Marriage License & Certificates

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North Carolina State law requires you to obtain a marriage license before the ceremony is performed. The state laws governing marriage license issuances are found in the North Carolina General Statute 51.

Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage License

Both applicants must personally appear at the Register of Deeds office.
Applicants under the age of 18, please contact our office at 252.475.5970 for additional requirements
Both applicants must present a valid government issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) that includes date of birth information.
Both applicants must provide their Social Security number, or an affidavit which indicates that you are not eligible for a Social Security number.
Click here for the affidavit
If your previous marriage ended in divorce less than a year before, you will need to bring a paper copy of your divorce decree. If the divorce was more than a year before, you will only need to provide the month and year of divorce on the application.

To Apply for a Marriage License

Prior to visiting our office, please complete the marriage license application by selecting the MARRIAGE KIOSK link.

This application stays in our system for 15 days.
Click here to access the Marriage Kiosk.

Your marriage license is good for 60 days. There is no waiting period following issuance of the license.

The fee for the marriage license is $60.00. We accept credit/debit cards, cash (Exact Change), or money orders, made payable to the Dare County Register of Deeds. Please note that there is a 2% surcharge for credit card purchases.

Marriage Licenses are issued between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. We ask that you be here no later than 4:30 if possible.

To Request a Certified Copy of Your Marriage License

You may acquire it at our office or online.

Click the following link to file a request online:

Please provide your current mailing address, If it is different from your physical address. If your license is returned to us for a incorrect address, We will require you to send a self addressed stamped envelope for the second mailing attempt.

We now offer a Priority mail 1-3 day delivery option with a tracking number for an additional fee. Choosing this option will ensure you receive your certified copies in a more timely manner. This option is only available in the continental United States.

Request a certified copy of your marriage license

All information on this site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind on lost or damaged packages. Under no circumstances shall we have any liability to you for loss or damages incurred by Fed Ex, UPS or United States Postal Service.

Dare County Register of Deeds
P.O. Box 70
Manteo, North Carolina 27954