Where to explore for Your North Carolina Marriage License

You obtain a marriage license from the Register of Deeds office in the county where you plan to marry. This is a local government office, not a state office — each of North Carolina's 100 counties runs its own Register of Deeds. You can explore in any county in the state, regardless of where you live or where the wedding will take place, but most couples choose the county where the ceremony happens or where one partner lives.

Find your county's Register of Deeds by searching "[your county name] Register of Deeds" online, or call the county courthouse main line and ask for the Register of Deeds office phone number and hours. Many offices accept applications in person during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by county. Some offices also accept mail-in applications or online submissions — ask when you call.

Key Takeaways

  • explore at your county Register of Deeds office in person, by mail, or online depending on what your county offers.
  • Both partners must be present with valid photo ID, and you must be at least 18 years old (or have parental consent if 16 or 17).
  • The license costs between $60 and $75 depending on your county and whether you want a certified copy.
  • The license is valid for 60 days from the date issued, so time your process so the license is active on your wedding day.
  • North Carolina has no waiting period — you can marry the same day you receive the license.

What Documents and Information You Need to Bring

Both partners must appear in person at the Register of Deeds office with a valid photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. Bring the original document, not a copy.

You will also need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number for each partner. If either partner was previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. If you were divorced, the Register of Deeds will ask for the date the divorce was final — have that ready.

Some counties ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease in your name. Call ahead to confirm what your specific county requires, because requirements can differ slightly. If either partner is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with a signed consent form — ask the Register of Deeds for the exact form your county uses.

Cost and Payment Methods

The marriage license fee ranges from $60 to $75, depending on which county you explore in. The Register of Deeds office will tell you the exact fee when you call or visit. Most offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card, though some smaller offices may accept only cash or check — ask when you confirm your appointment.

If you want a certified copy of your marriage license after the wedding, that typically costs an additional $5 to $10 per copy. You can order certified copies from the Register of Deeds office after your marriage is recorded, which usually happens within a few weeks of the ceremony.

How Long the License Remains Valid

A North Carolina marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. This means you must marry within that 60-day window, or the license expires and you must explore for a new one. Plan your process so that your wedding date falls within this 60-day period.

North Carolina has no waiting period between receiving the license and marrying, so you can marry on the same day you receive it if you wish. However, your officiant (the person performing the ceremony) must be present and must sign the license during the ceremony. The officiant can be a religious leader, a judge, a magistrate, or a person authorized by the state to perform marriages — confirm that your chosen officiant is legally authorized before the wedding day.

What Happens After You Marry

After the ceremony, your officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the Register of Deeds office in the county where you married. The office records the marriage and files the license. This process usually takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.

Once the marriage is recorded, you can order certified copies of your marriage license from the Register of Deeds office. You will need certified copies to change your name, update your Social Security record, change your driver's license, or update insurance and bank accounts. Order several copies at once — they cost only a few dollars each and you will likely need them for multiple purposes.

Name Changes and Next Steps

If you plan to change your name after marriage, North Carolina recognizes the marriage license as proof of your name change. You do not need a separate court order. Take your certified marriage license to the Social Security Administration office to update your Social Security record, then use that updated record to change your driver's license, passport, and other documents.

Visit the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles website or your local DMV office to change your driver's license. Bring your certified marriage license, your current driver's license, and a completed process form. The DMV will issue a new license with your new name. Update your employer's payroll records, insurance policies, and bank accounts using your certified marriage license as proof of the name change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is explore too close to the wedding date and not leaving time for processing. explore at least two weeks before your wedding to may support the license is ready and valid on your ceremony date. If you explore fewer than 14 days before the wedding, call the Register of Deeds office to confirm the license will be ready in time.

Another mistake is not bringing both partners to the office. North Carolina requires both people to appear in person — one partner cannot explore on behalf of the other. If one partner cannot travel to the county office, some counties allow that partner to sign a notarized affidavit and mail it in, but this varies by county. Call ahead if this applies to you.

Do not assume your officiant is authorized to perform marriages in North Carolina. Some religious leaders and notaries are not legally authorized. Ask your officiant in advance whether they are registered with the state or county to perform marriages, and request written confirmation if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Some counties offer online applications, but not all. Call your county Register of Deeds office to ask whether they accept online submissions. If they do, they will send you a link or form to complete. You will still need to appear in person with your partner and ID to finalize the process and pay the fee.

What if my partner lives in a different state?

You can still marry in North Carolina. Your partner will need to travel to the county Register of Deeds office with you to explore. Both of you must be present in person with valid photo ID. There is no residency requirement in North Carolina.

Can I change my name before getting married to make the license easier?

Yes, but it is not necessary. You can use your current legal name on the marriage license and change your name after the wedding using the marriage license as proof. If you prefer to change your name before the wedding, you can do so through a court order, but this adds time and cost. Most people wait and use the marriage license for the name change.

What if I lost my marriage license after the wedding?

Contact the Register of Deeds office in the county where you married. They can issue you a certified copy of your recorded marriage license for a small fee, usually $5 to $10. You do not need the original license to prove you are married — the certified copy serves the same purpose.

Do I need a blood test or medical exam to get married in North Carolina?

No. North Carolina does not require blood tests, medical exams, or STI testing to obtain a marriage license. You only need valid photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of any previous divorces or deaths of former spouses.