How do I get legally married in North Carolina?
All couples must receive a marriage license issued by the state of North Carolina in order to legally marry. Marriage licenses can be obtained by filing an application with a County Register of Deeds Office. Both the bride and groom will need to provide some basic information on the application and pay the license fee. The license is issued while you wait and is valid immediately for use. The marriage is not final until you solemnize your vows with a marriage ceremony.
 CLICK THE LINK TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE
The links below will take you to the county website where the city is located. Not all counties have forms on their site and might only list a contact and phone number.
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What kind of information does North Carolina ask on the marriage license application?
The application may vary depending on the county, but generally the application will simply ask both the bride and groom for some basic information such as:
• Full name
• Address
• Date and place of birth
• Social security number
• Race
• Education level
• Father’s full name, state of birth, and current address
• Mother’s full maiden name, state of birth, and current address
• Number of previous marriages and when they ended
Both applicants will also need to provide one of the following forms of ID before North Carolina will issue the license:
• Passport
• Driver’s license
• State issued identity card
• Military identity card
• Certified birth certificate
If you use a current form of ID, it cannot be expired in order to be accepted for the application submission.
Are there any residency requirements to get married in North Carolina?
No, out of state residents can get married anywhere in North Carolina. There are no additional fees for out of state residents to be married in the state.
What is the cost of a marriage license?
Currently North Carolina charges $60 for a marriage license. If you want additional certified copies of the marriage certificate, you can receive them from the Register of Deeds Office that issued your license for an additional $10.
Does the marriage license expire?
Marriage licenses issued in North Carolina are good throughout the state for 60 days after they are issued. If you do not use it within those 60 days, you will need to reapply for a new license in order to legally marry. Because the license fee is nonrefundable, you will have to pay the license fee again for the second license to be issued.
