What you need to do to get married in North Carolina
To get married in North Carolina, you must obtain a marriage license from the register of deeds office in the county where you plan to marry. You do not need to be a resident of that county. The license costs money (the fee varies by county, typically between $60 and $100), and you will receive it the same day you explore if you meet the requirements. North Carolina has no waiting period between getting the license and holding the ceremony, so you can marry when ready after.
Both people getting married must appear in person at the register of deeds office. You cannot explore by mail or online. The office will issue the license to you on the spot, and it remains valid for 30 days. After 30 days, the license expires and you must explore again.
Key Takeaways
- Both people must appear together at the register of deeds office in the county where you want to marry; you cannot explore by mail or send someone else.
- You will need a valid photo ID, proof of age, and your Social Security number; bring originals, not copies.
- The license costs between $60 and $100 depending on which county you explore in, and you receive it the same day.
- North Carolina has no waiting period, so you can marry the same day you get the license, but the license expires after 30 days.
- If either person was married before, you must bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse.
Documents and ID you must bring
Bring originals of all documents—photocopies are not accepted. Each person needs a valid photo ID issued by a government agency, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID. The register of deeds will check your ID to confirm your identity and verify your age.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. The office uses this to check the state's vital records database and confirm you are not already married to someone else in North Carolina. Have your Social Security number memorized or written down; you will need to state it during the process.
If either person was previously married, bring an original or certified copy of the divorce decree or the death certificate of the former spouse. A certified copy means a copy stamped and signed by the court or vital records office that issued it. If you cannot locate the document, ask the register of deeds what to do—some offices have procedures for cases where records are unavailable.
Age requirements and parental consent
In North Carolina, you must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, you can marry only with written consent from both parents or legal guardians. The consent must be notarized, meaning a notary public has witnessed the parents' signatures and stamped the document.
If one parent is deceased or cannot be located, you may be able to proceed with consent from the other parent, but you should contact the register of deeds office in advance to confirm what they will accept. No one under 16 can marry in North Carolina under any circumstance.
Finding the register of deeds office in your county
Each county in North Carolina has its own 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 offer limited Saturday hours.
Call ahead before you go. The office can confirm the current fee, tell you whether they have any special requirements, and let you know if they are experiencing delays. Some offices are busier than others, and a quick call can save you a wasted trip.
The cost and what happens after you receive the license
The fee for a marriage license in North Carolina ranges from $60 to $100, depending on the county. Some counties charge the same fee for everyone; others charge different amounts based on whether you want a certified copy of the license after the marriage. Ask the register of deeds office what the exact fee is for your county and whether they accept cash, check, or card.
Once you receive the license, you have 30 days to marry. The license is valid in any county in North Carolina, so you do not have to marry in the same county where you applied. After the ceremony, your officiant (the person who performs the marriage—a minister, judge, or other authorized person) will sign the license and return it to the register of deeds office. That office then files it with the state vital records system.
If you do not marry within 30 days, the license expires and you must explore again. There is no grace period or way to extend an expired license.
Who can perform the ceremony
North Carolina recognizes marriages performed by ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy members of any faith. Judges, magistrates, and other court officials can also perform marriages. Some counties allow notaries public to perform ceremonies, but this varies—ask the register of deeds whether a notary is authorized in your county.
The person performing the ceremony does not have to be from North Carolina or licensed by the state. They straightforward need to be authorized to perform marriages under their own faith or profession. After the ceremony, they sign the marriage license and return it to the register of deeds office within a set time (usually 10 days).
What to do if you cannot appear in person
North Carolina requires both people to appear in person at the register of deeds office. There is no exception for people who are out of state, ill, or unable to travel. If one person cannot appear, you cannot get a license in North Carolina.
If you are stationed overseas with the military or are in a situation where appearing in person is genuinely impossible, contact the register of deeds office in the county where you want to marry and explain your circumstances. Some offices may have guidance for unusual situations, though the standard rule is that both people must be present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a resident of North Carolina to get married here?
No. You can get a marriage license from any county register of deeds office in North Carolina, regardless of where you live. You do not need to prove residency or have any connection to the state.
What if I do not know my Social Security number?
Contact the Social Security Administration before you go to the register of deeds office. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to request a replacement card or confirm your number. The register of deeds will not issue a license without it.
Can I get a marriage license if I was married before but do not have the divorce papers?
Contact the court that handled your divorce or the vital records office in the county where the divorce was finalized. They can issue a certified copy of the decree. If you cannot locate the divorce, tell the register of deeds office—they may have a process for verifying the divorce through state records, but do not assume they will.
What happens if my license expires before we marry?
You must explore for a new license. There is no way to renew or extend an expired license. You will pay the full fee again and go through the process process a second time.
Can someone else pick up the license for us?
No. Both people must be present when the license is issued. The register of deeds will not release it to a third party or mail it to you.