North Carolina Marriage License Requirements
In North Carolina, a couple seeking a marriage license must present a government-issued photo ID, a certified birth certificate, and a Social Security number or a signed affidavit if a Social Security number is unavailable. No residency requirement applies. The application requires two witnesses, both at least 18 years old, who will sign the license. A blood test is not required. The standard marriage license fee is sixty dollars, payable to the issuing county clerk.
Age eligibility follows a tiered structure. Individuals aged 18 and older may marry without additional approval. Those aged 16 or 17 may marry with documented parental consent or a court order. Persons aged 14 or 15 may marry only with a court order and must demonstrate pregnancy or the existence of a child. Marriage is not permitted for anyone under age 14. Because eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and procedural details may vary by county or change, applicants should contact their county clerk's office or consult North Carolina's official state statutes to confirm current requirements before applying.
| Requirement | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| License fee | $60 (statewide statutory fee; Register of Deeds) |
| Fee set by | State (statewide) |
| Waiting period | none |
| License validity | 60 days |
| ID required | government photo ID; certified birth certificate; SSN (or no-SSN affidavit) |
| Residency required | no |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; 16-17 with parental consent or court order; 14-15 only with a court order (and pregnancy/child); under 14 not permitted |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | 2 witnesses (18+) sign the license |
| Online option | some counties offer online application; finalized at the Register of Deeds |
| Where to apply | Register of Deeds (county-administered; statewide $60 fee) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Confirm locally. Requirements come from public-record state law and can change. Verify with the issuing county clerk or state .gov. Informational only — not legal advice.
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