Johnston County Marriage License
Johnston County is a fast-growing county in central North Carolina, just southeast of Raleigh. The county seat is Smithfield. The Register of Deeds office issues marriage licenses by appointment only and holds marriage records going back to the mid-1700s. This page covers how to apply for a new marriage license, search for past records, and request certified copies through the Johnston County Register of Deeds.
Getting a Johnston County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Johnston County require an appointment. Call (919) 989-5161 to schedule. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Both people must appear in person at 207 E. Johnston Street, Suite 209, Smithfield, NC 27577. You can also reach the main office line at (919) 989-5160.
Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. Under North Carolina General Statute 51-6, a valid license is required before any ceremony. The license is good right away. There is no waiting period. It stays valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in the state. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the Johnston County Register of Deeds within 10 days.
Note: Walk-ins are not accepted for marriage licenses in Johnston County, so you must call ahead to schedule your visit.
Johnston County Marriage License Fees
The fee is $60 for a new marriage license. This is the standard fee across all North Carolina counties. Certified copies of marriage records cost $10 each. The Johnston County fee schedule page has the full list of costs for all services. The office also handles birth and death certificates, land records, and notary services.
The Register of Deeds, Craig Olive, oversees the office. Under General Statute 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the only official authorized to issue marriage licenses at the county level. The Johnston County office has won local, state, and national recognition for its performance and has streamlined services to cut its budget by 30 percent.
Searching Johnston County Marriage Records
Johnston County has marriage records from the mid-1700s to the present. Birth and death records start from 1913. The Johnston County Heritage Center also holds historical documents including census records, newspaper obituaries, marriage bonds, voter registration records, deeds, and cemetery records. This makes the county a strong resource for genealogy work.
The Johnston County Register of Deeds website provides access to online services and office details:
From this page you can find information about vital records, land records, and the office's many services. The office can also issue certified copies of statewide birth certificates for people born in 1971 or later.
Johnston 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 parental consent and a certified birth certificate. Both applicants must come to the office together with valid photo ID and their Social Security numbers. If either person was previously married, bring the month and year of the last divorce.
There is no blood test. No waiting period exists after issuance or after a divorce. Once issued, the marriage license can be used in any of North Carolina's 100 counties. Under General Statute 130A-93, the Register of Deeds maintains all vital records and issues certified copies that serve as legal proof of marriage. Johnston County is one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, and the Register of Deeds office in Smithfield sees a high volume of applications each year. Scheduling your appointment early helps ensure you get a convenient time slot. The office has been recognized for its strong performance and efficient service. Staff members are ready to help you through each step of the marriage license application process.
Johnston County Marriage Record Services
Johnston County also offers a FraudGuard service for property owners. The FraudGuard page explains how the system works:
While this service is focused on property records rather than marriage records, it shows the range of public record protections available through the Johnston County Register of Deeds office. The office manages a large volume of public records and is known for its strong customer service. You can sign up for alerts if your name appears on a newly recorded document.
State Marriage License Resources
The NC Division of Vital Records keeps marriage certificates from 1962 onward. The state marriage certificates page covers ordering details. For records that predate 1962, the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh may have them. The NC county finder tool links to each Register of Deeds office across the state.
You can email the Johnston County Register of Deeds at rodinfo@johnstonnc.gov or send mail to P.O. Box 389, Smithfield, NC 27577. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Note: Johnston County's Heritage Center is a valuable resource for researchers looking for historical marriage bonds and other genealogy documents.
After Your Johnston County Marriage
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the Johnston County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Once filed, you can request certified copies for $10 each. The Smithfield office can issue copies the same day if you visit in person. Mail requests are also an option.
For a name change, bring a certified copy of your Johnston County marriage license to the Social Security Administration first. After your card is updated, visit the DMV. Banks, insurance companies, and your employer will need proof as well. It is a good idea to order two or three certified copies up front so you have them when you need them. The Johnston County office staff can help you with any questions about the process.