• Watauga County Register of Deeds

Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage License

YOU MUST CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT - 828-265-8034 Effective October 1, 2001, a marriage license issued in any county in the state may be used at any place within the state within sixty (60) days of the date of issuance. The license must be returned to the county of issuance within 10 days after the celebration of the marriage with the appropriate signatures and the blanks filled in according to the facts. (G.S. 51-16)

Age

  • For applicants over the age of 21:
    • Driver's License and social security card (if social security card(s) are unavailable, proof of social security must be presented in computer form)
    • For applicants with no social security number or who is ineligible to obtain one, see Affidavit of Ineligibility
  • For applicants between the age of 18 and 20:
    • The applicant, who is between the age of 18 and 20, must provide a certified copy of their birth certificate
    • Driver's License and social security card (if social security card(s) are unavailable, proof of social security must be presented in computer form)
    • For applicants with no social security number or who is ineligible to obtain one, see Affidavit of Ineligibility
  • For applicants age 16 or 17:
    • The applicant who is age 16 or 17 must provide a certified copy of their birth certificate
    • Driver's License and social security card (if social security card(s) are unavailable, proof of social security must be presented in computer form)
    • For applicants with no social security number or who is ineligible to obtain one, see Affidavit of Ineligibility
    • A written consent to the marriage must be filed with the Register of Deeds, said consent having been signed by the appropriate person(1)a parent having full or joint legal custody of the underage party; or (2)by a person, agency, or institution having legal custody or serving as a guardian of the underage party. The written consent required by this subsection shall be signed in the presence of the Register of Deeds. OR, a certified copy of an order issued by a district court authorizing the marriage as provided in G.S. 51-2.1.

Other Age Requirements

  • It shall be unlawful for any person under 16 years of age to marry

Divorced applicants

  • If the divorce was finalized within 60 days of application for a marriage license, the applicant must provide a copy of the final divorce decree. There is no waiting period between the divorce and applying for the new license.
  • If the divorce was finalized earlier than cited above, the applicant must provide the month and year of their last divorce.

The license is good immediately upon issuance and is valid for 60 days; thus applicants should not apply for a license more than sixty days before the planned marriage ceremony.

The fee for the license is $60.00, cash or credit card.

Marriage licenses are issued between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Applicants should be in our office by 4:30 p.m. (Watauga County Courthouse-Room 119, 842 West King Street, Boone, NC)

Affidavit of Ineligibility
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view this file. Click here for the free download.


Marriage License FAQs

How do I obtain a marriage license?

You must first fill out our on-line marriage license by clicking HERE.

Once you have completed this step, you should call our office at 828-265-8034 to schedule an appointment and obtain further instructions in order to come get the marriage license.
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 must obtain this form either from our office or download from the Forms section of this website.
Are there any blood tests or a physical required for a marriage license?

No, there are no medical tests required for a marriage license.
I am unable to locate my social security card, will you accept any other proof of social security number?

Yes, any computer-generated form with your name and social security number on it will suffice. Examples would include paycheck stub, W-2, bank statement.
Do I need to make an appointment to apply for a marriage license?

Yes, you should call our Vital Records office at 828-265-8034 to make an appointment.  Marriage licenses are issued between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Our last appointment time each day is 4:30 p.m.
If I obtain my marriage license in Watauga County, do I have to be married in Watauga County?

Licenses issued in Watauga County may be used anywhere in North Carolina, but must be returned to the county where issued.
How long is a marriage license valid?

The license is valid 60 days from the date it is issued.
What is the youngest age one can marry in North Carolina?

G.S. 51-2 states it is unlawful for any person under 16 years of age to marry. Persons over 16 years of age and under 18 years of age may marry a person no more than four years older.



What is the cost of a marriage license in North Carolina?

The cost is $60.00.
The breakdown of this fee is:    $5.00 Children's Trust Fund
                                                  $30.00 Domestic Violence Center
                                                  $25.00 Watauga County Portion

top
How do I obtain a certified copy of my marriage certificate?

There are 3 ways in which you can obtain a certified copy. 

1.  The fastest and easiest way is to order this online through our "Get Certificate Now" link.  You will make the request, upload identification and securely pay for the certified copy, and it will be mailed to you.

Click here for online vital record request:  https://www.getcertificatenow.com/watauga#1

2.  You may come in person to our office complete a request form, present identification and pay the fee for a certified copy.

3., You may submit a written request through the mail.  The written request must include the applicants names at the time of the marriage, date of marriage and place of marriage. You must sign your request, enclose a copy of a government issued picture ID, and give an address where we are to mail the certified copy. The fee for the certified copy must accompany your written request.

Click Here to download the request form.

top