NC marriage license

Obtaining a NC marriage license

Have you made the decision to get married in North Carolina?

If the answer is yes than congratulations you have made a great decision, hundred of thousands of couples make their vows in this beautifully rustic east coast state.

Though before you get wrapped up in the busy organizing of your wedding day, don’t forget to start the marriage license application process early on.

Most people are recommended to apply at least a month in advance of the big day; this allows you some extra time just in case you run into any problems with the document processing.

You’ll probably find that most states have similar rules and regulations when it comes to marriage laws and licensing, though some are stricter than others in certain areas and the pricing will also vary.

Cost of marriage license

When you apply for the NC marriage license you will receive it there and then, there is no mandatory waiting period of a few days like most other states.

Aside from this a standard fee of $50 is needed for the processing of all he marriage license documentation, you’ll need to pay in cash; checks or credit cards usually won’t be accepted by most of the registry offices.

NC marriage license requirements and regulations

During the application process both partners need to be present in front of the registrar in order to obtain a license.

In the event that one person cannot make it to the registry office the other person will need to bring with them a notarized affidavit on behalf of the other partner.

If you know that the other person cannot make it to the application proceedings then you’ll be able to obtain an affidavit form from the register of deeds office.

Both partners will need to bring 2 forms of picture identification; this can be a valid U.S. Passport, Military ID card or birth certificate.

North Carolina state law now asks all applicants of a marriage license to present their social security number or proof of this during the application process. This can be shown with either an original printed statement from the social security office with the number presented clearly, or a payroll stub from your monthly statement.

If you are recently divorced within the last 60 days of the application date then you are expected to bring a copy of your divorce papers showing the month that you separated and how long you have been together.

Applicants of different age ranges have specific requirements in some cases, for example couples aged 14 – 15 years old are required to get the approval of a local court and must each provide their original birth certificates. 16 – 17 years old must get notarized written consent from their legal guardians, as well as birth certificates, though if you’re aged 18 – 20 years old you just need the birth certificates.

In North Carolina the state allows first cousins to get a NC marriage license.

Common law marriages, where 2 people can live together and call themselves a married couple which is then recognized by the law as a legal arrangement is not allowed in North Carolina.