Dare County Marriage License Information
Dare County marriage license records are managed by the Register of Deeds office in Manteo, North Carolina. Dare County covers much of the Outer Banks, making it one of the most popular places in North Carolina for beach weddings and destination ceremonies. The office at the Dare County Justice Center handles all marriage license applications, and couples can also fill out an online application before their visit. This guide explains the full process for getting a marriage license in Dare County and how to search for past records.
Dare County Marriage License Application
Visit the Register of Deeds at the Dare County Justice Center, Room 165A, 962 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954. Office hours are Monday through Friday. The office opens at 8:00 AM, but plan to arrive before 4:30 PM to have enough time for your marriage license application. Both people must be there at the same time.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID with your date of birth. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work. You also need your Social Security card or official paperwork that shows your SSN, such as a W-2 or pay stub. The Dare County marriage license page lists the full requirements.
If your divorce was less than one year ago, bring a divorce decree with the judge's signature. If you are under 21, a certified birth certificate is required. Dare County also offers an online application you can complete before your visit. This saves time at the office.
Dare County Marriage License Fees and Validity
The marriage license fee is $60. Dare County accepts credit and debit cards, cash (exact change), checks, and money orders payable to Dare County Register of Deeds. The license is valid for 60 days and works anywhere in North Carolina. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to Dare County within 10 days.
Certified copies of a marriage record cost $10 each. There is no waiting period and no blood test. Under Section 51-6, you must have a valid license before any ceremony. Once issued, you can marry right away.
Note: Dare County requires exact change for cash payments, so plan accordingly.
Search Dare County Marriage License Records
Dare County offers several online search tools. You can search by deed history using a parcel number, look up land transfers by buyer or seller, or search recorded documents by name, date, or document number. Marriage records are included in the recorded document search. The Dare County Register of Deeds page links to these tools.
For older records or certified copies, visit the office in Manteo or call (252) 475-5970. The fax number is (252) 473-5393. At the state level, NC Vital Records holds marriage records from 1962 to the present. The NC State Archives has historical records on microfilm.
Outer Banks Weddings and Dare County
Dare County is the heart of the Outer Banks. Towns like Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk are known for stunning ocean views. Roanoke Island, where Manteo sits, has a deep connection to early American history. The Lost Colony outdoor drama tells the story of the first English settlement. Many couples choose Dare County for its blend of history and natural beauty.
Beach weddings on the Outer Banks are common from spring through fall. The marriage license from Dare County is valid at any venue in North Carolina. You can pick it up in Manteo and hold your ceremony at a beach house, pier, or park. Wedding planners across the Outer Banks are familiar with the process and can help coordinate timing.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse and Jockey's Ridge State Park are popular spots for photos. Cape Hatteras National Seashore is also in Dare County and offers miles of undeveloped beach for private ceremonies.
Dare County Marriage License State Resources
The image below is from the NC Vital Records homepage, which is the state portal for all marriage records.
This state website covers marriage record policies and procedures for all North Carolina counties, including Dare.
Below is the NC county finder page, which can help you locate any Register of Deeds in the state.
Use this tool to find contact information for the Dare County Register of Deeds or any other county office in North Carolina.
Age Requirements for Dare County Marriage License
Under Section 51-2, you must be 18 or older to marry without parental consent. Those 16 or 17 need a parent or guardian's written consent. The age gap cannot exceed four years. Under Section 51-1, both people must be free to marry. The Register of Deeds checks all documents before issuing a license.
Contact Dare County Register of Deeds
Phone: (252) 475-5970. Fax: (252) 473-5393. Address: Dare County Justice Center, Room 165A, 962 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954. Visit the Dare County Register of Deeds website for more details and to access the online application. Staff can help with marriage license questions, certified copies, and record searches. The NC marriage certificates page offers additional guidance.
Dare County Marriage License Return Steps
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the Dare County Register of Deeds within 10 days. This return step is required by law. The record is not complete until the signed license is filed. Under Section 130A-93, certified copies of the marriage record are available after filing to those with a direct and tangible interest, including the named parties and their legal representatives. The fee is $10 per certified copy.
Dare County processes a high volume of marriage licenses during the peak summer season when the Outer Banks are busiest. Arriving early in the day and having all your documents ready will help the process go smoothly.