Richmond County Marriage License Search
Richmond County keeps marriage license records at the Register of Deeds office at 114 East Franklin Street, Room 101, in Rockingham, North Carolina. The county sits in the Sandhills region and has maintained marriage records since 1779. The Register of Deeds handles new license applications, certified copies, and vital record requests. Couples from across the area visit the Rockingham office to apply for a marriage license. The staff can assist with the full process and answer questions about what documents you need. Richmond County's long history means the office holds a large collection of records.
Richmond County Marriage License Application
Both parties must go to the Richmond County Register of Deeds in Rockingham to apply. Each person needs a valid photo ID and their Social Security number. Accepted IDs include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, the Register of Deeds verifies all documents before the license is issued.
Previously married applicants must give the month and year of the last divorce. A certified decree is required if the divorce was final within the past 30 days. There is no waiting period and no blood test. The license takes effect right away and is valid for 60 days. It works for a ceremony anywhere in North Carolina. Call (910) 997-8250 to schedule your visit or ask about specific requirements.
Marriage License Fees in Richmond County
A marriage license in Richmond County costs $60. This standard fee applies to all counties in North Carolina. Contact the Register of Deeds at (910) 997-8250 to confirm which payment methods are accepted at the office.
After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the Richmond 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 ceremony. Once the completed license is filed, it becomes a permanent county record under N.C.G.S. § 51-8. Late returns can delay the official recording of your marriage.
Certified Marriage Records from Richmond County
Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10 each. Non-certified copies are $0.35 each. Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, only eligible people may get a certified copy. The following people qualify:
- The person named on the record or their spouse
- Parents, siblings, children, or grandchildren
- Grandparents or step-parents and step-children
- Legal representatives with proof of authority
Request copies in person at 114 East Franklin Street, Room 101, in Rockingham. Mail requests are accepted as well. Send a completed request form, a copy of your photo ID, payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Richmond County vital records page has details on the request process and forms you can use. Uncertified copies are available to anyone for general research.
Note: Personal checks may be accepted for some requests, but call ahead to confirm.
Richmond County Marriage License Eligibility
Under N.C.G.S. § 51-2, anyone 18 or older can apply for a marriage license without parental consent. Those aged 16 or 17 need written consent from a parent or guardian, and the age gap between the two parties cannot exceed four years. No one under 16 may marry in North Carolina. There is no residency rule. You do not need to live in Richmond County to apply.
Both people must appear together at the office with valid ID and their Social Security numbers. The license is issued the same day once everything checks out. The Richmond County Superior Court is also at 105 West Franklin Street in Rockingham, so couples who need court records or other legal documents can handle multiple tasks during one trip to the county seat.
Richmond County Marriage Record History
Richmond County holds marriage records from 1779 to the present. Birth records and death records begin in 1913. Delayed birth records are also available at the office. The county was formed in 1779 from Anson County. Historical marriage records, including early bonds, are held at the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh. FamilySearch has historical marriage records on microfilm as well.
The NC Vital Records office in Raleigh holds statewide marriage certificates from 1962 to the present. That office charges $24 per three-year search period. For records before 1962, the Richmond County Register of Deeds in Rockingham is the primary source. The Clerk of Court also has a search portal for civil and criminal records.
Search Richmond County Marriage License Records
Visit the Richmond County Register of Deeds at 114 East Franklin Street, Room 101, in Rockingham. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (910) 997-8250 for phone help. The NC Association of Registers of Deeds county finder lists contact details for all 100 counties. The NC Vital Records marriage page has details on requesting state-level certificates.
The Richmond County vital records page provides information on requesting marriage certificates and other records. Visit the Richmond County vital records page for forms and instructions.
This page covers request procedures, fees, and eligibility requirements for certified copies.
The NC Vital Records portal handles statewide certificate requests. Visit the NC Vital Records homepage for ordering details and processing times.
State-issued marriage certificates from 1962 onward are available through this portal.
The county finder tool lists all 100 Register of Deeds offices in North Carolina. Search the county finder for Richmond County contact details.
Phone numbers and addresses for every county office are available through this tool.
Note: Call (910) 997-8250 to confirm office hours before visiting, especially around holidays.