Harnett County Marriage License Guide
Harnett County is located in central North Carolina with its county seat in Lillington. The Register of Deeds office handles all marriage license applications and keeps marriage records going back to 1892. Whether you are looking to apply for a new marriage license or search for past records, the Harnett County office can help. This page covers the full process for getting a marriage license in Harnett County, including fees, what to bring, and how to find existing records. The county has grown in recent years, and the Register of Deeds in Lillington stays busy with marriage license applications throughout the year.
Getting a Marriage License in Harnett County
Both applicants must go to the Register of Deeds office in person. The office is at 305 West Cornelius Harnett Blvd., Suite 100/200, Lillington, NC 27546. Marriage license hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. You need to arrive before 4:00 PM to start a new application.
Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. North Carolina law under General Statute 51-6 requires a license before any marriage ceremony. The license is valid right away once issued. It stays good for 60 days and can be used in any of the state's 100 counties. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the Harnett County Register of Deeds within 10 days per state rules.
Harnett County Marriage License Fees and Payment
The fee for a marriage license is $60. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards. A convenience fee may apply for card payments. Certified copies of marriage records cost $10 each. These fees are set at the state level and are the same across North Carolina.
You can visit the Harnett County Register of Deeds website for the most current information on fees and services. The website also has details about real estate records, vital records, and other documents on file at the office. Here is the homepage of the Harnett County Register of Deeds:
The site gives an overview of the services offered, including how to order vital records and search for recorded documents in Harnett County.
Searching Harnett County Marriage Records
Harnett County holds marriage records from 1892 to the present. Birth and death records start from 1914. Land records go back to 1855. If you need to find a specific marriage record, you can visit the office in Lillington or use the online portal.
The Harnett County online vital records system lets you order certified copies of marriage records from home. This is a convenient option for those who live outside the area or cannot visit during business hours. The online system accepts various payment methods and walks you through the ordering steps.
Through this portal, you can request records and have them mailed to your address. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of requests the office receives.
Note: The online system handles certified copy requests only, not new marriage license applications, which must be done in person.
Harnett County Marriage License Requirements
Under North Carolina General Statute 51-2, you must be at least 18 to marry without parental consent. Those aged 16 or 17 need written consent from a parent or guardian. Both people must appear together with valid identification. Accepted forms of ID include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Your Social Security number is also required.
There is no blood test needed. There is no waiting period. If you were previously married, bring the month and year of your last divorce. The application process at the office typically takes less than 30 minutes when you have all documents ready. Per General Statute 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the only official authorized to issue marriage licenses in each county.
State Resources for Marriage License Records
The North Carolina Division of Vital Records holds marriage certificates from 1962 to the present. If a record is not available at the Harnett County level, you may be able to find it through the state. The state marriage certificates page explains how to order copies and what fees apply. The state office is in Raleigh and can be reached at (919) 733-3000.
For older records, the North Carolina State Archives may have historical documents. The NC Register of Deeds county finder is another helpful tool that links directly to each county's office. These statewide resources can be useful when searching for marriage license records across multiple locations in North Carolina. Harnett County also holds real estate records from 1855, which may be of interest to researchers looking at property and family history connections.
Note: Harnett County marriage records from 1892 forward are held locally, while the state office covers records from 1962 on.
Contact the Harnett County Register of Deeds
You can reach the office by phone at (910) 893-7540. Fax numbers are (910) 814-3841 and (910) 893-4094. Email the office at webrod@harnett.org with general questions. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with marriage license applications accepted until 4:00 PM.
After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Harnett County Register of Deeds. You should wait at least 10 days before requesting certified copies. Most people need certified copies for name changes at the Social Security Administration and DMV. Banks and insurance companies may also ask for proof of your Harnett County marriage license. Order two or three copies to have on hand. Each certified copy costs $10 and can be picked up in person or mailed to you. The staff in Lillington can process same-day requests when you visit the office.