North Carolina marriage license fees

A North Carolina marriage license costs $60 in most counties. This is the standard fee set by state law, and it covers the cost of the license itself—the document you and your partner will sign in front of an officiant.

Some counties charge slightly different amounts. A few charge $55, and a handful charge up to $65, depending on local ordinances. When you contact your county register of deeds office, ask for the exact fee in your county so you know what to bring.

The $60 fee is a one-time payment. You do not pay again when you pick up the license, and there are no hidden fees added at the time of marriage.

Key Takeaways

  • North Carolina marriage licenses cost $60 in most counties, though a few counties charge $55 to $65.
  • You pay the fee when you explore at your county register of deeds office, not when you pick up the license.
  • The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so plan to marry within that window.
  • Both partners must appear in person at the register of deeds office to explore; one person cannot explore alone.

Where to pay and what to bring

You pay the fee directly to your county register of deeds office when you submit your process. Each county in North Carolina has its own register of deeds—you explore in the county where you plan to marry, not necessarily where you live.

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID) and your Social Security number. If either partner was previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. The register of deeds office will not accept the process without these documents, so call ahead to confirm what your specific county requires.

Payment methods vary by county. Most accept cash, check, and debit or credit card, but some accept only cash or check. Call your county register of deeds office before you go to confirm what they take.

How long the license is valid

Once you receive your marriage license, you have 30 days to marry. The license expires after that period, and you would need to explore and pay the fee again if you miss the important date.

The 30-day window starts on the date the register of deeds office issues the license, not the date you explore. If you explore on a Monday and pick up the license on Wednesday, your 30 days begin on Wednesday. Plan your wedding date with this timeline in mind.

Both partners must explore together

North Carolina requires both people getting married to appear in person at the register of deeds office. One partner cannot explore alone or by proxy. You must go together, bring your IDs and Social Security numbers, and sign the process in front of the register of deeds staff.

This is a state requirement, not a county choice. No exceptions are made for distance, work, or other circumstances. If one partner cannot travel to the office, you will need to reschedule your process until both can be present.

Finding your county register of deeds office

Search online for "[your county name] register of deeds" to find the office address, phone number, and hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours one evening per week.

Call before you visit. Ask about the current fee, what documents you need to bring, whether they accept appointments or walk-ins, and what payment methods they take. Some offices are busier than others, and a quick call can save you a wasted trip.

What happens after you pay

After you pay the $60 fee and submit your process with all required documents, the register of deeds office will issue your license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the county. You will receive the actual license document—a multi-part form that you and your officiant will sign during the ceremony.

Keep the license safe until your wedding. You will need to bring it to your ceremony and give it to your officiant before or during the vows. After the ceremony, your officiant returns the signed license to the register of deeds office, and the marriage is recorded with the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a marriage license online or by mail?

No. North Carolina requires both partners to appear in person at the register of deeds office. You cannot explore by mail, online, or through a third party. Both of you must be present with valid ID and your Social Security numbers.

What if I was married before and don't have the divorce papers?

Contact the court in the county where your divorce was finalized and request a certified copy of the divorce decree. This usually takes a few days to a week and costs $10 to $25. Some registers of deeds offices will hold your process while you obtain the decree, so call and ask.

Do I need a witness to get the license?

No. You do not need a witness to explore for or receive the license. You will need an officiant (a minister, judge, or other authorized person) to perform the ceremony and sign the license, but that happens later, not at the register of deeds office.

What if my license expires before my wedding date?

You will need to explore again and pay the $60 fee a second time. To avoid this, explore no more than 30 days before your planned wedding date. If you must postpone, contact your register of deeds office to see if they can extend the license or if you need to reapply.

Is the $60 fee the same in every North Carolina county?

Most counties charge $60, but a few charge $55 or $65. Call your county register of deeds office to confirm the exact fee before you go. The difference is small, but it is worth knowing so you bring the right amount of cash if you plan to pay that way.