Order official North Carolina Marriage Records and Vital Records online

Marriage records are essential documents that confirm the legal union between two individuals. These records are often needed for legal purposes, genealogical research, and personal reasons such as name changes or insurance benefits. If you need to obtain North Carolina marriage records, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information regarding the application process, required documents, costs, and processing time.

Who Can Request Marriage Records?

North Carolina marriage records are public records. This means that anyone can request a copy of a marriage certificate. However, for more recent records and certified copies, certain individuals such as the married couple, immediate family members, or legal representatives may be given preference.

What Documents Are Required?

When applying for a marriage certificate in North Carolina, you will need to provide:

• • A completed application form;
• • A valid photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport);
• • Payment for the processing fee.

Application forms and additional instructions can typically be found on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website.

How to Obtain North Carolina Marriage Records

By Mail

To request a marriage record by mail, send the completed application form along with the required documents and payment to the North Carolina Vital Records office. Be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to facilitate the return of your documents.

In Person

You can submit your application in person at the North Carolina Vital Records office or at a local county Register of Deeds office. This method may offer quicker processing times compared to mail requests.

Online

For a more convenient option, you can request marriage records online. Utilize the online service through the approved provider, VitalChek.

How Much Do Marriage Records Cost?

The cost of obtaining a marriage certificate in North Carolina is typically $24 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Expedited services may incur additional fees. Please check the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website for updated pricing and options for expedited service.

Processing Time

The processing time for obtaining marriage records can vary based on the method of request:

• • By Mail: Typically 6 to 8 weeks;
• • In Person: Same day service may be available;
• • Online: Expedited processing through VitalChek can reduce wait times significantly.

For the most current processing times, please reach out directly to the North Carolina Vital Records office.

By following these guidelines carefully, you can ensure a smooth process when obtaining North Carolina marriage records. If you have further questions or need specific assistance, please reach out to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to get the help you need.

If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.