NC Marriage License Guide

For every state there are different requirements for obtaining a marriage license.  For North Carolina these are the basic requirements as outlined by the NC Magistrates Association:

• Both applicants should be present at the time of making application for a marriage license
• Picture ID is required of each, i.e. Drivers License or certified copy of Birth Certificate
• Each is required to present their Social Security card or documentary proof of their Social Security number, i.e. W-2 form, payroll stub, or a statement from the Social Security Office stating their Social Security number.
• The legal age for marriage is 18 years. If either or both of the applicants are under the legal age, the consent of one of the parents must be obtained. In case of divorced parents, the parent who received custody of the minor must give the consent to marry
• The marriage license is valid for sixty (60) days from the date of issuance
• The office hours for most County Register of Deeds offices are 8:00-5:00 p.m. To insure that issuance is completed by the 5:00 p.m. closing time, applicants should be in the office no later than 4:00 p.m.
• The marriage license fee is $50.00 ($20.00 of which will be used for domestic violence programs). There is an additional $10.00 fee to obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate.

(Source: NC Magistrates Association, http://www.aoc.state.nc.us/magistrate/license.htm , March 2007)

There are a few things to note here:

• A physical or blood test is not required
• Common Law and Same sex marriages are not legal in NC
• If you have been divorced or widowed, applicant must provide date of divorce/death in some counties
• You must register and file for your marriage license in the same Register of Deeds Office

Be sure to check out your local register of deeds office if you have any questions.