How to Fill out a North Carolina Marriage License with Samples & FAQs

Asked to officiate a North Carolina wedding? Getting married in North Carolina? Whether you're a new wedding officiant or soon-to-be newlyweds, here’s everything you need to know about the NC marriage license process, including cost, waiting period, and – most importantly – how to fill out a North Carolina marriage license correctly the first time!

Wedding bells are ringing, so let’s take a look!

Guide to NC Marriage Licenses: For Officiants & Couples

1. How to Fill out a North Carolina Marriage License (for the Officiant)

In North Carolina, a marriage officiant cannot start the wedding ceremony until the couple has handed them a valid marriage license. Before you start the ceremony, check that the couple has their IDs and marriage license with them, and that neither of these has expired! After the ceremony, you and two witnesses will sign and complete the marriage license.

The officiant must return the completed marriage license / certificate of marriage in the same county where it was issued, within 10 days of the wedding (by mail or in person).

Two copies: Couples are usually given two original copies of their marriage license form by the Register of Deeds. These might be labeled “Application, License, and Certificate of Marriage” (printed on single / duplicate sheet), “Marriage License / Marriage Certificate” (printed as single / duplicate sheets), or similar. The top portion/s of the form is completed by the register of deeds. The bottom portion is completed by the officiant. Both copies must be completed and returned to the issuing office by the officiant following the ceremony.

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Who signs the marriage license in North Carolina?

The wedding officiant and two adult witnesses must sign the bottom portion of the marriage license form/s after the wedding ceremony. If the form includes spaces for the couple’s signatures, they must sign it as well. The officiant will fill in other important details too, such as their official title and home address, the marriage date, and the address where the wedding took place.

Here’s some advice to help you get started, borrowed from the Guilford, Buncombe, & Beaufort County Registers of Deeds:

• You must receive the physical marriage license from the couple before starting the wedding: NCGS § 51-6 states: “No minister, officer, or any other person authorized to solemnize a marriage under the laws of this State shall perform a ceremony of marriage [...] until there is delivered to that person a license for the marriage of the said persons, signed by the register of deeds [...]
• Fill out both copies of the marriage license form after the marriage ceremony. You should do this immediately following the ceremony, before the reception and before the witnesses leave.
• Use black ink only to complete the officiant’s portions of the marriage certificate. Please print legibly in the spaces marked - do not write in cursive except when asked for a signature.
• Follow any instructions or checklist provided by the Register of Deeds. Sometimes, county offices will include printed ‘officiant’s instructions’ or a ‘marriage license checklist’ inside the couple’s marriage license packet. Read these carefully if available.
• If the certificate asks for your “Title,” please write “Minister” if you are ordained with American Marriage Ministries. This might be labeled “Title of Officiating Party,” “Title of Officiating Officer,” or something similar. 
• Two adults must be present to witness the marriage ceremony, sign the marriage license, and provide their addresses. It’s your responsibility to ensure they complete their portion in black ink before they leave.
• Return both copies of the completed marriage license/certificate form to the same county office where they were issued within 10 days of the marriage ceremony. Forms can be returned by mail or in person.
• The marriage license can be used anywhere in the State of North Carolina, but it must be returned to the county where it is issued. For example, you can apply for and purchase your marriage license in Beaufort County, and then get married in Pitt County, but you must return the license to Beaufort County. (from the Beaufort County 'Marriage License Checklist')
• If the marriage license is not used (the couple changes their mind), or expires before the ceremony, it must be returned to the Register of Deeds unused.
• See all NC marriage laws

2. Images & Examples: North Carolina Marriage License

There are 100 counties in North Carolina, and each one designs its own marriage license form, based on the standardized 'Application, License, and Certificate of Marriage' form. Most NC marriage licenses look similar, but the exact layout can vary from county to county.

To help you feel confident in your role as wedding officiant, we’ve included three examples of NC marriage licenses below, starting with the most common form used. As you can see from the variety in these recreated images, your license might not look exactly like these – but the details you’ll need to know are the same!

If you know these details, you’re sure to do a great job on the wedding day.

Be prepared to include: 

• The officiant’s signature 
• The officiant’s title (such as ‘Minister’)
• The officiant's full address (street, city, state, zip code)
• Two witnesses, printed names
• Two witnesses, signatures
• Two witnesses, full addresses (street, city, state, zip code)
• Marriage date (month, day, year)
• Location of ceremony, full address (street, city, NC, zip code)
• The couple’s signatures if asked (may say ‘Parties to the Marriage’ or similar)

Sample One: Beaufort County Marriage License (Washington, NC)

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The detail above shows the officiant’s portion of the “Application, License, and Certificate of Marriage” Form (NC DHHS 2132). Copies of this form will be labeled "Register of Deeds Copy" and "Vital Records Copy." Complete them both and return both copies to the Register of Deeds issuing office.

Here’s what the full form looks like (via Scotland County):

Sample Two: Johnston County Marriage License (Clayton, NC & Surrounding)

Sample Three: Macon County Marriage License (Franklin, NC)

3. What if You Make a Mistake on a Marriage License in North Carolina?

If a wedding officiant or witness makes a mistake on the marriage license – such as a misspelled name or incorrect date – please contact the county office directly to ask what steps should be taken to fix the error. Do not use white-out or corrective tape.

Depending on the mistake, the couple might need to purchase a replacement license. However, there’s usually a simple fix. Each county decides its own process for making corrections, so we recommend you contact the register of deeds office directly. This is the simplest way to handle any issues that come up.

Before the wedding day: “I made a mistake when applying for my NC marriage license…”

Did you notice an error on your marriage license before the wedding day? Couples who make a mistake on their application may need to pay a small fee to correct it and have the license reprinted ahead of the wedding.

From the Beaufort Co. Register of Deeds: “Any errors on the certificate must be identified by the parties [to the marriage] at the time the license is issued, or there will be a $10.00 fee to make the correction after the license is used.”

After the wedding day: How to change a North Carolina marriage certificate after it’s filed

To make a change on a North Carolina marriage record, contact the Register of Deeds Office where the certificate was filed. (NC Vital Records does not make changes to marriage certificates.)

4. Who Can Officiate Weddings in North Carolina?

You can have a friend officiate your wedding in North Carolina! Along with various justices, judges, and magistrates, ministers who are ordained online through a reputable and recognized church, including American Marriage Ministries (AMM), can officiate weddings in NC and sign the marriage license. Click the link below to get ordained with AMM today!

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AMM Ministers meet North Carolina’s marriage officiant requirements

Ministers who are ordained online with AMM meet the state's requirements to officiate weddings, which are described in the state’s marriage laws (NCGS § 51-1 Requisites Of Marriage; Solemnization): 

“A valid and sufficient marriage is created by the consent of [two people] who may lawfully marry, presently to take each other as [spouses], freely, seriously and plainly expressed by each in the presence of [...] an ordained minister of any religious denomination, a minister authorized by a church, or a magistrate; and b. With the consequent declaration by the minister or magistrate that the persons are [married][...]”

Learn more: 

• How to Tell if Your Officiant Can Perform a Legal Wedding

Since ministers are not required to register their ministry credentials with the local government before performing a marriage ceremony in North Carolina, your ordination with a recognized church like AMM is the only authorization you need to officiate weddings. 

However, we always recommend new ministers have a copy of their ministry credentials on hand in case the couple or a county official asks for them.

Learn more: 

• North Carolina Officiant Government Registration Requirements
• Requisitos para Registrarte como Oficiante en North Carolina

5. How to Get a Marriage License in North Carolina

All couples getting married in North Carolina must get a marriage license before the wedding, and marriage licenses are issued by the County Register of Deeds. Some locations require an appointment, while others allow walk-ins. In larger cities, there may be several regional offices issuing marriage licenses. These alternate locations are usually listed on the Register of Deeds website for your convenience:

NCARD Directory: Find Your Closest Register of Deeds Office

Does it matter what county you get your marriage license in North Carolina?

You can apply for your marriage license in any county, regardless of where you live. A marriage license can be used anywhere in the state immediately after it’s issued too, but it must be returned by the officiant in the same county where it was issued.

NC Marriage License Requirements

• Both applicants must be present to obtain the marriage license.
• Proof of social security or ITIN number
• Valid government issued photo ID
• Applicants ages 16-20 years old must bring a birth certificate
• Certified copy of divorce decree if it was finalized within the last 30 days
• Payment $60.00 (Call to ask what forms of payment are accepted, many locations only accept cash)

Acceptable Forms of Identification for NC Marriage License (via Wake County Recorder of Deeds):  

Applicants 21 years of age or older may use one of these: Driver’s license or State-issue I.D. Card (may not be expired); Passport (may not be expired); Military ID.; Certified copy of birth certificate

Applicants 18-20 years of age also need: Certified copy of birth certificate.; Must come to Register of Deeds office

Applicants 16-17 years of age must: Call the Recorder of Deeds office in your home county for requirements.; Must come to Register of Deeds office

Acceptable Proofs of Social Security Number: Social Security Card; W-2; Tax return

Can you apply for a marriage license online in North Carolina?

No, not entirely. Several NC counties allow applicants to start the marriage license application online, but you cannot complete the process fully online. All couples are required to visit a local Register of Deeds Office in person to pick up their license and verify their identities. Be prepared to show all required identification – such as your government issued photo ID, divorce decree, birth certificate, social security card, or W2 tax form, as needed.

See an example of an online application via Wake County Register of Deeds electronic marriage license portal.

Learn more about how to get a marriage license in North Carolina in the helpful video below, provided by the Register of Deeds for Wake County (in Raleigh, NC). Your county's process may be slightly different. 

6. How Much is a NC Marriage License? (Cost)

Marriage license prices may vary by county, and sometimes increase to keep up with state budget costs. Currently, North Carolina marriage licenses cost around $60. Click the link below or contact your local clerk’s office for the most up to date information: 

• How Much Does a Marriage License Cost?

7. How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage License in NC? (Waiting Period)

There’s no waiting period for marriage in North Carolina as long as both applicants are at least 18 years old. This means that your marriage license is issued to you on the same day as your in-person visit, and you can use the license right away to get married.

Learn more about planning a same day wedding in North Carolina by clicking the link below:

• Can You Get Married on the Same Day You Get a Marriage License?

8. How Long Does a Marriage License Last in NC? (Expiration Date)

How long a marriage license is good for each state is called the “expiration period.” This is the number of days or months you have to use your license after it’s issued – your ceremony must take place within this timeframe. To see the current North Carolina marriage license expiration period, click the link below:

• Marriage License Waiting Period, Expiration, and Return

9. Where to Get a Certified Copy NC Marriage License (Marriage Records)

The Register of Deeds will not automatically mail you a certified copy of your marriage record, you must request one. Ordering one or more copies is easy.

The fastest option is to order copies directly from the Register of Deeds office in the county where you were married.

If you have more time, you can also order them online through the North Carolina Office of Vital Records (NCOVR) Order a Certificate portal.

10. Answers to Less Common Questions About North Carolina Marriage Licenses

Looking for answers to less common questions about marriage licenses and certificates in North Carolina? We’ve included a few below, but if you don’t see your question, we recommend reaching out to your local recorder of deeds office. Your local marriage license office is always the best source for up-to-date information, and they will be happy to answer your questions!

Does North Carolina Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, North Carolina does not recognize common law marriages, regardless of how long a couple has lived together. You must purchase a marriage license and have your marriage solemnized by an authorized wedding officiant.

Learn more about common law marriages: 

• A Short Introduction to Informal & Common Law Marriage
• A Short History of the Marriage License & Common Law Marriages

Is Same-Sex Marriage Legal in North Carolina?

Yes, absolutely. Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in North Carolina since October, 2014, when a federal judge in Asheville overturned the state’s ban. At the time, U.S. District Court Judge Max O. Cogburn, Jr. wrote: "North Carolina's laws prohibiting same-sex marriage are unconstitutional as a matter of law.” In 2015, SCOTUS’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges secured these marriage rights for same-sex couples nationwide.

Learn more: 

• How to Officiate a Same-Sex Wedding Ceremony
• Where to Get Ordained Online for LGBTQ+ Wedding Officiants
   

Does State Law Allow Polyamorous or Bigamous Marriage in North Carolina?

No, polyamorous or bigamous marriages are against the law in North Carolina. You can only be legally married to one person at a time in the United States.

Learn more about bigamy and polyamorous commitments:

• What You Need to Know About Bigamy
• How many times can you get married in each state?
• Is Open Marriage Legal in the US? Like, Actually Legal?
• Polyamorous Commitment Ceremony: Advice for Officiants on What to Say, Where to Stand, and More

What Happens if a Marriage License is Never Turned In? (North Carolina)

Didn’t return a NC marriage license? If you’re the wedding officiant who performed the ceremony, you may be found guilty of a misdemeanor and face a $200 fine (NCRS § 51-7). If the marriage license isn’t returned, the couple’s marriage can’t be recorded with the county and is not yet legally recognized. However, the couple may be able to establish proof of their original wedding date, file the license late (delayed filing), or take other action to legalize their marriage. Contact your Register of Deeds for more information.

Are marriage licenses public record in North Carolina?

Yes, your marriage license becomes public record after being returned to the Register of Deeds. Personal details remain private (such as your date of birth), but the date of your marriage and other details will be publicly available.

Learn more: 

• Are Marriage Licenses Public Records? (And Where Can You Marry in Secret?)

Are witness signatures required on a North Carolina marriage license to be official?

Yes, two witnesses must be present at your wedding and sign your marriage certificate for your marriage to be valid. Your wedding officiant can’t be one of your witnesses, and the county clerk will not accept your marriage certificate without these two witness signatures.

Learn more: 

• Who Can Be a Witness for a Wedding & How Do You Choose?

Explore More North Carolina Wedding Ideas & Inspiration from AMM

• How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained Online in North Carolina?
• How to Get Married in North Carolina - Planning a wedding in the Tar Heel State
• Were You Told You Can’t Officiate a Wedding in North Carolina Because You Were Ordained Online? Read This!