Wake County (Raleigh) issues marriage licenses through the Register of Deeds. Applicants can complete the application online in advance or on-site, but both must appear together in person to receive the license.
| License fee | $60. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | None — North Carolina has no statewide waiting period. |
| Documents / ID required | Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants, who must appear together in person. No blood test required. |
| License validity | 60 days from the date of issuance (North Carolina statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Apply online in advance or use on-site computers, then appear together in person to receive the license — no appointment required — at the main office, Wake County Justice Center, 300 S. Salisbury St., Suite 1700, Raleigh, or at the Northern (Wake Forest), Southern (Fuquay-Varina), or Eastern (Zebulon) Regional Centers. The regional centers are cash-only. |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
Special notes
Frequently asked questions
Do we need an appointment for a marriage license in Wake County?
No. Both applicants can walk in together during business hours at the Justice Center or a Regional Center; no appointment is required.
How long is a Wake County marriage license valid?
60 days from the date of issuance, matching North Carolina’s statewide validity period.
How to get a marriage license in Wake County, step by step
- Apply online in advance, or use the on-site computers at any Wake County office.
- Both applicants appear together in person — no appointment required — at the Wake County Justice Center in Raleigh or one of the three Regional Centers (Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, or Zebulon).
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants.
- Pay $60. The Regional Centers take cash only, so bring a card or check only if you are at the downtown Justice Center.
- Receive the license on the spot — North Carolina has no waiting period — and marry within 60 days.
What to bring to the Wake County office
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants
- $60, in cash if applying at a Regional Center
- For applicants age 16–17: written parental or guardian consent filed with the Register of Deeds, or a certified court order
When to apply for your Wake County license
Since North Carolina has no waiting period, the license is issued the same visit you apply. The 60-day validity window means most couples apply a few weeks before the wedding rather than far in advance. If you are applying at one of the Regional Centers, confirm you are bringing cash, since those locations do not take other payment methods.
After the ceremony: filing your Wake County license and getting certified copies
North Carolina law has the officiant return the completed license to the Register of Deeds within 10 days of the ceremony. Once it is recorded, a certified copy costs $10 in person at any Wake County office; ordering online adds a vendor convenience fee on top of the $10 county charge. Wake County can only issue copies of marriages filed in Wake County — if you married elsewhere, contact that county’s Register of Deeds instead. (Filing rules checked October 2026.)
You will need a certified copy for name changes and other paperwork — see our guide to what to do after the wedding.
Certified copies in Wake County
$10 for the first certified copy (same price for each copy)
| Issued by | Wake County Register of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Fee details | $10 per certified copy. Online orders add a $4 non-refundable convenience and card processing fee. |
| How to order | At any of five Register of Deeds locations, online, or by mail with a copy of photo ID and a check or money order. |
| Timing | Online orders generally 1 to 2 business days after the information is complete; allow 10 to 14 business days for mailed requests. |
| Who can request | The spouses, immediate family, or an authorized agent, attorney or legal representative. Only licenses issued in Wake County. |
Source: Wake County Register of Deeds - Birth, Death & Marriage Certificates · checked October 2026 · How many copies do you need?
Local tips for Wake County
- Wake County can only provide certified copies of marriages filed in Wake County — if your ceremony took place in a different county, request the copy from that county’s Register of Deeds instead.
- Ordering a certified copy online adds a vendor convenience fee on top of the $10 county fee; picking it up in person at one of the offices avoids that extra charge.
- The three Regional Centers — Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, and Zebulon — are cash only, so plan your payment method before choosing a location.
More questions about getting married in Wake County
Can we get a certified copy of our marriage certificate if we did not marry in Wake County?
No. Wake County only issues certified copies of marriages that were filed in Wake County; a different county’s Register of Deeds handles its own records.
Is it cheaper to order a Wake County certified copy online or in person?
In person. Online orders add a vendor convenience fee on top of the $10 county charge for the certified copy.
Do all Wake County marriage license offices take credit cards?
No. The three Regional Centers in Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, and Zebulon are cash only. The downtown Justice Center accepts other payment methods.
Waiting periods by state → What licenses cost by state →
Last verified: August 2026
Read our general step-by-step guide →
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