Guilford County includes Greensboro and High Point, two of North Carolina's larger cities. With no waiting period, couples in the Piedmont Triad region frequently apply here for same-day marriage licenses.
Office Location and Hours
Marriage licenses in Guilford County are issued by the Guilford County Register of Deeds at 201 W. Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Guilford County serves both Greensboro and High Point residents. The county seat is Greensboro — couples in High Point typically find the Greensboro Register of Deeds more convenient than traveling to other counties.
Required Documents
Both applicants must bring the following to the Guilford County Clerk's office:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: State driver's license, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government photo ID. Must not be expired.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card not required — just know the number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party was previously married, be prepared to provide the date and state the marriage ended. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Fee — $60
The Guilford County marriage license fee is $60. Accepted payment methods typically include cash, credit/debit card, and money order. Personal checks are not accepted at most county clerk offices. Call ahead to confirm current payment options.
Waiting Period — None
The waiting period in Guilford County is None. Plan your license application date carefully relative to your ceremony date. See our complete waiting periods guide for more detail on this state's rules and how to request a waiver if applicable.
License Validity — 60 days
Your Guilford County marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in North Carolina. If your ceremony falls outside this window, the license expires and you must reapply. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact expiration date.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must sign and return the completed marriage license to the Guilford County Clerk within the timeframe required by North Carolina law. The clerk then records it as a permanent public record. Certified copies of the marriage certificate can be ordered from the clerk's office after recording — typically available 2–4 weeks after the ceremony.
Call the Guilford County Clerk's office the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fee amounts, and any appointment requirements. Government office policies can change without public notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — North Carolina requires both applicants to appear together in person to apply for a marriage license. There are very limited exceptions (active military deployment in some states). Both parties must present valid photo ID and provide their Social Security numbers.
Yes. North Carolina has no residency requirement for marriage license applicants. You can apply in Guilford County regardless of where you live, and the license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in North Carolina.
After your officiant returns the signed license and the Guilford County Clerk records it, you can order certified copies directly from the clerk's office in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek. You'll need certified copies for Social Security, your driver's license, and other name change purposes.
The county clerk's office does not typically perform ceremonies. For a civil ceremony, contact the Greensboro area courthouse to ask about judge or magistrate availability. Justices of the Peace in the county may also be available. See our courthouse ceremony guide for more detail.