Wake County, North Carolina marriage license: fee, offices and what to bring

Wake County marriage license: what the office asks for

Issued by the Wake County Register of Deeds. The lines below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 13, 2026. Fees and hours change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the office before you go.

Fee

The Register of Deeds lists the marriage license cost as $60. (Source: wake.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

How to pay

Cash or credit cards are accepted at the downtown Raleigh office. The four regional center locations are cash only. (Source: wake.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

Appointment

No appointment is needed. Couples can walk in between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. (Source: wake.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

Online application

The application can be filled out online before arriving, or completed on a computer on-site. It does not need to be printed. (Source: wake.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

ID and documents to bring

Each applicant needs a valid government-issued photo ID with full name and date of birth, such as a driver's license or passport, plus proof of Social Security number. Applicants ages 16 to 20 need a certified birth record. (Source: wake.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

Who must appear

Both parties must be present in person to apply for and obtain the marriage license. (Source: wake.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

Magistrate civil ceremonies

Magistrates perform civil ceremonies at the Wake County Justice Center, 9th Floor, Room 901, on a walk-in basis. The page lists $50 cash, exact change, and two witnesses age 18 or older. (Source: wake.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

Recent divorce

Bring a certified copy of the divorce if it was finalized within the last 30 days. (Source: wake.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

No Social Security number

If either applicant has not been issued a Social Security number, an affidavit in lieu of Social Security can be completed electronically in the office. (Source: wake.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

Where to get a marriage license in Wake County

The Register of Deeds lists five locations for marriage licenses, including regional centers in Zebulon and on Departure Drive in Raleigh. (Source: wake.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

Official links

• Wake County Register of Deeds: marriage licenses

How Wake County compares with the North Carolina rule

Wake County lists $60. The North Carolina page shows $60, set statewide, the same amount.

North Carolina 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 a North Carolina 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)

North Carolina marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply has the state’s other rules: witnesses, who may officiate, age and certified copies.

Common questions

Next

Other North Carolina counties

• Mecklenburg County marriage license

North Carolina and planning

• North Carolina marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply
• Marriage license requirements by state
• Name change after marriage in North Carolina: checklist
• Marriage license: what to ask the office before you apply
• Courthouse wedding and reception: how to plan both
• Wedding planning checklist by month
• Wedding day timeline builder

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