FAQs • Do I need to make an appointment to apply for a marri

Do I need to make an appointment to apply for a marriage license?: No, marriage licenses are issued between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Applicants should be in our office by 4:30 p.m.

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Register of Deeds - Marriage Licenses & Certificates

1. What is the cost of a marriage license in North Carolina?: The cost is $60.

2. Are there any blood tests or a physical required for a marriage license?: No, there are no medical tests required for a marriage license.

3. Do I need to make an appointment to apply for a marriage license?: No, marriage licenses are issued between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Applicants should be in our office by 4:30 p.m.

4. How do I obtain a certified copy of my marriage certificate?: You must either come in person to our office, or submit a written request. The written request must include the groom's name, the bride's name at the time of the marriage, date of marriage and place of marriage. You must sign your request and give an address where we are to mail the certified copy. The fee for the certified copy must accompany your written request. The request is filled the day we receive it and it goes out in the next business day's mail.

5. What is the cost of a copy of a marriage certificate?: The cost is $10 for each certified copy, 25 cents for each uncertified copy, and $1 by mail for uncertified.

6. What is the youngest age one can marry in North Carolina?: Effective October 1, 2001, the marriage laws (G.S. 51-2A) changed the requirements for marriages of persons 14 and 15. Please call our office at 336-651-7351 for specific details.

7. Who may obtain a certified copy of my marriage certificate?: Other than the parties of the marriage, only the brother/sister, child/step-child or grandchild, parent/step-parent or grandparent, authorized agent, attorney or legal representative is authorized to obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate. The appropriate form must be completed.

8. What if I do not have a social security number and am not eligible for one?: You must complete the Affidavit of Ineligibility and have it properly notarized. You may then present this form and proceed with the marriage license application. You may obtain this form either from our office or download from the forms section of this website.

9. How do I change my name and/or address?: North Carolina General Statute 10A-13(b) states that within 30 days after changing names, a notary shall notify the Secretary of State of the change by submitting a name/address change form. If the county changes due to the address change, the notary may continue to use the seal or stamp for the previous county of commission and at the time of expiration re-apply for the county of residence.

There is no fee to the Secretary of State for these changes. Once you receive notice from the Secretary of State that the change has been processed, you must come to Wilkes County Register of Deeds office to be sworn in. The fee for administering the oath is $10. You may download the Application of North Carolina Notary Public Change of Name/Address from the Secretary of State's website.