Marriage
General information
The Durham County Register of Deeds office issues Marriage Licenses to the citizens who desire to get married.
Marriage License Issuance
Marriage Licenses are issued Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm, except holidays.
An appointment is required for license issuance.
Both applicants should be present when applying for a Marriage License.
Schedule an appointment
Applicants are required to complete the Online Marriage Application prior to their scheduled appointment.
Requirements to Obtain a Marriage License
- Applicants must not already be married.
- Applicants must be getting married within 60 days of the date of issuance.
- Applicants must be getting married in the state of North Carolina.
Marriage License Fee
$60 payable (cash only)
Underage Applicants
Applicants under the age of eighteen (18) should contact the office directly at 919-560-0493 for license issuance requirements.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide a valid (not expired, and legible) photo identification and proof of social security.
The way each applicant’s name appears on photo identification and proof of social security must match (first, middle, and last).
Acceptable forms of photo identification:
- Driver’s license
- State Issued Identification Card
- Passport
- Military Identification
Acceptable proofs of Social Security:
- Social Security Card
- Legal Document with full name and full social security number
- Recent W2 statement (printed within the last 2 years)
- Insurance Policy
- Letter from applicant’s bank on bank letterhead
Applicants 18-21 years of age must also provide a certified copy of his/her birth certificate.
Requirements for Previously Married Individuals
Effective January 1, 2019, all persons applying for a Marriage License will be required to provide proof of dissolved previous marriage if it occurred within the last 12 months.
If this is not a first marriage, and the previous marriage ended in the last 12 months by (divorce, death or annulment) the following proofs must be provided:
- Divorce – Certified copy of divorce decree
- Death – Certified copy of the death certificate
- Annulment – Certified copy of court ordered annulment
Expired License
The Marriage License Application is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If the Marriage License Application is not returned to the Register of Deeds office for recording within 60 days of issuance the license will be deemed expired.
Applicants with an expired Marriage License Application will be required to apply for a new license with applicable fees.
Marriage Certificate
A certified copy of the Marriage License is referred to as the Marriage Certificate.
The Marriage Certificate is not automatically mailed after the license is returned. Copies must be requested with applicable fees.
Ways to Apply for Marriage Certificate
Persons applying for Marriage Certificate may do so via one of the following methods:
- In Person
- Mail in Request Form
- Letter of Request
- Online Request
Required Identification
Applicants must provide a valid (not expired, and legible) photo identification:
- Driver’s license
- State Issued Identification Card
- Passport
- Military Identification
Letter of Request
Mail a written letter of request. Attach copy of valid photo identification and enclose payment.
Letter must include:
- Date of Marriage
- Full name of both applicants
- Relationship of Applicant Requesting Certificate
- Applicant’s name, address and phone number
- Applicant’s signature
Online Request
Click here to access the Online Vital Records System
The fee for certified copies will still be $10.00. However, additional charges apply for the convenience of online access and the option to pay with a credit or debit card.
Permitium offers:
- Notification of the receipt of the online application via automated email or optional text messaging.
- Ability to check order status.
- Enhanced security measures to ensure a secure transaction and help to protect citizens from ID theft.
Online Vital Records System:
- Requests processed on a first-come, first-serve basis
- Orders are processed Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm; except holidays
- Allow 10-14 days for processing
- All requests will be reviewed and checked for accuracy. Any inaccurate information may result in your application being denied.
- All communication regarding your order will be sent via email or optional text messaging.
Who Can Apply for a Marriage Certificate
Persons who may obtain certified copies of birth certificates include:
- Self
- Parent
- Sibling
- Spouse
- Children
- Grandparents
- Legal Representative
- Case Manager
- Legal Guardian
Proof of relationship may be required.
Fees
Certified
$10 per copy
Uncertified Via Mail
$1.00 per copy
Uncertified In Person
$.25 per copy
Acceptable Forms of Payment
- Cash
- Certified Check
- Money Order
- Debit/Credit Card
Make certified check or money order payable to Durham County Register of Deeds.
Mailing Address
Durham County Register of Deeds
Attention: Vital Records Department
Post Office Box 1107
Durham, NC 27702
Amendments
For additional information on Amendments to Marriage Certificates and Delayed Marriages please contact the office directly at 919-560-0493.