Marriage License
Requirements

In the State of NORTH CAROLINA, you may apply or use the marriage license in any county of the State.

• Marriage License Applications are taken from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday - Friday.
  
• Both the Bride and Groom must be present when the license is issued. In cases of extreme hardship when one applicant is UNABLE to appear (i.e. confinement in hospital, nursing home or prison), the individual who is unable to appear in person must submit a sworn and notarized Affidavit in Lieu of Personal Appearance. The affidavit, along with the required identification for both parties, must be presented by the individual appearing in person.
  
• The fee for a Marriage License is currently $60.00. 
• The fee for a Certified Copy of your Marriage License is currently $10.00.  You may now request a copy of your Marriage License and pay with your Visa or MasterCard by simply printing the NHC Copy of a Vital Record Application and filling out the requested information.  After printing out the application place governmental issued ID such as a drivers license on space provided on page 2 and photocopy form then fax both pages to 910-798-7757.  Once order has been verified and processed you will be contacted to process payment.  Do not place any credit card information on authorization form, that information will be taken over the phone when order is processed.
• The following documents must be presented from both the Bride and Groom before a license will be issued:
• Effective February 01, 2009 Applicants for Marriage in New Hanover County must provide Picture ID with date of birth, certified copies of birth certificates (if birth certificate is from another country, couple must also provide a certified translation) and an acceptable proof of social security numbers or ITIN number.  (Will accept W2, statement from Social Security Administration or paystub with printed SS#)

*If you have been divorced in the last 60 days you should bring your divorce papers.*

The legal age for marriage in North Carolina is 18.  (Persons over 16 and under 18 can only be married with signed parental consent.  It is illegal for any person under 14 to marry in North Carolina.  Any person older than 14, but younger than 16 must obtain a Court Order through the Clerk of Court's Office at 910-341-1302 for additional information. 

The marriage ceremony MUST be performed within 60 days after the license is issued.  If ceremony is NOT performed within 60 days following issuance of license, another license must be issued before a marriage can be performed.

A Magistrate, Minister, or any other person authorized by their religious denomination, or federally recognized Indian Tribe, may Perform a marriage ceremony.

On-Line Marriage Application Form
On-Line Marriage Application Form Only valid for 10 Days.

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