Obtaining a Marriage License

General Information

A North Carolina Marriage License may be obtained from the Register of Deeds Office in any county in North Carolina. The license is good for 60 days from the date of issue and a ceremony can be held in any location within North Carolina. After the ceremony, the license must be returned to the county that issued the license.

Marriage licenses issued today Tuesday, January 28, 2020,
are valid through Friday, March 27, 2020.

Steps to Obtain a Marriage License in Forsyth County

  • Applicants must complete a worksheet. This can be done online, or at the Register of Deeds Office. Completing the worksheet online will save considerable time in the office.
  • See the sample worksheet for information you will need to be able to complete the worksheet.
  • Applicants must finish their application in person at the Register of Deeds Office.
    • If over 18 years of age and one applicant is unable to appear in person, the other party to the marriage must appear in person on behalf of the applicant and submit a sworn and notarized affidavit, along with original proof of age and social security number for both parties. If the presenting party is not able to bring original proofs for the other party, they may present notarized copies. Copies must include a notary statement, seal and signature attesting to the authenticity. An Affidavit in Lieu of Personal Appearance form may be printed.

What You Need to do BEFORE Coming to Our Office AND what you need to BRING to our office

  • Complete a marriage worksheet online OR bring in all the information on this sample worksheet
  • Know your US Social Security Number, if you are eligible for one.
    If you don’t know your US social security number, please write it down and bring the number with you. The number is available from the social security office and is on tax forms. You might also be able to get it from your employer or bank.

  • Bring in proof of AGE. Copies are not acceptable unless certified/notarized as true copies.
    Age Requirement
    14 Cannot marry
    14 - 15
    • Can marry ONLY in the case of pregnancy or birth of a child
    • CERTIFIED copy of District Court Order
    • CERTIFIED birth certificate
    16 - 17
    • CERTIFIED birth certificate
    • Consent of a parent having full or joint custody – acknowledged before the Register of Deeds
    • Valid Photo ID of the person giving consent
    18 - 20 CERTIFIED birth certificate
    18 - 20 &
    NO birth certificate     		Driver’s license PLUS one of the following:
    • Hospital or police record of birth
    • Passport
    Name and birth date must be on these proofs. Without photo ID, TWO records must be presented.
    21 + Valid Photo ID with name and date of birth
  • Bring Fee - $70. CASH ONLY. We do not accept checks or debit/credit cards.

  • Divorced Applicants. If one or both applicants are divorced, the month and year of the final divorce decree of the last divorce must be listed on the marriage worksheet. Copies of the decree are not required. If unsure of date, please contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was processed.
  • English   Spanish of what to bring with you.

Other Information

  • The hours for obtaining a marriage license in Forsyth County are between 8:00 am and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You must be in our office before 4:30 pm. We do not issue marriage licenses after that time.
  • A license may be used immediately or at any time within 60 days from the date of issuance.
  • If you plan to get married by a Magistrate, you must make an appointment.
    Please call (336) 779-6319 between 8:00 - 9:00 am or 4:00 - 5:00 pm to schedule a ceremony in Winston-Salem or Kernersville. Be sure to ask for directions to their offices.
  • If you plan to obtain a marriage license in another North Carolina County, contact them directly for current hours and requirements. Click here for a link to other NC Counties websites. Once there, click on the map for a specific county’s contact information.