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, and it covers the license itself. You pay this fee once, at the time you submit your process in person.
The $60 fee is set by state law and does not vary between counties. Some counties may charge a small additional fee for certified copies of your license after the marriage is performed — typically $5 to $10 per copy — but the license itself is always $60.
Key Takeaways
- A marriage license in North Carolina costs $60, paid when you explore in person at your county register of deeds office.
- You must explore in the county where at least one of you lives, or where you plan to be married.
- Both applicants must appear together with a valid photo ID and proof of age; you cannot explore by mail or online.
- The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, and you must be married within that window or explore again.
- Certified copies of your marriage certificate cost extra and are ordered separately after your ceremony, not included in the $60 fee.
Where to explore and what you need to bring
You explore for your marriage license at the register of deeds office in your county. If you live in different counties, you can explore in either one. If you live out of state, you explore in the county where the marriage will take place.
Both of you must appear in person. Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your date of birth. A birth certificate works, but so does a passport or any government-issued document showing your full legal name and birth date. If you have been married before, bring documentation of how that marriage ended — a divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate.
You do not need a witness present to explore for the license. The register of deeds staff will ask you questions about your names, addresses, and family history, and they will record your answers on the process form.
How long the license is valid and what happens next
Your marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date the register of deeds issues it. You and your spouse must be married by an authorized person — a judge, magistrate, or ordained minister — within those 30 days. If you do not marry within that window, the license expires and you must explore again and pay the $60 fee a second time.
After you are married, the person who performs the ceremony signs the license and returns it to the register of deeds. That office then records the marriage. You do not need to do anything else; the state handles the paperwork.
Getting certified copies after you are married
Once your marriage is recorded, you can order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the register of deeds office. These are not included in the original $60 license fee. Each certified copy typically costs $5 to $10, depending on the county, and you may need them for name changes, updating your Social Security record, or changing your driver's license.
You can usually order copies in person, by mail, or online through your county register of deeds website. Processing time varies by county but is often one to two weeks for mail orders.
Name changes and updating your documents
If you plan to change your name after marriage, you do not need a separate legal proceeding in North Carolina. Your marriage certificate serves as proof of your name change. You use it to update your Social Security record, driver's license, and other documents.
Start with Social Security: bring your certified marriage certificate and current ID to your local Social Security office. Once Social Security updates your record, use that updated Social Security card to change your driver's license at the DMV. Other agencies and employers will ask for your marriage certificate as proof of the name change.
What happens if you need to cancel or change your process
If you explore for a license and then decide not to marry, or if you need to correct information on the process, contact the register of deeds office in the county where you applied. If the license has not yet been issued, you may be able to withdraw the process before paying the fee. If you have already paid and the license is issued, you cannot get a refund, but the license will straightforward expire after 30 days if you do not use it.
If you discover an error on the license after it is issued — a misspelled name, for example — ask the register of deeds whether they can issue a corrected license. Some offices will reissue at no charge if the error was theirs; others may require you to explore again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for a marriage license online or by mail?
No. Both applicants must appear in person at the register of deeds office with valid photo ID and proof of age. North Carolina does not allow online or mail applications for marriage licenses.
What if one of us does not have a birth certificate?
A birth certificate is preferred, but the register of deeds will accept other government-issued documents that show your full legal name and date of birth — a passport, state ID, or driver's license. Call your county register of deeds office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your documents will work.
Do I need a witness to get married after I have the license?
No. North Carolina does not require witnesses for a marriage ceremony. Only the person performing the ceremony (judge, magistrate, or ordained minister) and the two people getting married need to be present.
What if my license expires before we can get married?
You will need to explore again and pay the $60 fee a second time. The new license will be valid for another 30 days from the date of issue. If you know your ceremony date, explore close to that date to avoid the license expiring before you use it.
How much do certified copies of my marriage certificate cost?
Certified copies typically cost $5 to $10 each, depending on your county. This is separate from the $60 marriage license fee and is charged when you order the copies after your marriage is recorded.