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North Carolina marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What North Carolina's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished November 12, 2026

Editorial standards

North Carolina marriage license at a glance

Fee: $60 for issuing a license, set in state law and charged by every county register of deeds. Waiting period: No required waiting period between the issuance of the marriage license and the wedding. The license must be issued before the wedding. How long it is valid: Valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, and it must be returned to the issuing office.

North Carolina marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 12, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $60 for issuing a license, set in state law and charged by every county register of deeds. (Source: ncleg.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: No required waiting period between the issuance of the marriage license and the wedding. The license must be issued before the wedding. (Source: nccourts.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
How long the license is valid: Valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, and it must be returned to the issuing office. (Source: deeds.mecknc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: May be used in any county in North Carolina. (Source: deeds.mecknc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: At least two witnesses must be present at the marriage ceremony. (Source: ncleg.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: An ordained minister of any religious denomination, a minister authorized by a church, or a magistrate; or any mode of solemnization recognized by a religious denomination. (Source: ncleg.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Anyone over 18 can marry without parental consent. Applicants under 18 must call the Register of Deeds for requirements. (Source: deeds.mecknc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Both show valid government photo ID (driver license, ID card, military ID or passport) and proof of a Social Security number. Ages 18 to 20 also need a birth certificate. (Source: deeds.mecknc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: Both applicants visit a county Register of Deeds in person. Mecklenburg: County and Courts Office Building, 720 E. 4th St., Room 105, Charlotte. (Source: deeds.mecknc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Yes. An online application is available and can be completed before visiting, but both applicants must still appear in person. (Source: deeds.mecknc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Request a marriage record from the county Register of Deeds online, in person or by mail. Mecklenburg charges $10 per certified copy. (Source: deeds.mecknc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in North Carolina?

$60 for issuing a license, set in state law and charged by every county register of deeds.

Is there a waiting period to get married in North Carolina?

No required waiting period between the issuance of the marriage license and the wedding. The license must be issued before the wedding.

How long is a North Carolina marriage license valid?

Valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, and it must be returned to the issuing office.

Do you need witnesses to get married in North Carolina?

At least two witnesses must be present at the marriage ceremony.

Who can officiate a wedding in North Carolina?

An ordained minister of any religious denomination, a minister authorized by a church, or a magistrate; or any mode of solemnization recognized by a religious denomination.

How do you get a certified copy of a North Carolina marriage certificate?

Request a marriage record from the county Register of Deeds online, in person or by mail. Mecklenburg charges $10 per certified copy.

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