Washington County Marriage License Search
Washington County maintains marriage license records at the Register of Deeds office in Plymouth, North Carolina. The office is at 120 Adams Street. Plymouth is the county seat and the only location in Washington County where you can apply for a marriage license. The Register of Deeds handles marriage licenses, certified copies of vital records, and land document recordings. Washington County is one of the original counties of North Carolina, with historical records that stretch back to the colonial era. Residents and visitors can get help with marriage record requests during regular office hours.
Washington County Marriage License Application
Both people who plan to marry must come to the Register of Deeds. You need a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID works. Proof of your Social Security number is required. If either person is between 18 and 20, bring a certified birth certificate. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 51, the state sets out all rules for marriage eligibility.
The fee for a marriage license in Washington County is $60. This is set by state law and applies everywhere in North Carolina. The license is valid for 60 days. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license within 10 days. Two witnesses must sign at the ceremony. Anyone with a recent divorce may need to bring a certified decree.
Certified Marriage Records in Washington County
The Register of Deeds provides certified copies of marriage certificates. Standard North Carolina vital records fees apply. Under N.C.G.S. § 130A-93, certified copies are limited to the person named on the record, their spouse, parents, children, grandparents, or a legal agent.
Request copies in person at 120 Adams Street, Plymouth, NC 27962. The phone number is (252) 793-2325. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For mail requests, include the full names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, your payment, a copy of your photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Note: Birth and death records at the Washington County Register of Deeds go back to 1913. Marriage records may go back further into the county's long history.
Washington County Marriage Record History
Washington County was formed in 1799 from Tyrrell County. It is named after George Washington. Plymouth has served as the county seat since the county's creation. The Register of Deeds maintains birth and death records from 1913 and historical land records. Marriage records are available through the office as well.
For older records that are not available at the county office, the NC State Archives in Raleigh may hold microfilm copies. Washington County's location in the Inner Banks region of North Carolina gives it a unique place in the state's history. The county saw significant events during the Civil War, including the Battle of Plymouth in 1864. Historical records from this area are valuable for tracing family histories in eastern North Carolina.
Online Search for Washington County Records
Washington County offers a free online search for recorded land documents. You can search by name and date range. This tool covers land records but may help identify related filings. For marriage certificates, contact the Register of Deeds directly.
The NCARD county finder confirms the office address and phone number. The NC Vital Records website handles marriage certificate orders for records from 1962 to the present. The county's online search covers land records and may help identify related filings.
Marriage License Rules in North Carolina
North Carolina law requires a marriage license before any wedding. Under N.C.G.S. § 51-6, the Register of Deeds issues the license. Both parties must be at least 18 under N.C.G.S. § 51-2. The fee is $60 statewide. The license lasts 60 days. After the wedding, the officiant files the signed license within 10 days.
The NC marriage certificates page explains how to order from the state. The state charges $24 for a three-year search. The county charges less for a certified copy. For older records, the county is the best starting point. The NC State Archives can help with records that predate modern county filings.
Washington County Marriage Certificate Copies
Visit the Register of Deeds at 120 Adams Street in Plymouth. Bring your photo ID and the fee. Staff process most requests the same day. If you cannot visit in person, send a mail request with the required details and payment.
For marriages from 1962 onward, the NC Vital Records state office is another option. The state charges $24 per search. The county is usually faster and less expensive. Call (252) 793-2325 with questions about Washington County marriage license records.
Washington County Marriage License Office
The Register of Deeds is at 120 Adams Street, Plymouth, NC 27962. The phone number is (252) 793-2325. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on county and state holidays. All marriage license applications must be completed in person with both parties present.
Plymouth is a small town on the Roanoke River in eastern North Carolina. The county is known for its natural areas and waterways. Despite its small size, the Washington County Register of Deeds offers the full range of marriage license and vital record services available in any North Carolina county.
The NC Vital Records website is the state portal for ordering marriage certificates from 1962 to the present.
The NC marriage certificates page details fees, the ordering process, and what information you need to provide.
The NCARD county finder helps locate the Washington County Register of Deeds and other offices across the state.