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By Lei Lydle
Founder and Editor
Last Updated: 5/15/2005 |
Getting a marriage license in North Carolina is a relatively easy process.
General Requirements
To be married in North Carolina one partner must have been born male and the other female and the partners can not be related to each other in a way that is forbidden by law. In addition, both partners must be acting by their own consent and must be of sufficiently sound mind to understand the nature of the marriage contract. If you have any question about these legal requirements, consult your attorney.
Age Requirements
Basically, both the bride and groom must be 18 years of age or older to apply for a license without parental consent. If either or both of the applicants are under the legal age, the written 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.
Emancipated Minors, on the other hand, may marry without the consent of a parent, guardian, or the court.
In addition if a person is between 14 and 16 years of age is either a female who is pregnant (or who has given birth) or the putative father of a child, AND the underage party wishes to marry the other parent of the child, the couple may marry only of they get an order from a District Court Judge authorizing the marriage. A certified copy of this order must be filed with the Register of Deeds before the couple can obtain a marriage license.
A marriage license may not be issued to applicants under 14 years of age.
Fees
The marriage license fee is $50.00 - cash only.
Appear in Person With Proof of Identity and Age
You both must appear in person to apply for the license. If one of you is unable to appear, the other must appear in person and present a sworn and notarized affidavit from the fiance, prior to the issuance of the license. Affidavit forms are available in the Register of Deeds Office.
You will be required to prove your age by presenting a driver's license or a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Each of you is required to present your Social Security card or documentary proof of your Social Security number, i.e. W-2 form, payroll stub, or a statement from the Social Security Office stating your Social Security number.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are not required in North Carolina.
When One Party is Widowed or Divorced
In the case of a previous marriage that ended either in divorce or death, it is always a good idea to be prepared with the divorce decree or death certificate - no matter how long ago the death or divorce occurred. If there has been a divorce within the last 60 days, the state REQUIRES a copy of the divorce decree signed by the judge.
Waiting Period
There is no waiting period to get a marriage license in North Carolina.
License Validity
The marriage license is valid for sixty (60) days from the date of issuance.
Residency
You do not need to be a resident of North Carolina to apply for a license.
Where To Get The License
You can obtain a license in the County Register of Deeds offices for any North Carolina county. Most are open between the hours of 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday.
To find the Marriage License Office for your county, select the county below:
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