Winston-Salem Marriage License Records
Winston-Salem is the county seat of Forsyth County in the Piedmont Triad region. All marriage licenses in Winston-Salem are issued by the Forsyth County Register of Deeds. The city itself does not handle marriage licenses. Both applicants must visit the county office in person with valid photo ID and their Social Security numbers. Forsyth County has maintained marriage records since 1849, making it a valuable resource for both new licenses and historical records. The license costs $60 and is valid for 60 days across all of North Carolina.
Getting a Marriage License in Winston-Salem
Visit the Forsyth County Register of Deeds at the Forsyth County Government Center, 201 N Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call (336) 703-2700 for general questions or (336) 703-2701 for the recorded information line. Under G.S. 51-6, a marriage license must be obtained before the ceremony takes place.
Each applicant needs valid photo ID and proof of their Social Security number. If either party was previously married, provide the month and year of the divorce. No residency requirement applies, so anyone can get a marriage license in Forsyth County regardless of where they live. No blood test or medical exam is needed. The $60 fee is due at the time of the application.
Winston-Salem Marriage License Requirements
G.S. 51-2 sets the age requirement at 18 years old. Applicants who are 16 or 17 need parental consent. Under G.S. 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the official who issues the license. Two witnesses are needed at the ceremony. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed marriage license to the Forsyth County Register of Deeds within 10 days so the record can be filed properly.
The Forsyth County Register of Deeds is Lynne Johnson. The office handles marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, land records, and other vital records for all of Forsyth County, including Winston-Salem.
Marriage License Fees in Winston-Salem
The marriage license costs $60. Certified copies of the marriage certificate are $10 each. You can request copies at the Forsyth County office once the signed license has been returned and filed. The NC Vital Records office also issues copies for a $24 search fee. The county office is usually quicker for recent Winston-Salem marriage records.
Note: Certified copies are not mailed to you after the wedding. You must request them from the county or state office.
Winston-Salem Marriage Records Search
The Forsyth County online records search lets you look up recorded documents for free. You can search by name, date, or document type. Marriage records are included in the searchable index. Records go back to 1849. The images are unofficial and for informational use only. Official certified copies must be obtained from the Register of Deeds office in Winston-Salem.
For Forsyth County public records, you can also request marriage records from the Register of Deeds by mail or in person. The information on file includes the names of both applicants, the date they applied, and the date of the marriage itself. The City of Winston-Salem website directs marriage license questions to the county. Historical marriage records are also available at the Forsyth County Public Library and through the Moravian Archives.
Winston-Salem Marriage License Images
The City of Winston-Salem website directs residents to the county for all marriage license matters.
The city handles parks and recreation, public transit, and other municipal services, but not vital records like marriage licenses.
The Forsyth County Register of Deeds is the office that processes all Winston-Salem marriage license applications.
This page lists hours, phone numbers, and links to all services for the Forsyth County office.
The Forsyth County records search portal lets you search for marriage records and other recorded documents online.
Search by name, date, or instrument number to find marriage records and other public documents from Forsyth County.
The NC Vital Records marriage page has details on ordering marriage certificates at the state level.
State records cover 1962 to the present. The county office has records dating back to 1849 for Forsyth County.
Winston-Salem Marriage License Process
The process follows North Carolina state law. Both applicants visit the Forsyth County Register of Deeds at 201 N Chestnut Street in Winston-Salem. You fill out the application, show identification, and pay the $60 fee. The clerk reviews everything and issues the license the same day. There is no waiting period. The license works right away and is valid for 60 days. It can be used in any county in North Carolina. Winston-Salem is the county seat of Forsyth County, so the Register of Deeds is right in the city, making it easy for local residents to reach the office.
After the ceremony, two witnesses sign the license along with the officiant. The officiant sends the completed license back to the Forsyth County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Once the signed license is on file, the county can issue certified copies. Each copy costs $10.
Steps After Your Winston-Salem Wedding
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the Forsyth County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Once filed, you can request certified copies. Most people need copies for name changes and account updates. Start with the Social Security Administration, then update your driver's license at the NC DMV. Order several copies since you will use them at multiple agencies and for insurance and banking changes. The NCARD county finder can help you locate any Register of Deeds office in the state.
Forsyth County Marriage License Records
Winston-Salem is in Forsyth County, and all marriage license filings go through the Forsyth County Register of Deeds. For more on the county office, fees, and resources, visit the Forsyth County marriage license records page.