How to Get a Marriage License in Mecklenburg County

What it costs, how far ahead you have to apply, what to bring, and the parts that catch couples out.

Before you book an appointment

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you need to search public records in the vault area, that's available during those same hours. Whether an appointment is required isn't stated on the official pages I could read — call ahead if you want to be sure.

Both of you must appear in person and present ID. You submit the application, then complete the in-person appearance together.

There is one exception. Under G.S. 51-8.2, if an applicant over 18 can't appear in person, the other party appears on their behalf and submits a sworn, notarized affidavit in place of the absent applicant's appearance.

What it costs

The license issuance fee is $60.00.

How far ahead to apply

There's no waiting period in North Carolina. You can use the license as soon as it's issued, so you can get it the same day as the ceremony if that's how your timing works out.

The license is valid for 60 days from the date it's issued. You can use it for a ceremony in any county in North Carolina, but not in another state or country — and it must come back to the office that issued it.

What to bring

Both of you need to bring:

• A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — a government-issued driver's license, a government-issued ID card, a U.S. Military ID, or a valid passport.
• Your social security number, which each of you provides on the application.

If one of you has no social security number and is not eligible to obtain one, you'll need a sworn or affirmed statement to that effect.

If you live outside the county, or outside North Carolina

There's no residency requirement. The license is issued on proper application to any two people eligible to marry under North Carolina law.

There's also no out-of-county surcharge. The fee is a single $60, and you can use the license for a ceremony in any county in North Carolina.

Filling out the application in advance

You can complete the application online before you come in. That saves time at the counter, but it doesn't replace the in-person visit.

Start here: https://meckrod.manatron.com/Marriage/MarriageApplication.aspx?type=PUBLIC

After the ceremony

Your officiant returns the signed license — not you. They must sign the certificate, fill in the blanks according to the facts, and return it to the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds within 10 days after the ceremony.

This matters: an officiant who doesn't return it forfeits two hundred dollars ($200.00). It's worth confirming with yours that they know the deadline and that it goes back to the issuing office.