Search Durham County Marriage License Records
Durham County marriage license records are on file at the Register of Deeds office in Durham, North Carolina. The Register of Deeds, Sharon A. Davis, oversees all marriage license applications, vital records, and land recordings for the county. Durham County offers both online marriage license applications and an online certified copy ordering system through Permitium. The office at 201 East Main Street serves the entire county. This guide walks you through getting a marriage license, searching records, and ordering copies.
Apply for a Durham County Marriage License
Go to the Register of Deeds at 201 East Main Street, Administration Building II, Durham, NC 27701. The office is open 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Marriage licenses are only issued until 3:30 PM. Amendments are accepted until 4:00 PM. Certified copies of vital records can be requested until 4:45 PM. These cutoff times are strict, so plan your visit early in the day.
Both people should appear in person. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You need your Social Security number. If you do not have one, an affidavit is available at the office. If you were divorced within the last 30 days, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. If more than 30 days, just know the month and year. The Durham County marriage license page provides full details.
Durham County encourages you to complete the online application first. This reduces wait times. You can also schedule an appointment, which the office recommends for a smoother experience.
Durham County Marriage License Fees
The fee is $60. Durham County accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards. A convenience fee applies for card payments. The license is valid immediately and lasts for 60 days. It works anywhere in North Carolina. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to Durham County.
Certified copies of a marriage certificate cost $10 each. You can get them in person, by mail, or online through Permitium. Online processing takes 10 to 14 days.
Note: No marriage licenses are issued after 3:30 PM, so arrive well before that time.
Durham County Marriage Records Search
Durham County has an online public records search at dconc.gov. This tool covers land records and some vital record indexes. You can search by name, date, or document type. The Register of Deeds main page links to all online services.
For state-level searches, the NC Vital Records office has marriage records from 1962 to the present. The NC State Archives holds older records on microfilm. Durham County vital records go back to 1913.
Durham County Marriage License Images
The image below is from the Durham County Register of Deeds website.
This is the main page for the Durham County Register of Deeds, with links to marriage licenses, vital records, and real estate records.
Below is the Durham County marriage information page.
This page covers the specific requirements, fees, and office hours for getting a marriage license in Durham County.
The following image shows the Durham County online ordering system.
Use this system to order certified copies of Durham County marriage records online.
Who Can Officiate in Durham County
Under North Carolina law, ordained ministers, magistrates, and certain other officials can perform marriage ceremonies. The officiant must sign the license and return it to the Register of Deeds. Under Section 51-1, both parties must meet all legal requirements. The license can be used at any venue in Durham County or anywhere else in the state.
Durham has many wedding venues, from downtown hotels to gardens and historic sites. The Duke Chapel is a well-known choice. Sarah P. Duke Gardens also hosts weddings throughout the year.
About Durham and Durham County
Durham is a mid-size city in central North Carolina. It is part of the Research Triangle along with Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Durham is home to Duke University, a world-class research hospital, and a thriving food and arts scene. The city has grown rapidly in recent years, and the Register of Deeds office processes a high volume of marriage licenses.
The Administration Building II on East Main Street is in downtown Durham. Parking garages and surface lots are nearby. The phone number is (919) 560-0480, the fax is (919) 560-0497, and the email is regdeeds@dconc.gov. The NC county finder can help you locate any other Register of Deeds in the state.
Durham County Marriage License Age and Consent
Under Section 51-2, 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. People under 16 generally cannot get a marriage license. The Durham County Register of Deeds checks all documents before a license is issued.
If you do not have a Social Security number, the Durham County office can provide an affidavit for you to sign. This option is available for foreign nationals and others who are not eligible for a Social Security number. The office handles this routinely and can walk you through the process.
Under Section 130A-93, certified copies of marriage records are available to those with a direct and tangible interest. This includes the named parties, parents, legal representatives, and certain government agencies. Durham County processes a large number of certified copy requests each year given the size of its population. The office at 201 East Main Street is well-staffed and experienced in handling all types of vital record requests. Whether you need a certified copy for travel, a name change, or legal purposes, the staff can guide you through the process quickly and efficiently.