Guilford County Marriage License Records
Guilford County is home to Greensboro and High Point, two of the most well known cities in the Piedmont Triad. If you need a marriage license in Guilford County, the Register of Deeds office handles all requests. The county keeps marriage records and issues new licenses at two locations. This guide covers what you need to know about the Guilford County marriage license process, from the required documents to fees and office hours. You can also search for past marriage license records through the county or state offices.
Guilford County Marriage License Application
Both people must go to the Register of Deeds office in person. You can visit the Greensboro office at 201 W. Market Street, First Floor, or the High Point office at 325 E. Russell Avenue, Room 155. Marriage license hours run from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. You must arrive before 4:30 PM to start a new application. Under North Carolina law, per General Statute 51-6, a valid license is required before any marriage ceremony can take place in the state.
Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You will also need your Social Security number. If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, the office has an affidavit you can fill out. For those who have been divorced, bring the month and year of your last divorce. If your divorce was finalized the same day, a certified copy of the divorce decree is required.
Guilford County Marriage License Fees
The fee for a marriage license in Guilford County is $60. This is the standard fee set by the state of North Carolina. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and debit or credit cards. A convenience fee applies when you pay with a card. There is also a $1 optional keepsake certificate you can buy at the time the license is issued. Certified copies of a marriage license cost $10 each.
You can complete an online marriage license application before your visit. Filling out the form ahead of time can save you time at the office. Once issued, your marriage license is valid right away. It stays good for 60 days and can be used anywhere in North Carolina. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the license to the Guilford County Register of Deeds within 10 days, as required by state law.
Note: The $60 fee is a statewide standard set by North Carolina statute and applies to all 100 counties.
Searching for Marriage Records in Guilford County
The Guilford County Register of Deeds keeps marriage records that go back many years. If you need to search for a past marriage license, you have a few options. In person, you can visit either the Greensboro or the High Point office during regular business hours. The staff can help you look up records and get certified copies.
For mail requests, send your letter to the Register of Deeds, P.O. Box 3427, Greensboro, NC 27402-3427. Include the full names of both people, the date of marriage, your mailing address, payment, and a photocopy of your picture ID. You can also use the Guilford County Register of Deeds website to find out more about available records and online services. The office offers real estate record searches and vital record requests through its web portal.
The Guilford County vital records page provides details on the full range of records you can request. This screenshot shows the layout of the Guilford County Register of Deeds main website:
The main page gives you access to all the services the Guilford County Register of Deeds provides, including links to vital records, real estate documents, and contact information for both office locations.
Guilford County Marriage License Requirements
North Carolina General Statute 51-2 sets the age rules for marriage. You must be at least 18 to marry without parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, you need written consent from a parent or guardian. Both parties must show up together at the office. There is no blood test and no waiting period in North Carolina. Your license is good the moment it is issued.
The marriage license page on the Guilford County website walks you through each step of the process:
This page on the county site lists the full set of documents you need, accepted payment methods, and answers to common questions about the Guilford County marriage license process.
Note: There is no waiting period after a divorce in North Carolina, so you can apply for a new marriage license the same day your divorce is finalized.
Statewide Marriage Records in North Carolina
If you cannot find a record at the county level, the state may be able to help. The North Carolina Division of Vital Records keeps marriage certificates from 1962 to the present. You can request a copy by mail or in person at their Raleigh office. The state also offers a marriage certificates page with ordering details and fee information.
For older records, the North Carolina State Archives holds historical marriage documents. The NC Association of Registers of Deeds has a county finder tool that links directly to each county's office. These are good resources when searching for marriage license records across multiple counties.
Certified Copies and Name Changes
After your ceremony, the officiant returns the signed marriage license to the Guilford County Register of Deeds. You should wait at least 10 days before requesting a certified copy. Certified copies cost $10 each and serve as proof of your marriage for legal purposes. You may need one for a name change, insurance updates, or other official matters.
To change your name after marriage, first get a certified copy of your marriage license from the Register of Deeds. Then visit the Social Security Administration at 6005 Landmark Center Blvd in Greensboro to update your Social Security card. Wait at least 24 hours after that before going to the DMV to update your driver's license. Under NC General Statute 130A-93, the Register of Deeds is responsible for maintaining and issuing certified copies of vital records, including marriage licenses.
The Guilford County vital records section of the website shows the types of documents you can request:
From this page, you can learn about requesting certified copies and other vital records services available through the Guilford County Register of Deeds office.
Office Locations and Contact Details
The Guilford County Register of Deeds runs two offices. The Greensboro location is at 201 W. Market Street, First Floor, Greensboro, NC 27402. You can reach them at (336) 641-7730. The High Point office is at 325 E. Russell Avenue, Room 155, High Point, NC 27261, with a phone number of (336) 641-6935. The main contact line for general questions is (336) 641-7556.
Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Marriage licenses are issued from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. If you plan to visit, arriving early gives you the best chance of being seen without a long wait. For more about the Guilford County Register of Deeds office, visit their website.
Note: You can apply at either the Greensboro or High Point office, regardless of where you live in Guilford County.