NC Marriage License – Days Required Before Wedding
Planning a wedding in North Carolina and wondering how fast you can get legally married? You can get a marriage license in NC the same day you apply. Our guide shows the steps, required documents, and fees. You will learn how to avoid delays and plan your big day with confidence.
NC Marriage License Wait Time
Getting a marriage license in North Carolina is pretty quick. Most counties let you walk in, fill out the form, and get your license the same day. There is no waiting period after you get it, so you can marry right away.
The NC marriage license wait time is usually just the time it takes to visit the register of deeds office. Bring your ID and pay the fee, and you are done. Some busy offices may have a short line, but the wait is often under an hour.
What to Know Before You Go
To keep your NC marriage license wait time short, both people should go together. You need a valid photo ID, like a driver license, and know your social security numbers. The fee is around $60, but it changes by county.
Here is a quick list of what to bring:
- Photo ID for both partners
- Social security numbers
- Money for the fee
- Proof of age if ID is not enough
If you were married before, bring divorce papers or a death certificate. This helps the clerk finish fast and avoids a second trip.
Both parties must apply in person at a NC county register of deeds to get the license same day.
Some counties let you start the form online. This can cut your NC marriage license wait time at the office. Check your county website before you go.
| County | Fee | Same-Day? |
|---|---|---|
| Wake | $60 | Yes |
| Mecklenburg | $60 | Yes |
| Dare | $75 | Yes |
Plan a weekday morning visit if you can. Offices are calmer then, and your NC marriage license wait time will be the smallest. That way, you spend less time waiting and more time planning your big day.
Required Documents for NC Applicants
Getting a marriage license in North Carolina is quick, but you need the right papers before you go. Most county offices give you the license the same day if your documents are ready, so knowing what to bring saves time.
To apply, both people must show valid ID and proof of age. You also need to pay a small fee, which changes by county. Bringing the correct items helps you avoid a second trip to the register of deeds.
What You Need to Bring
Here is a simple list of the main documents for NC applicants:
- Valid photo ID (driver license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security number (card or verified number)
- Birth certificate if ID does not show full name and birth date
- Divorce decree or death certificate if married before
- Payment for the license fee (check your county amount)
If one person cannot go, they may send a notarized form, but both signatures are needed. Some counties let you start online, yet you must finish in person with papers.
Bring your ID and fee to the county office, and you can get your license in about 20 minutes.
The table below shows common ID types and notes for NC applicants:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Driver License | Must be current and from any US state |
| Passport | Works if it is not expired |
| Birth Certificate | Needed if ID lacks birth date |
Plan ahead by checking your county website for the exact fee. With papers in hand, your visit is fast and easy.
Where to Apply in North Carolina
If you want to get married in North Carolina, you must get a marriage license first. You can only apply at a Register of Deeds office in any county in the state, and the license works in all 100 counties once issued.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday, and you both must go in person with a valid ID. Bring your Social Security numbers and know your parents’ full names and birthplaces to fill out the form fast.
County Office Examples
Large counties often have busy offices, so arriving early helps. Below are a few common spots where couples apply:
- Wake County: 300 S Salisbury St, Raleigh
- Mecklenburg County: 320 S McDowell St, Charlotte
- Guilford County: 201 W Market St, Greensboro
You do not need to live in the county where you apply. A license from Buncombe County is just as good in Dare County.
No county office in NC requires a blood test or a waiting period before issuing a marriage license.
Some offices let you start the form online to save time. Check the county website before you go so you bring the right papers.
| County | Fee | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wake | $60 | 8:30am-4:30pm |
| Mecklenburg | $60 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
| Guilford | $60 | 8:00am-4:30pm |
The fee is the same in almost every county, and you pay when you apply. Plan to spend about 30 minutes at the office if the line is short.
Same-Day License Issuance in North Carolina
Getting a marriage license in North Carolina can be fast and easy. In most counties, you can walk into the Register of Deeds office and walk out with your license the very same day. There is no waiting period in NC, so once you turn in your papers and pay the fee, the license is ready right away.
To get a same-day license, both people must go to the office together. You need a valid ID like a driver’s license or passport, and the fee is usually $60. If you have been married before, bring papers that show the old marriage ended.
What You Need for Same-Day Service
Here is a simple list of what to bring so you do not waste a trip:
- Valid photo ID for both people
- $60 cash or card for the fee
- Divorce or death papers if married before
- Social Security numbers (no card needed)
Some small offices may get busy, so going early helps. Big counties like Wake or Mecklenburg give same-day licenses all day long.
North Carolina has no waiting period, so couples get their license the same day they apply.
Below is a quick look at common NC counties and their same-day option:
| County | Same-Day License | Cost |
| Wake | Yes | $60 |
| Mecklenburg | Yes | $60 |
| Dare | Yes | $60 |
Plan a little, bring your papers, and you will leave with your NC marriage license on the spot. That leaves more time to enjoy your big day.
Common NC Application Delays
Getting a marriage license in North Carolina is usually quick, but some things can slow it down. Most counties issue the license the same day if you bring the right papers, yet many couples wait longer because of small mistakes or busy offices.
The most common delay is missing identification or wrong details on the form. If your name on the ID does not match your birth certificate, the clerk will ask for more proof. Holidays and weekend schedules also back up the line at the register of deeds.
Top Reasons Your NC Marriage License Takes Longer
Here are the usual trouble spots that stretch the timeline:
- Wrong or expired photo ID (need a valid driver license or passport).
- Prior marriage not closed on paper (divorce decree or death certificate missing).
- Both partners not present, since NC wants you to apply together.
- Clerk office closed on the exact day you planned to go.
In smaller towns the wait is often under 30 minutes, but in big counties like Wake or Mecklenburg you may stand in line for two hours during lunch. A 2023 county survey showed 1 in 4 couples had to return a second day due to missing documents.
Bring every paper the county lists before you go to avoid a second trip.
To stay safe, call your local register of deeds and check the list online. If you plan a wedding in peak season (May to October), go at least three weeks early so a delay will not ruin your date.
After You Receive the License
Once you have your marriage license in North Carolina, you must have the marriage ceremony performed within 60 days, as the license expires after that period. The officiant will complete the license and return it to the county register of deeds to make the marriage official.
Both parties should keep a certified copy of the marriage certificate for legal and personal records, which can be requested from the county after the license is recorded. Be sure to update your name and beneficiary information with relevant agencies after the marriage is registered.