Where to apply
Marriage licenses in Charlotte are issued by the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds, not the courthouse:
Register of Deeds, Marriage Department
County Courts & Office Building
720 E. 4th Street, Room 105, Charlotte, NC 28202
Weekdays, business hours (the office lists 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
704-336-2443 · deeds.mecknc.gov
Both of you must apply in person. To speed things up, complete the county's online application before your visit; the county suggests doing it within 30 days of going in.
What to bring (both of you)
- Valid, unexpired government photo ID: driver's license, state ID, U.S. military ID, or passport.
- Proof of your Social Security number: your card, a W-2, a pay stub, or another document showing the number on your application.
- Ages 18 to 20: a certified copy of your birth certificate.
- Previously divorced: an original or certified copy of the divorce decree showing the date it was final.
- Widowed: a certified copy of your prior spouse's death certificate.
- No Social Security number: a notarized Affidavit of Social Security Ineligibility (bring it already notarized).
- The fee: $60.
Applicants under 18 should call the Register of Deeds directly; different rules apply.
The rules that matter
- No waiting period and no blood test. Get the license and marry the same day if you want.
- Valid for 60 days from issue.
- Use it anywhere in NC, but it goes back to the Mecklenburg office that issued it.
- Two witnesses who are at least 18 must be present at the ceremony.
- A qualified officiant must perform the ceremony: a magistrate, or an ordained or authorized minister of a religious denomination. See how secular ceremonies fit.
After the ceremony
Your officiant completes the license and must return it to the Register of Deeds within 10 days. With Charlotte Elopements, we handle that for you.
Once it's recorded, order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Register of Deeds. You'll want them for a name change at Social Security and the DMV, insurance and benefits, and immigration paperwork. Ordering two or three at once saves a trip.
Can we get the license and get married on the same day?
Yes, and in Uptown it's easy. Get your license in Room 105, then walk a few minutes to meet your officiant. Our Express Uptown signing ($120) is designed exactly for this.
License questions
How much is a marriage license in Mecklenburg County?
The North Carolina marriage license fee is $60, paid to the Register of Deeds. Check with the office for accepted payment methods before you go.
Is there a waiting period in North Carolina?
No. You can use your license the same day it's issued. There's also no blood test.
How long is an NC marriage license valid?
60 days from the date it's issued. If it expires before your ceremony, you'll need to apply again.
Can we use a Mecklenburg license in another county?
Yes. A license issued in Mecklenburg County can be used anywhere in North Carolina, but it must be returned to the Mecklenburg Register of Deeds.
Do we both have to be there?
Yes. Both applicants must appear in person at the Register of Deeds.
What if one of us doesn't have a Social Security number?
Bring a notarized Affidavit of Social Security Ineligibility. The Register of Deeds does not provide notary services, so get it notarized before your visit.
This guide summarizes the Register of Deeds' published requirements as of November 6, 2026. Requirements and fees can change, so confirm with the office before you go. Charlotte Elopements is not affiliated with Mecklenburg County.