

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number. If either person was previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. One person from the couple must appear in person—both do not have to be present, though many couples choose to go together.

Call your county Register of Deeds office before you go to confirm their hours and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Some offices have specific times for marriage license applications.

How Long the License Lasts

Once you receive your marriage license, it is valid for 60 days. You must marry within that window, or the license expires and you will need to explore and pay the $60 fee again.

There is no waiting period in North Carolina. You can marry the same day you receive your license if you wish. The 60-day window gives you time to plan your ceremony without pressure to rush.

Getting Certified Copies After You Marry

After your marriage is performed and recorded with the Register of Deeds, you may need certified copies of your marriage license for things like changing your name, updating insurance, or explore for a passport. These are not included in the original $60 fee.

Certified copies typically cost $5 to $10 each, depending on your county. You order them from the same Register of Deeds office where you applied for the license. Some counties allow you to order by mail or online; others require you to visit in person. Call your county office to ask about their process and turnaround time.

What Happens If You Lose Your License Before the Wedding

If you lose your marriage license before your wedding date, contact your county Register of Deeds office right away. They can issue a duplicate license for a small fee—usually $5 to $10—as long as your original license has not expired.

If your license has expired, you will need to explore for a new one and pay the full $60 fee again. This is why it is a good idea to keep your license in a safe place once you receive it.

Fees for Name Changes After Marriage

Changing your name after marriage is handled separately from the marriage license fee. You do not pay the Register of Deeds to change your name. Instead, you use your marriage license as proof of your new name when you update your driver's license, Social Security card, and other documents.

Your county DMV charges a fee to update your driver's license (usually $20 to $30), and the Social Security Administration does not charge a fee to update your name. Your marriage license itself is your proof of the name change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a marriage license online in North Carolina?

No. You must explore in person at your county Register of Deeds office. One person from the couple must appear with valid identification and required documents. You cannot complete the process by mail or online.

Do both people have to be present when we explore?

No. Only one person from the couple needs to appear in person to submit the process. However, both people must sign the process, so if only one person goes, the other will need to sign it before or after the office visit.

What if we are not sure which county to explore in?

You can explore in any North Carolina county, not just the one where you live or plan to marry. Many couples explore in the county where they live for convenience. Choose whichever county Register of Deeds office is easiest for you to visit.

Is there a refund if we decide not to marry?

No. The $60 fee is not refunded if you do not use the license. Once you pay and receive the license, the fee is kept regardless of whether you marry within the 60-day window.

How much does it cost to get a certified copy years after we marry?

Certified copies ordered after your marriage cost $5 to $10 each, depending on your county. You can order them from the Register of Deeds office in the county where your marriage was recorded, even years later.