Get your certified North Carolina Marriage Certificate

Yes, you can order a North Carolina marriage certificate online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. The online process allows you to submit your application, provide required information, and pay securely. Online orders are typically processed faster than mail-in requests. You will need to provide identifying information about both spouses and the date and location of the marriage.

A marriage license is the document you obtain before your wedding that legally authorizes you to marry in North Carolina. A marriage certificate is the official record proving your marriage took place. After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the appropriate office for filing. Once recorded, it becomes the official marriage certificate. You need the certificate for legal purposes like name changes, insurance benefits, tax filing, and immigration applications.

You can obtain a certified copy of a North Carolina marriage certificate from the state vital records office, the county clerk or recorder where the marriage was filed, or online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. For older records, you may need to contact the county directly or the state archives. Processing times vary by method, with online and in-person requests typically being the fastest options.

The fee for a North Carolina marriage certificate varies by county, generally ranging from $10 to $20 per certified copy. Marriage certificate is issued by the Register of Deeds in the county where the marriage license was filed.

Yes. An authorized third party such as a spouse, parent, legal representative, or attorney may request a North Carolina marriage certificate on someone else’s behalf. You will typically need a notarized affidavit or sworn statement confirming your relationship and purpose. A Power of Attorney (PoA) document is also accepted.

North Carolina marriage records are generally considered public records. Certified copies can be obtained from the Register of Deeds in the county where the marriage license was filed. While basic marriage information is publicly accessible, obtaining a certified copy requires identification and a completed application.

An apostille is required when filing a vital record with a foreign government. The NC Department of the Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records initially filed with the NCDHHS-NCOVR.

You can obtain an apostille for North Carolina vital records through the Department of the Secretary of State or Vital Records Online (VRO). VRO offers reliable apostille services across all 50 US states, recognized by governments in over 100 countries. VRO provides professional assistance for apostilles on birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates, starting at $149 (plus government fees).

1. Complete the VRO Apostille Express online application.
2. Submit the required documents for approval.
3. Receive your apostille document.

Once you have completed the necessary apostille documentation, it will be sent to you via FedEx or DHL. The delivery will be made right to your doorstep using reliable courier services, regardless of your location, whether in the US or abroad.

To manually mail in a request, you will need to provide the following information:

• A completed NC Authentication Cover Letter
• Payment in the form of money order or check $10.00 per document, made out to the “NC Secretary of State.”
• The original document(s) with all certifications attached (certified copies of vital records).
• A return pre-paid envelope or carrier label (see Delivery Policy on Authentications Home Page).
• Documents may be directed to a third party as a convenience. Please include that information on the cover letter and address the pre-paid envelope to the third party.

You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Center for Health Statistics at the following addresses:

For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:

NC Department of the Secretary of State, ATTN: Authentications,2 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

For standard mail, use the following address:

NC Department of the Secretary of State, ATTN: Authentications, PO Box 29622

You can reach the office at 919-814-5400 or online at https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/authentications/apostille_certificates.

If you lose your marriage certificate:

1. Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the NCDHHS-NCOVR.
2. 1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department.
   2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the NCDHHS-NCOVR at:
      , North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services,
      Office of Vital Records
      Attn: VC Certificate Orders,
      1903 Mail Service Center,
      Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
      Records
   3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
2. NCDHHS-NCOVR will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

Any changes made to the original document are recorded as addendums. However, the original document cannot be altered. The process for requesting changes or amendments may vary depending on the correction that needs to be made. For marriage certificate changes or replacements, contact the county Register of Deeds, where the marriage license was issued.

Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:

1. A completed amendment application;
2. Supporting documentation;
3. Appropriate fee(s);
4. A notarized, sworn statement completed by an authorized person.

Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificate.

The REAL ID Act is a new federal law regarding driver’s licenses that may affect those individuals whose vital records do not match their driver’s licenses. To prevent delays when applying for your Real ID driver’s license, you are encouraged to review your birth and/or marriage records to ensure your name, sex, and date of birth are listed correctly.

• The DMV prefers a birth certificate when verifying your identity for the REAL ID.
• The deadline to obtain a Real ID has been extended to May 7th, 2025.records