Here you will find general information about marriage license requirements. As requirements change from time to time, be sure to check with your local Register of Deeds Office for the most up to date information for your specific situation.
North Carolina
• At this time, North Carolina only recognizes marriages between a man and a woman. Same sex marriages are not legal in North Carolina.
• Bride and groom must appear in person and present valid identification. The following forms of ID are accepted by applicants 18 years and over:
• Driver’s License
• Military Identification
• State Issued Identification
• Passport
*The identification must be current.
• Minors age 16 and 17 must present certified copies of their birth certificates along with written parental consent.
• Bride and groom have to provide their Social Security Number along with verification such as a Social Security Card, W-2 or pay stub with your Social Security Number on it.
• If you have been divorced, you have to provide the month and year of your last divorce. If your divorce became final within 30 days of your application, you have to provide an original or certified copy of your divorce decree.
• There is no waiting period once your license has been issued.
• A marriage license is good for 60 days and can be used anywhere in the state of North Carolina. However, the license must be returned to the county it was issued in.
• The marriage license fee is $60.
• Marriage licenses are issued Monday through Friday. Contact your local Register of Deeds for hours of operation.
• Once your marriage license has been filed, you can request certified copies for $10.00 each.
• Magistrates, Ordained Ministers of any denomination, and ministers authorized by a church may solemnize marriages in North Carolina.
South Carolina
• At this time, South Carolina only recognizes marriages between a man and a woman. Same sex marriages are not legal in South Carolina.
• The bride and groom must appear in person and present valid identification.
• There is a 24 hour waiting period for the license following application.
• Fees vary from county to county so you must contact your county clerk for accurate information on fees.
• There is no expiration date on a SC marriage license.
• A $50 tax credit is authorized for couples who take a premarital education program.
• Ministers of the gospel, Jewish Rabbis and officers authorized to administer oaths ( this includes a Notary Public) may solemnize marriages in South Carolina.