How to Get a Marriage License in North Carolina
North Carolina marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- $60 (statewide statutory fee; Register of Deeds)
- Waiting period
- none
- Minimum age
- 18 without consent
- Blood test
- no
Confirm the fee before you go. check the exact, current fee on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. This page is informational only and is not legal advice.
Couples seeking to marry in North Carolina must obtain a marriage license from the Register of Deeds in the county where the marriage will take place. The statewide fee is $60. No waiting period applies; the license becomes valid immediately upon issuance and remains valid for 60 days. Applicants must present a government-issued photo ID, a certified birth certificate, and either a Social Security number or a signed affidavit stating they have no Social Security number. The state imposes no residency requirement. Some counties offer online application options, though the license must be finalized in person at the Register of Deeds office.
North Carolina permits marriage for individuals age 18 and older without consent. Those aged 16 or 17 may marry with parental consent or a court order; individuals aged 14 or 15 may marry only by court order and only if pregnant or already have a child. Marriage is not permitted for those under age 14. Two witnesses, each at least 18 years old, must sign the completed license. To confirm the exact current fee, application procedures, and eligibility rules before applying, individuals should contact their county Register of Deeds office or the official state government website.
What a marriage license actually is
A marriage license is the government document that authorizes your marriage; you apply for it before the ceremony, and once it’s signed and returned it becomes your marriage record. The fee, waiting period and ID rules below are what each state and county sets — always confirm the exact current amount with the issuing clerk.
| Requirement | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| License fee | $60 (statewide statutory fee; Register of Deeds) |
| Fee set by | State (statewide) |
| Waiting period | none |
| License validity | 60 days |
| ID required | government photo ID; certified birth certificate; SSN (or no-SSN affidavit) |
| Residency required | no |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; 16-17 with parental consent or court order; 14-15 only with a court order (and pregnancy/child); under 14 not permitted |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | 2 witnesses (18+) sign the license |
| Online option | some counties offer online application; finalized at the Register of Deeds |
| Where to apply | Register of Deeds (county-administered; statewide $60 fee) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Full North Carolina requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record North Carolina marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.