Find Onslow County Marriage License Records
Onslow County manages marriage license records through the Register of Deeds office in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Home to Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, Onslow County has a large military population that regularly seeks marriage licenses. The Register of Deeds handles new applications and provides certified copies of past marriage certificates. Couples from across the coastal region visit the Jacksonville office to start the marriage process. Staff members are familiar with military-related situations and can help service members navigate the requirements. The county has maintained these records since its early formation.
Onslow County Marriage License Application
Both parties must appear at the Onslow County Register of Deeds to apply for a marriage license. Each person must bring a valid photo ID and their Social Security number. Accepted forms of ID include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, both people must provide proper documents before the Register of Deeds can issue the license.
Previously married applicants must give the month and year of the most recent divorce. A certified copy of the divorce decree is required if it was final within the past 30 days. There is no waiting period. The license is good the moment it is issued. It can be used for a ceremony anywhere in North Carolina for up to 60 days. Jacksonville's large military community means the office sees many couples where one or both parties are active duty. If one party cannot appear due to military deployment, call the office to ask about the affidavit process for hardship cases.
Marriage License Fees in Onslow County
A marriage license in Onslow County costs $60. This is the standard fee in all North Carolina counties. The fee covers the local filing and the state portion. Contact the Register of Deeds to find out which payment methods are accepted at the office window.
After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Onslow County Register of Deeds within 10 days. This is required by N.C.G.S. § 51-6. Two witnesses must sign the license at the wedding. Once filed, the completed license becomes a permanent county record under N.C.G.S. § 51-8.
Get Certified Onslow County Marriage Records
Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10 each at the Onslow County Register of Deeds. Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, only certain people may get a certified copy. The list includes the person on the record, their spouse, parents, children, grandparents, siblings, or a legal representative. Others may request uncertified copies for research.
Request copies in person at the office in Jacksonville. Mail requests are also accepted. Send a signed letter with the names on the record, the marriage date, a copy of your ID, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Onslow County public records portal also provides access to recorded documents online. This tool can help you search for land records and other county documents from home.
Note: Military families often need certified copies for base housing or benefits applications, so plan ahead and allow time for processing.
Age and Eligibility for Onslow Marriage Licenses
Under N.C.G.S. § 51-2, anyone 18 or older can apply for a marriage license in Onslow County. Those aged 16 or 17 may apply with written parental consent, but the age gap between the parties cannot exceed four years. No one under 16 may marry in North Carolina. There is no blood test and no residency rule. You do not have to live in Onslow County to apply here.
Both people must appear in person with valid ID and a Social Security number. The license is issued the same day. Active duty military members stationed at Camp Lejeune or New River Air Station often apply at this office before deployment or during leave periods. The staff is used to working with service members and can answer questions about military-specific situations.
Onslow County Marriage Record History
Onslow County has kept marriage records since its early formation. Birth and death records date from 1913. The county also holds extensive military records due to the long presence of Camp Lejeune. Historical marriage bonds and older records may be available at the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh. Researchers looking into families connected to the military base or the coastal area may find useful records at both the county and state levels.
The NC Vital Records office in Raleigh maintains statewide marriage certificates from 1962 to the present. That office charges $24 per three-year search. For records before 1962, the Onslow County Register of Deeds in Jacksonville is the primary source. The Onslow County website provides general information about county services and departments.
Search Onslow County Marriage License Records
Visit the Onslow County Register of Deeds in Jacksonville to search records in person. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The NC Association of Registers of Deeds county finder lists contact details for all 100 counties. The NC Vital Records marriage page explains how to request state-level certificates.
The Onslow County marriage license requirements page outlines what you need to bring for your application. View the Onslow County marriage requirements page for the latest details.
This page covers ID requirements, fees, and special situations for military personnel.
The Onslow County public records portal lets you search recorded documents online. Visit the Onslow County public records search to look up land records and more.
This system provides free access to recorded documents in Onslow County.
The NC Vital Records portal is the central hub for all state-issued vital records. Visit the NC Vital Records homepage for ordering options.
Marriage certificates from 1962 to the present can be requested through this portal.
Note: Call the Onslow County Register of Deeds to confirm hours before your visit, especially around federal and military holidays.