Hoke County Marriage License Information
Hoke County is in the south-central part of North Carolina, with its county seat in Raeford. The Register of Deeds office handles marriage license applications and maintains vital records for the area. This page walks through the process of applying for a marriage license in Hoke County, what documents you need, the fees involved, and how to search for existing marriage records. Hoke County also sits close to Fort Liberty, so the office serves many military families. Whether you are a local resident or stationed nearby, the Raeford office can help you with all marriage license needs. The staff handles applications quickly and can answer your questions about the process.
Hoke County Marriage License Application
Go to the Register of Deeds office at 113 Campus Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376. Both people must appear in person. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. You will need a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. Under North Carolina General Statute 51-6, a license must be obtained before any ceremony.
There is no blood test or waiting period. The license is good the moment it is issued. It is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in North Carolina. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the Hoke County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Per General Statute 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the only official who can issue a marriage license in the county.
Hoke County Marriage License Fees
A marriage license costs $60 in Hoke County. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Certified copies of marriage records cost $10 each. These fees are set by North Carolina state law and are the same in every county. The $60 covers issuance and filing of the license itself.
The Hoke County Register of Deeds staff directory lists contact details and office information:
This page has the phone number, office address, and staff names for the Hoke County Register of Deeds in Raeford. You can call ahead to confirm hours before your visit.
Note: Hoke County does not accept credit or debit cards for marriage license fees at this time.
Marriage Records Available in Hoke County
The Hoke County Register of Deeds holds marriage records along with birth records from 1913 and death records from 1913. Land records are also maintained at the office. You can search recorded documents online by name, instrument type, or date range through the county's search portal. For in-person requests, visit the office on Campus Avenue during business hours. The staff can help locate specific marriage records and explain what is available in the Hoke County archives. Whether you are looking for a recent marriage license or tracing a family connection from decades ago, the office is the best place to start your search.
To request a certified copy by mail, send a signed letter to the office at 113 Campus Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of marriage, your return address, a copy of your photo ID, and payment of $10 per copy. The office also processes requests by phone at (910) 875-2035.
Hoke County Marriage License Requirements
North Carolina General Statute 51-2 sets the age rules for marriage. Both people must be at least 18 to marry without parental consent. Those aged 16 or 17 need a parent or guardian to give written consent and must present a certified birth certificate. Both applicants must come to the office together. No one can fill out the application on behalf of someone else.
If either person was previously married, you will need to provide the month and year of the last divorce. There is no waiting period after a divorce in North Carolina. Under General Statute 130A-93, the Register of Deeds is responsible for maintaining vital records, and certified copies serve as legal proof of marriage. The Hoke County office can issue these copies for use in name changes, insurance updates, and legal matters.
State Marriage License Resources
The North Carolina Division of Vital Records holds marriage certificates from 1962 to the present. The state marriage certificates page provides ordering details. For older records, the NC State Archives may have what you need.
The NC Register of Deeds county finder links directly to each county office in the state. This is a good starting point when searching for marriage license records in Hoke County or any other county in North Carolina. If you are unsure where a marriage was recorded, the state office in Raleigh can help narrow it down.
Note: Hoke County's proximity to Fort Liberty means the office regularly assists active military personnel, who may use a military ID in place of a driver's license.
After the Ceremony in Hoke County
After your wedding, the officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the Hoke County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Once filed, the license becomes part of the permanent record. You can then visit the office in Raeford and request certified copies for $10 each. These copies serve as legal proof of your marriage.
Most couples need at least two certified copies. One goes to the Social Security Administration for a name change. Another goes to the DMV for a new driver's license. Banks, insurance companies, and your employer may also ask for proof. The Hoke County office can issue copies the same day if you visit in person. For mail requests, allow a few extra business days for processing and delivery. Having the right number of certified copies on hand will save you time in the weeks after your wedding.