Jones County Marriage License
Jones County is one of the smaller counties in eastern North Carolina, with its county seat in Trenton. The Register of Deeds office handles all marriage license applications and maintains vital records for the county. Despite its small size, the office keeps marriage records dating back to the county's early formation. This guide covers how to apply for a new marriage license, search for past records, and request certified copies in Jones County.
Jones County Marriage License Application
Visit the Register of Deeds office at 101 Market St., Trenton, NC 28585. Both people must appear in person. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. Under North Carolina General Statute 51-6, a valid marriage license is required before any ceremony can take place.
There is no waiting period. The license is valid right away and stays good for 60 days. It can be used in any of North Carolina's 100 counties. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Jones County Register of Deeds within 10 days per state rules. Per General Statute 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the only official who can issue a marriage license in the county.
Jones County Marriage License Fees
The fee for a marriage license is $60. This is the standard fee set by North Carolina law. Certified copies of marriage records cost $10 each. You can request copies in person or by mail. Contact the office at (252) 448-2551 for questions about payment methods or to confirm current fees before your visit.
The state of North Carolina collects a portion of the $60 fee for the statewide vital records system. The rest stays with the county. Under General Statute 130A-93, the Register of Deeds is responsible for maintaining vital records and issuing certified copies that serve as legal proof of marriage.
Note: Jones County has limited web presence, so calling ahead is the best way to get current details about payment options and hours.
Jones County Marriage Records Search
Jones County has marriage records from the county's early history. Birth and death records begin in 1913. The office also has land records that can be searched by name, document type, and date range through an online search portal. For genealogy research, records including census data, death records, marriage records, and obituaries are available through third-party portals.
For in-person record searches, visit the office in Trenton during regular business hours. For mail requests, send your letter to 101 Market St., Trenton, NC 28585. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of marriage, your mailing address, a copy of your photo ID, and payment of $10 per certified copy.
The North Carolina Division of Vital Records website is another helpful resource when searching for marriage license records:
The state office holds marriage certificates from 1962 to the present and can help when local records are not available.
Jones County Marriage License Requirements
Under 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 and a certified birth certificate. Both applicants must appear together at the office. No blood test is required in North Carolina. If either person was previously married, you will need to provide the month and year the last marriage ended. There is no waiting period after a divorce.
The marriage license can be used in any county in North Carolina. It is not limited to Jones County. The officiant who performs the ceremony signs the license and returns it to the county where it was issued. This is how the marriage becomes part of the official record. Per General Statute 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses in each North Carolina county.
After the Ceremony in Jones County
Once the ceremony takes place, the officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the Jones County Register of Deeds within 10 days. After the license is filed, it becomes a permanent part of the public record. You can then request certified copies for $10 each. In-person requests at the Trenton office are typically processed the same day.
Certified copies of your Jones County marriage license serve as legal proof for name changes at the Social Security Administration and DMV. Banks, insurance companies, and other institutions may also require a copy. It is a good idea to order two or three copies at once so you have them ready when you need them. Under General Statute 130A-93, the Register of Deeds maintains vital records and issues certified copies for legal use. Mail requests should include the names of both parties, the date of marriage, payment, and a copy of your identification.
Jones County Marriage License Resources
The NC marriage certificates page explains how to order copies from the state. For older records, the North Carolina State Archives may have historical marriage documents. The county finder tool from the NC Association of Registers of Deeds links directly to each county's office.
The state marriage certificates page walks you through the process for ordering a certified copy:
From this page, you can learn about the fees, what information you need to provide, and how long processing takes when ordering a marriage certificate through the state office.
Contact Jones County Register of Deeds
Phone the office at (252) 448-2551. Fax requests can be sent to (252) 448-1357. The physical address is 101 Market St., Trenton, NC 28585. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except county holidays. For general questions about marriage license applications or record requests, the staff can assist you over the phone.
Note: Jones County is a small office, so visiting during mid-week and mid-morning can help you avoid the busiest times.