Davidson County Marriage License Records
Davidson County marriage license records are on file at the Register of Deeds office in Lexington, North Carolina. The county has an impressive record history, with marriage records going back to 1823. The office at 203 West 2nd Street serves all of Davidson County, handling marriage license applications, certified copies, and vital records. Couples can also apply online to save time. Whether you are getting married in Davidson County or searching for a past marriage record, this page has the information you need.
Apply for a Davidson County Marriage License
Both people must visit the Register of Deeds at 203 West 2nd Street, Lexington, NC 27292. Hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. No appointment is needed. Bring a state or federal issued photo ID and your Social Security number. If you were married before, have the date of your divorce ready.
Davidson County also has an online marriage license application. You can fill it out at home and then visit the office to finish the process. This cuts down on time at the counter. The Davidson County vital records page has links to the application and other details.
There is no waiting period. The license is valid right away. No blood test is required. Under Section 51-6, you must have a license before any ceremony takes place in North Carolina.
Davidson County Marriage License Fees
The fee is $60. Davidson County accepts cash, checks, and money orders. The license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in the state. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the Davidson County Register of Deeds within 10 days.
A certified copy of a marriage record costs $10. Uncertified copies by mail cost $1, and you must include a self-addressed stamped envelope. In-person uncertified copies are $0.25. The Davidson County FAQ page answers common questions about fees and procedures.
Davidson County Marriage Records History
Davidson County has one of the longer records histories in North Carolina. Marriage records date back to 1823. Birth records start in 1822 and death records in 1823. Land records also begin in 1823. This means you can find nearly 200 years of vital records at the county level.
The office offers online search tools where you can look up records by name, date, or document type. For records that predate the online system, visit the office or contact the NC State Archives. The archives hold microfilm copies of many older Davidson County records. The state-level NC Vital Records office has marriage records from 1962 to the present.
Note: Mail requests for certified copies should go to P.O. Box 464, Lexington, NC 27293.
Davidson County Marriage License Image
The image below is from the Davidson County vital records page.
This page on the county website explains how to get marriage certificates, birth certificates, and death certificates in Davidson County.
Ordering Copies by Mail from Davidson County
You can order certified copies of a Davidson County marriage record by mail. Send your request to the Register of Deeds at P.O. Box 464, Lexington, NC 27293. Include a signed application, $10 per copy, a photocopy of your picture ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The office also accepts online orders with major debit and credit cards. Documents ordered online are sent by regular U.S. Mail.
Under Section 130A-93, certified copies of vital records are available to those with a direct and tangible interest in the record. This includes the people named on the license, their parents, legal representatives, and certain government agencies.
Davidson County Marriage License Age Rules
North Carolina law under Section 51-2 sets clear age rules. You must be 18 to marry without parental consent. Those aged 16 or 17 need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The other person cannot be more than four years older than the minor. People under 16 generally cannot get a marriage license in the state. The Davidson County Register of Deeds will check all IDs and birth certificates before issuing a license.
If both parties are 18 or older, the process is straightforward. Just bring your photo ID and Social Security number. The office does not require an appointment, so you can walk in any weekday during business hours.
Davidson County Marriage Officiant Rules
Under North Carolina law, ordained ministers, magistrates, and federally recognized tribal leaders can perform marriage ceremonies. The officiant must sign the marriage license after the ceremony. They must then return the signed license to the Davidson County Register of Deeds within 10 days. This return step is required by law, and the marriage record is not officially filed until it is complete.
Davidson County has many options for wedding venues. Churches, event halls, farms, and outdoor spaces along the Yadkin River are popular choices. The Barbecue Festival grounds in Lexington have also been used for events. The license from Davidson County is valid at any location in North Carolina for 60 days. Under Section 51-1, both parties must meet all legal requirements before the ceremony takes place.
Note: If you plan to have a magistrate perform your ceremony, call the courthouse to ask about scheduling and fees.
About Lexington and Davidson County
Lexington is the county seat of Davidson County. It sits in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, about 25 miles south of Winston-Salem. Lexington is known as the barbecue capital of North Carolina. The town hosts a large annual barbecue festival that draws thousands of visitors. Davidson County is also home to Thomasville, High Point Lake, and several other communities.
The courthouse in Lexington is centrally located on West 2nd Street. Parking is available nearby. The Register of Deeds office serves a steady flow of residents for marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, and land records. The phone number is (336) 242-2150. The NC county finder can help you locate any other Register of Deeds in the state.