Before tying the knot, know which marriage license suits you.
Standard license for most couples. Both parties must be 18+ or have parental consent if 16-17. Valid for 60 days after issuance.
Head to your county’s official website to fill out the marriage license application or apply at the county clerk’s office in person.
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Head to your county’s official website to fill out the marriage license application or apply at the county clerk’s office in person.
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Head to your county’s official website to fill out the marriage license application or apply at the county clerk’s office in person.
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Head to your county’s official website to fill out the marriage license application or apply at the county clerk’s office in person.
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To apply for a North Carolina marriage license, visit the Register of Deeds office in any county within the state. Both applicants must be present with valid identification. Some counties offer online pre-application to streamline the process.
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Apply for a North Carolina marriage license at any Register of Deeds office within North Carolina. You must appear in person; it cannot be done remotely. Both parties need to be present with valid identification and required documents.
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Apply for a North Carolina marriage license at any county Register of Deeds office upon returning to the U.S. Both parties must appear in person. You cannot apply from outside the country.
No matter where you’re located, Courtly simplifies the process, helping you secure your online marriage license easily and legally.
Marriage licenses in most states expire within 30–90 days. Make sure to check your state’s rules to avoid last-minute stress.
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Processing times can vary. Applying early helps you avoid delays, especially if your wedding is on a weekend or during peak season.
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Some states allow same-day issuance, while others require a waiting period. Plan ahead to meet your wedding timeline.
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Most offices issue licenses immediately, though some may take a few days. Confirm whether you’ll need to pick it up or if a digital copy is available.
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If your license expires before your wedding, you’ll need to reapply—and repay the fees again. Stay on top of the deadline to avoid extra hassle.
Both applicants must provide a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID must be current and not expired.
Both applicants must provide their Social Security numbers. If an applicant does not have a Social Security number, they must sign an affidavit stating this fact.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. Those aged 16 or 17 must provide parental consent forms signed by a parent or legal guardian.
If either applicant has been previously married, they must provide proof of how the marriage ended, such as a divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse.
North Carolina does not require blood tests for marriage licenses.
There are no residency requirements to obtain a marriage license in North Carolina. The license can be used in any county within the state.
Both applicants must complete and sign the marriage license application form, which can be obtained from the county Register of Deeds office.
Applicants must pay the required fee for the marriage license. The fee amount may vary by county, so it's best to check with the specific county office for current rates.
Certain cases need more paperwork
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Make sure your IDs, forms, and application details are accurate to avoid delays.
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Some states offer fee reductions for completing a course—check if it applies to you.
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Avoid last-minute stress by applying in advance and consulting a specialist if needed.
Detailed step by step application process
Or, skip the courthouse entirely!
Apply for a U.S. marriage license entirely online and have your ceremony officiated by
a licensed professional—all from the comfort of your home.
