How to get a Marriage License in North Carolina
No matter where you live, you must get a marriage license in the state in which you are getting married. Each state has different requirements for getting your marriage license. If you live somewhere other than North Carolina, check with your local register of deeds or clerk of court for the requirements of the state where you plan to get married. This information is the most current information available.
How to Apply
Both parties should appear at the Register of Deeds, if possible (NCGS 51.8.2). If an applicant for a marriage license is over 18 years of age and is unable to appear in person, the other party to the planned marriage must appear in person on behalf of the applicant and submit a sworn and notarized affidavit in lieu of the absent applicant's personal appearance. In Guilford County you can request additional information by calling : (336) 641-7556 or (336) 641-6935. No blood test or physical is required.
In Guilford County you can make application on line and then go into the office to pick up your license.
When to Apply
Office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except legal holidays; however, applications will not be accepted after 4:30 pm to allow for processing. There is no waiting period in North Carolina. The license is good immediately and up to sixty (60) days from date of issue.
Cost of License
The license is $60.00. (Check with the county to determine payment methods) An optional certificate of marriage keepsake is available for $1.00, only at the time the marriage license is issued.
What to do with the License
You are responsible for delivering the license to the person who solemnizes your marriage. The officiant must complete the bottom portion of both copies then return both copies to the Register of Deeds office. An envelope is provided to return the license. The license must be returned within ten (10) days after the ceremony (NCGS 51.7). One copy is retained in the Register of Deeds office, and the other copy is sent to the NC Vital Records Division in Raleigh. The license may be used in any county in North Carolina. The license must be returned to the County in which it was issued.
Magistrates
Magistrates are the only judicial officials allowed to perform marriage ceremonies. Magistrates are on duty 24 hours a day. You may also have a professional wedding officiant or the minister of your church do your marriage.
Social Security Number
Per North Carolina law, all applicants must provide their Social Security number. If ineligible for a Social Security Number, an affidavit must be completed. Download the affidavit form.
Proof-of-Age identification
Identification and proof-of-age is required of ALL persons. The following documents will be accepted: Age 18 to 21 *Certified copy of birth certificate and picture identification with name. Age 21 and over Picture identification with name and date of birth. Under 18 years of age Contact the office for Special License requirements and information regarding consenting parents.
Qualifications
Blood relatives, no closer kin than first cousins, can marry under the laws of the State of North Carolina. State law forbids the marriage of double first cousins. Applicants, male and female, must be at least 18-years-old to marry without parental consent. ALL applications under 18 should contact this office for additional information. Previously married individuals must know the month and year their last marriage ended. If you are divorced or marriage is annulled on the same day you apply for a marriage license, you must produce a certified copy of the divorce or annulment decree.
Checklist for Obtaining a Marriage License
Social security number
Proper identification (example: driver's license, state identification, passport)
* Certified copy of birth certificate.
If under 18, contact this office
Cost: $60.00 – contact the local Register of Deeds to determine acceptable payment options
Keepsake certificate -- $1.00, optional
* A certified birth certificate in English or a notarized translation must be provided. Please bring both the native and notarized translated copy.
Certified Copy of your Marriage License
Proof of your marriage is available upon request in person or by mail once the officiant returns your license. The officiant is required by law to return both copies of the license to the Register of Deeds within ten days after the ceremony (NCGS 51.7).
If you wish to obtain a copy of your marriage license, please complete the copy request form found in your marriage packet. If the form is misplaced, you may mail a request including the names of the bride and groom, date of marriage, along with a photo copy of your picture ID, to the county in which the marriage license was issued.
Include $10.00 for each certified full copy, and $10.00 for each wallet-size copy. Check with the county to learn payment types accepted. Please also enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return copies.
Where to Get Your License
Locations of offices and how to get a marriage license in:
Guilford County:
Forsyth County:
Davidson County:
Alamance County:
Randolph County:
Rockingham County
All Faiths Wedding Officiants of the Triad wants to work with you to make your wedding planning as stress free as possible. Contact us if you have any questions or difficulties.
