Moore County Marriage License Information
Moore County manages marriage license records through the Register of Deeds office at 100 Dowd Street in Carthage, North Carolina. Known for the Pinehurst resort area and the Sandhills region, Moore County draws couples from across the state for weddings. The Register of Deeds holds marriage records from the county's earliest days through the present. Both new license applications and certified copies of past records are handled at this office. Residents and visitors can access these records in person during regular business hours. The staff in Carthage can guide you through every step of the process.
Moore County Marriage License Application Process
Both parties must appear at the Moore County Register of Deeds to apply. A valid photo ID is required for each person. This can be a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You must also provide your Social Security number. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, the Register of Deeds verifies all documents before issuing a marriage license.
Previously married applicants must state the month and year of the most recent divorce. If the divorce was final within the past 30 days, bring a certified copy of the decree. There is no blood test or waiting period. The license is valid the moment it is issued and can be used for a ceremony anywhere in North Carolina. It expires after 60 days. Call the recording department at (910) 947-6372 to schedule your visit or ask about requirements.
Marriage License Fees in Moore County
The cost of a marriage license in Moore County is $60. Every county in North Carolina charges this same amount. The fee is set by state law and covers both the local and state portions of the filing. Contact the office at (910) 947-6372 to ask about accepted payment methods before you arrive.
After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed marriage license to the Moore County Register of Deeds within 10 days. This requirement comes from N.C.G.S. § 51-6. Two witnesses must sign the license at the time of the wedding. If the signed license is not returned promptly, the county record of your marriage may be delayed. The Register of Deeds then files the completed license and it becomes part of the permanent record under N.C.G.S. § 51-8.
Note: Plan your ceremony within 60 days of getting the license, as it cannot be extended.
Get Certified Marriage Records in Moore County
Certified copies of marriage certificates from Moore County cost $10 each. The Register of Deeds issues these copies from the office at 100 Dowd Street in Carthage. Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, certified copies are only available to the person on the record, their spouse, parents, children, grandparents, siblings, or a legal representative. Anyone else may request an uncertified copy for general research.
You can request copies in person during office hours, which run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mail requests are accepted as well. Include a signed letter with the names on the record, the date of the marriage, a copy of your photo ID, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Moore County also provides online access to recorded documents, including real estate records, UCC filings, and some vital records through the county's document search system. Maps and plats for the county are viewable online too.
Moore County Marriage License Eligibility
North Carolina law under N.C.G.S. § 51-2 sets the age rules for marriage. Anyone 18 or older can apply without parental consent. Those aged 16 or 17 may apply with written consent from a parent or legal guardian, but the age difference between the two parties cannot exceed four years. No one under 16 may marry in the state.
Both people must show up at the Moore County Register of Deeds together. Each must bring a valid ID and Social Security number. The license is good anywhere in North Carolina and takes effect right away. There is no residency requirement. You do not have to live in Moore County to get your license here. This makes the Sandhills area a popular spot for destination weddings, with couples often choosing Pinehurst or Southern Pines as their venue.
Moore County Marriage Record History
Moore County has maintained marriage records from its early county formation. Birth and death records date from 1913, and land records go back to 1885. The county was established in 1784 and named after Captain Alfred Moore, a Revolutionary War figure. Historical marriage records for Moore County, including early bonds, can be found at the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh.
For records from 1962 to the present, the NC Vital Records office in Raleigh also holds statewide marriage certificates. That office charges $24 per three-year search period. For anything older, the Moore County Register of Deeds is the primary source. The Moore County website has general information about county services and departments.
Search Moore County Marriage License Records
Visit the Moore County Register of Deeds at 100 Dowd Street in Carthage to search marriage records in person. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For recording questions, call (910) 947-6372. For deed vault inquiries, call (910) 947-6374. The recorded document search system lets you look up Moore County records including real estate, UCC, and vital records online.
The NC Association of Registers of Deeds county finder is a helpful tool if you need to find the right office in another county. The NC Vital Records marriage page explains how to request state-level certificates and what fees apply.
The NC Vital Records homepage is the central portal for all state-issued vital records. Visit the NC Vital Records site for ordering details and processing times.
This portal serves as the starting point for requesting marriage certificates issued since 1962.
The marriage certificates page from NC Vital Records describes the search process and fees. Review the NC marriage certificates page for current instructions.
The $24 search fee covers a three-year period and includes one copy if a match is found.
The county finder from the NC Association of Registers of Deeds helps you locate any Register of Deeds office in the state. Use the county finder to get Moore County contact details.
All 100 county offices are listed here with phone numbers and office addresses.
Note: Call ahead to confirm office hours, especially around holidays.