Lenoir County Marriage License Information
Lenoir County is in eastern North Carolina with its county seat in Kinston. The county was formed in 1791 and has marriage records going back to that era. The Register of Deeds office welcomes walk-ins and handles all marriage license applications during business hours. This page covers the full process for applying for a marriage license, searching historical records, and getting certified copies in Lenoir County.
Applying for a Lenoir County Marriage License
Go to the Lenoir County Administration Building at 101 North Queen St., Kinston, NC 28502. Both people must appear in person. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a valid ID and your Social Security number. If you were previously married, bring a certified divorce decree.
Under North Carolina General Statute 51-6, a valid license is needed before any ceremony. There is no waiting period. The license is good right away and stays valid for 60 days. It can be used in any county across the state. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the Lenoir County Register of Deeds within 10 days.
Lenoir County Marriage License Fees
The fee is $60. This is the standard state fee that applies in all North Carolina counties. Certified copies of marriage records cost $10 each. Contact the office at (252) 559-6420 to ask about accepted payment methods. The fax number is (252) 559-6139.
Per General Statute 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses in the county. The $60 fee covers both the issuance and the filing of the license. Under General Statute 130A-93, the office also handles certified copies of vital records for legal purposes such as name changes, insurance, and court matters.
Note: Lenoir County welcomes walk-ins for marriage licenses, so no appointment is needed.
Lenoir County Marriage Records History
Lenoir County has a rich records history. Marriage records go back to 1791, the year the county was formed. Historical marriage bonds are also on file. Birth and death records start from 1914. Court records date from 1880. These deep archives make Lenoir County a valuable resource for genealogy and historical research.
You can search recorded land records online by name, record type, or date range. For vital records like marriage licenses, in-person and mail requests are the primary ways to get copies. Historical marriage bonds from the colonial and early statehood periods are also part of the county record. The Lenoir County marriage index covers 1873 to 1952 and includes thousands of entries. Researchers from across the country use these resources to trace family lines in eastern North Carolina.
The North Carolina Vital Records website offers statewide searches for marriage certificates from 1962 forward:
The state office can help when a local record is not available or when you need a copy of a marriage certificate that was filed at the state level.
Lenoir County Marriage License Requirements
Under General Statute 51-2, both people must be at least 18 to marry without parental consent. Those aged 16 or 17 need written consent from a parent and a certified birth certificate. Both applicants must appear together at the office with valid photo identification and their Social Security numbers.
If either person was previously married, you will need to provide the month and year of the last divorce along with a certified divorce decree. There is no blood test required. There is no waiting period after issuance. The marriage license can be used in any of North Carolina's 100 counties within the 60-day window. Lenoir County's location in eastern North Carolina makes Kinston the main hub for residents in the surrounding area who need marriage license services.
State Resources for Marriage Records
The state marriage certificates page explains how to order copies from the NC Division of Vital Records. For records before 1962, the North Carolina State Archives may have what you need. The NC county finder links directly to each county's Register of Deeds office.
The state marriage certificates page has detailed instructions for ordering copies:
From this page, you can find the fees, required information, and processing times for state-level marriage certificate requests.
Note: Lenoir County's marriage records from 1791 are among the oldest in the state and may be of special interest to genealogists researching eastern North Carolina families.
Lenoir County Marriage License Contact
Call (252) 559-6420 or fax (252) 559-6139. The office is at 101 North Queen St., Kinston, NC 28502. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The staff can help with both new marriage license applications and requests for certified copies of existing records.
After Your Lenoir County Marriage
The officiant who performs your ceremony signs the marriage license and returns it to the Lenoir County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Once the license is filed, you can request certified copies for $10 each. In-person requests at the Kinston office are processed the same day. Mail requests are also accepted at 101 North Queen St., Kinston, NC 28502.
Certified copies of your Lenoir County marriage license serve as legal proof for name changes and other official purposes. Start at the Social Security Administration to update your card. Then visit the DMV. Banks, insurance companies, and other institutions will need to see proof. Order two or three copies up front to save time. The Lenoir County office is open five days a week and welcomes walk-ins for both new applications and copy requests.