Lincoln County Marriage License Guide
Lincoln County is in the western Piedmont of North Carolina, with its county seat in Lincolnton. The Register of Deeds office handles all marriage license applications and maintains vital records for the county. Land records go back to 1779, and birth and death records start from 1913. This guide walks through how to apply for a marriage license, what to bring, the fees involved, and how to search for past marriage license records in Lincoln County.
Lincoln County Marriage License Application
Visit the Register of Deeds at 105-A East Court Square, 2nd Floor, Lincolnton, NC 28092. Both people must appear together. 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 marriage license must be obtained before any ceremony. The license is valid right away. There is no waiting period. It stays good for 60 days and can be used anywhere in North Carolina. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the Lincoln County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Per General Statute 51-8, the Register of Deeds is the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses in each county.
Lincoln County Marriage License Fees
The fee for a marriage license is $60. This is set by state law and is the same in all 100 counties. Certified copies of marriage records cost $10 each. Call the office at (704) 736-8530 to confirm accepted payment methods. Fax requests can be sent to (704) 732-9049.
The $60 covers both the issuance and filing of the license. Once the signed license is returned after the ceremony, it becomes part of the permanent record. Under General Statute 130A-93, the Register of Deeds is responsible for maintaining all vital records and issuing certified copies for legal use.
Note: Always call ahead to confirm current payment methods before visiting the Lincoln County Register of Deeds.
Lincoln County Marriage Records
Lincoln County has marriage records from its early history. Birth and death records start from 1913. Land records go back to 1779. The office offers a recorded document search by name and date range through an online portal. For genealogy purposes, records including cemeteries, census data, death records, marriage records, obituaries, wills, and probate documents are available through various search portals. These records cover decades of Lincoln County history and can help trace family connections in the western Piedmont region of North Carolina. The Register of Deeds staff can point you to the right resources based on what you are looking for.
For in-person searches, visit the office in Lincolnton during regular business hours. Staff can help locate specific records and issue certified copies. For mail requests, send your letter to 105-A East Court Square, 2nd Floor, Lincolnton, NC 28092. Include the names of both parties, the approximate date of marriage, your return address, a copy of your photo ID, and $10 per certified copy.
The NC Division of Vital Records is a valuable resource for statewide marriage certificate searches:
The state office holds marriage certificates from 1962 to the present and can help when a record is not available at the county level.
Lincoln County Marriage License Requirements
Under General Statute 51-2, you must be at least 18 to marry without consent. Ages 16 and 17 require written parental consent and a certified birth certificate. Both applicants must appear in person at the office. No blood test is needed. If either person was previously married, bring the month and year the last marriage ended. There is no waiting period after a divorce.
The application process is straightforward. Both parties provide their identification, Social Security numbers, and personal details for the application. The staff processes the license while you wait. Once issued, it can be used for a ceremony in any county in North Carolina.
State Marriage License Resources
The NC marriage certificates page explains how to order copies from the state office. For records before 1962, the North Carolina State Archives may hold historical marriage documents. The NC county finder links to each Register of Deeds office in the state.
The county finder tool helps you locate the right office for any county in North Carolina:
This tool is useful when you need to contact a specific county office or when a marriage may have been recorded in a neighboring county.
Lincoln County Marriage License Office
Phone the office at (704) 736-8530. Fax at (704) 732-9049. The office is at 105-A East Court Square, 2nd Floor, Lincolnton, NC 28092. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The staff assists with marriage license applications, certified copy requests, land records, and other services maintained by the Register of Deeds.
Note: Lincoln County is located west of Charlotte, making the Lincolnton office a convenient option for couples in the western Piedmont region.
After Your Lincoln County Marriage
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Lincoln County Register of Deeds within 10 days. Once filed, you can request certified copies for $10 each. In-person requests at the Lincolnton office are handled the same day. Mail requests are also an option if you include payment and identification.
Certified copies of your Lincoln County marriage license serve as legal proof for name changes, insurance, and court purposes. Take your copy to the Social Security Administration first, then the DMV. Banks and your employer will also need proof. Having two or three copies on hand saves time. The Lincoln County staff can walk you through the process and answer any questions about your marriage license record.