You must obtain your North Carolina marriage license at the Register of Deeds office in any county in North Carolina. Both parties must apply, in person, at the same time, Monday - Friday.

This site provides a county map with a link to each Register of Deeds Office: click here

You do not have to be a resident of North Carolina to apply for a marriage license. 

Age requirement 18 (under 18 w/parental consent)  --  Under 21 requires birth certificate

Waiting Period: none

Blood Test: none

Cost: $50 (some offices require cash)

License is valid for 60 days and marriage may take place anywhere in North Carolina.

If you've been previously married, you will need to provide the date of the divorce and possibly a certified copy of the divorce decree. Check with the individual office concerning requirements.

There is no waiting period between the divorce and applying for the new license.

Bring the marriage license (and the return envelope provided by the Register) to the rehearsal. If a rehearsal is not planned, the license must be presented before the ceremony takes place. The marriage license must be at the ceremony or the marriage is not valid.

Immediately after the wedding ceremony the marriage license will be signed by two chosen witnesses, usually the best man and maid/matron of honor. The newly married couple does not need to sign the license after the ceremony; this signature was required at the time of issuance. The marriage license will be signed by the officiating minister who is responsible for returning it to the Register of Deeds in the county where it was issued.

You will not automatically receive a certified copy. A certified copy of the marriage license may be obtained after the original license is returned and recorded at the Register of Deeds office. At the same time the marriage license is obtained, the county gives cost information and a form to request a certified copy by mail. The certified copies cost $10.00 and you will probably want to request at least two copies.