No waiting period. Register of Deeds issues licenses (not county clerk).
North Carolina Marriage License ā State Rules
North Carolina issues marriage licenses through the Register of Deeds (not the county clerk), and requires no waiting period. These two facts together ā plus the state's mountain scenery in the west and beach access in the east ā make NC a top elopement destination on the East Coast.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | Register of Deeds |
| Waiting period | None |
| License validity | 60 days |
| Fee range | $50ā$60 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | None required |
| Residency required? | No ā North Carolina has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes ā both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No ā North Carolina does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the Register of Deeds
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID ā driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport. Both parties.
- Social Security Number ā required on the application for both parties. Physical card typically not required. Non-U.S. citizens without an SSN write "None."
- Prior marriage information ā date and state the prior marriage ended (divorce or death). For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
- Fee payment ā $50ā$60. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
North Carolina County Guides
Select your county for the exact office address, hours, fee, appointment requirements, and county-specific procedural detail.
Fee: $60
Fee: $60
Fee: $60
Fee: $60
Fee: $60
Fee: $60
County-by-county guides for all North Carolina counties are being expanded continuously. Use our checklist tool for a personalized document list based on your state while additional county pages are added.
Frequently Asked Questions ā North Carolina
No. North Carolina has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a North Carolina marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in North Carolina.
The waiting period in North Carolina is None. This means you must wait this long after receiving the license before holding the ceremony. See our waiting periods guide for the complete statewide comparison and waiver procedures.
A North Carolina marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If the ceremony does not occur within this window, the license expires and you must reapply and pay the fee again. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact deadline.
No. A North Carolina marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within North Carolina. If your ceremony is in a different state, you must apply for a license in that state. Your home state will recognize any legally performed marriage from another state.