Marriage License Fee in North Carolina

The fee on this page covers the register of deeds issuing the license, maintaining the official record, and receiving the signed return after the ceremony. The license is the legal authorization for an officiant to perform the ceremony, and the return is the certificate that confirms the marriage occurred.

The license fee does not include optional certified copies or convenience fees for online services or card processing that a county may charge separately. Always confirm payment methods and any additional copy fees with the register of deeds where you apply.

161-10. Registers of deeds must charge $60 to issue a marriage license. The same statute sets fees for related services, including $10 for a certified copy of a marriage license and $20 for a delayed certificate that includes one certified copy.

Because the base license fee is set by statute, the amount is consistent statewide, but counties may charge separate convenience fees for online services or credit card processing. Check the county register of deeds site for payment options and any additional service charges before you apply.

G.S. 51-8 directs the register of deeds to issue a license upon proper application when the applicants are eligible to marry under North Carolina law. The register may require evidence such as certified birth certificates or other proof to confirm eligibility. Once issued, the license must be delivered to the officiant before the ceremony as required by G.S.

51-6. Because county offices handle appointments, identification checks, and recordkeeping, confirm hours, appointment policies, and document requirements with the specific register of deeds office you plan to use.

The register of deeds may administer an oath and may require supporting evidence before issuing the license. Each applicant must provide a social security number on the application. If an applicant does not have a social security number and is ineligible to obtain one, the applicant must provide a sworn statement to that effect. The register keeps the statement with the county copy of the license.

Bring any supporting documents requested by the register so your application can be processed the same day. The register of deeds cannot issue a license unless all statutory requirements are met, so incomplete answers can delay issuance. The statutory license form in G.S. 51-16 shows that the record captures names, residences, ages, and parent information, so have those details ready when you apply.

51-8. County offices publish their own proof-of-age and identification requirements, and some may accept passports or other government-issued identification in addition to birth certificates.

Because the register has discretion to require evidence, confirm the exact document list with your county before you apply and bring originals or certified copies when required. G.S. 51-8 also allows the register to administer an oath to anyone presenting evidence about eligibility, so expect to affirm the information you provide.

Applicants who are 16 or 17 may marry a person no more than four years older and must provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian or a district court order issued under G.S. 51-2.1.

The statute also recognizes emancipated minors who present a certificate or decree of emancipation in lieu of parental consent. Because minor applications require additional documentation and sometimes court review, contact the register of deeds early if either applicant is under 18.

The statute also voids marriages when a party lacks the capacity to consent. G.S. 51-4 explains how kinship is calculated and treats half-blood relations the same as whole-blood for determining prohibited degrees. The register of deeds may ask questions about prior marriages or family relationships and may require documentation to confirm eligibility.

If you have a prior marriage that has not been dissolved or you are unsure about kinship rules, resolve those issues before applying. The Judicial Branch guidance also notes that both parties must intend to marry, must not be currently married to anyone else, and must be able to understand their actions. It also states that parties cannot be more closely related than first cousins.

51-8.2 allows a marriage license to be issued when one applicant is over 18 and unable to appear in person. The other party must appear at the register of deeds office and submit a sworn, notarized affidavit on behalf of the absent applicant, along with the required documentation listed in the statute.

The affidavit confirms that the absent party is eligible to marry and intends to marry in North Carolina within the next 60 days. Because this process is document-heavy, contact the register of deeds in advance for the affidavit form and identification requirements.

The same guidance explains that a marriage license expires after 60 days if the wedding has not taken place, and applicants must apply again if the wedding does not occur within that window.

Plan your application timing around the 60-day validity period so you do not need to reapply or repay the fee.

The Judicial Branch states that a wedding can be performed by a magistrate or by any minister who is ordained in a religious denomination or authorized by a church. The guidance also notes that marriages can be performed in the recognized manner of a religious denomination that does not use officiants, or in the recognized manner of a federally or state-recognized Native American tribe.

Make sure your officiant understands the requirement to complete and return the license after the ceremony. The Judicial Branch guidance also notes that judges do not perform weddings in North Carolina.

The form of license in G.S. 51-16 also requires the certificate to be signed by two witnesses and the officiant.

Because the license must be delivered to the officiant before the ceremony, bring the issued license to the wedding and ensure two witnesses are present to sign the certificate immediately after the ceremony.

G.S. 51-7 and G.S. 51-16 require the officiant to return the license with the completed certificate to the register of deeds within 10 days after the ceremony. G.S. 51-18 requires the register of deeds to index and preserve the original license and return. If you need certified copies for name changes or benefits, ask the officiant how and when the return will be filed so the register can record the marriage.

G.S. 51-7 also authorizes a $200 penalty for an officiant who fails to return the license on time. G.S. 51-16 indicates the certificate records the date and place of the marriage and the names and residences of the two witnesses, so confirm those details with your officiant.

Durham County, for example, lists a $60 marriage license fee and notes that applicants must be married within 60 days of issuance and must be married in North Carolina. Durham also notes that certified copies are not mailed automatically and must be requested with the applicable fees. Use this as a local example and confirm your county office policies, payment methods, and document requirements before applying.

Durham also notes that the $60 fee is payable in cash only and that expired licenses require a new application. Use local pages like this to confirm whether appointments, online pre-applications, or specific payment types are required in your county.

51-8. Applications for 16- and 17-year-olds can be delayed if parental consent or court authorization is incomplete. Another common issue is attempting to apply when one party cannot appear but the affidavit required by G.S.

51-8.2 is not properly notarized. Finally, if the ceremony does not occur within 60 days, the license expires and you must reapply and pay the fee again.