We offer same-day expedited service at our walk-in window at our Raleigh location.
Office Hours for Walk-In Service are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM.
Main Switchboard Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
By Mail or Drop off form
Send the completed form with $24 money order, certified check, or business check (not a personal check) for the first copy of the certificate and $15 for each additional to:
North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1903
You can also drop off the form at the Vital Records Office in Raleigh between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., MondayFriday, except on state government holidays. Payments accepted in person include money order, certified check, business check, or cash. No personal checks please.
If no record is found, you will be sent a letter. The search fee is nonrefundable even if a record is not located.
Faster Service through the Mail
Fill in the form as in step one. Write "Expedite" on the outside front of the envelope.
Send via U.S. mail to
North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1903
Send via UPS or FedEx to:
N.C. Vital Records
225 North McDowell Street
Raleigh, N.C. 27603-1382
Apply Online or Phone (VitalChek)
Online service is available at www.vitalchek.com or you may call toll-free 1-800-669-8310. (Outside the U.S., call 1-615-372-6800.) VitalChek is an independent third-party service and is not affiliated with the State of North Carolina. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for this service, and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA.
You will be asked to provide your credit card number and its expiration date.
Provide all the necessary certificate information along with a street address (no APO, FPO, or PO Boxes) where the certificate can be delivered. Someone must be available at the address provided to sign for receipt of the documents that will be express mailed to the requesting party.
Order official, certified marriage certificates from North Carolina Vital Records online quickly and securely
VitalChek is an official service, authorized by North Carolina Vital Records, to securely order certified North Carolina vital records, like marriage certificates. Other online services may not be authorized by North Carolina Vital Records, and may charge additional fees without providing approved services or guaranteeing confidentiality of your data.
As a government-approved organization for 25 years, VitalChek safely delivers millions of vital records every year and is Americas No.1 resource for ordering certified vital records across the nation. VitalChek makes purchasing your familys most important documents, such as North Carolina marriage certificates, simple, fast and secure:
Simple step-by-step ordering with easy to use editing features to help ensure the accuracy of your order.
Fast online ordering, processing & delivery options to help get your certificate as quickly as possible.
Secure ordering processes that are designed to help protect your identity online.
VitalChek offers the convenience of ordering North Carolina marriage certificates for yourself or your family from the privacy of your home or office, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, with no hidden fees or unexplained charges. No traffic, no standing in line, no parking, no hassles.
North Carolina Vital Records (Cooper Memorial Health Building)
225 N. McDowell St.
Raleigh, NC 27603-1382
N.C. Vital Records Telephone: 919-733-3000
Fax: 919-733-1511
Parking for the Cooper Building
One handicap space is available on McDowell Street in front of the Cooper Building. Public parking is available in Visitors Lots (see areas in pink on the map below). The parking fee is $2 per hour, payable on exit. The entrance to the Cooper Building faces McDowell Street (east).
Hours of Operation
Office Hours for Walk-In Service: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM.
Main Switchboard Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Certificates may also be obtained from your local county. Use the contact information below to inquire.
Alamance County : 124 West Elm Street Graham, North Carolina 27253-2802
Phone: 336-570-6565
Alexander County : 201 1ST SW Ste 1 Taylorsville, NC 28681-2592
Phone: 828-632-9332
Alleghany County : Main Street PO Box 186 Sparta, NC 28675
Phone: 336-372-4342
Anson County : N Green Street P O Box 352 Wadesboro, NC 28170
Phone: 704-994-3201
Ashe County : Court Street, P O Box 367 Jefferson, NC 28640
Phone: 704-694-3212
Avery County : Main Street Newland, NC 28640
Phone: 828-733-8262
Beaufort County : 112 W 2nd Street Washington, NC 27889
Phone: 252-946-2323
Certified copies of North Carolina marriage records are issued to the following:
A person requesting a copy of his or her own marriage record or that of the person's spouse, sibling, parent, direct ancestor, direct descendant, stepparent, or stepchild;
A person seeking information for a legal determination of personal or property rights; or
An authorized agent, attorney, or legal representative of a person described in (1) or (2) above.
If you are not qualified to receive a certified copy, you will receive a non-certified copy.
North Carolina law requires payment before a certificate or a service can be provided. Fees are not refundable after a service has been provided. Certificates are sent first class mail unless otherwise requested and additional fees are applied. When ordering through N.C. Vital Records, our fee schedule is:
Search fee (includes one copy, if the record is found on file): $24.00
Additional copies of same certificate: $15 each
Additional searches (each three year period or portion thereof): $24
Expedited processing fee: $15
Overnight delivery within NC: $15
Overnight delivery outside of NC within U.S.: $20
Overnight delivery outside of U.S.: Varies
Online
Certified Marriage Certificate: $39
Additional copy: $15 each
In Person
Search Fee (includes one copy): $24
Additional copy: $15 each
Expedite fee (same-day service): $15
If using a credit/debit card as your payment method, an additional $2.50 processing fee will be charged by VitalChek (independent third-party processor not affiliated with the State of North Carolina).
Methods of Payment
Fees may be paid by one of the following methods:
Money order.
Certified check.
Business check.
Credit or debit card through VitalChek or in-person.
Cash is accepted only for in-person services. Please do not send cash in the mail.
(Make certified checks, business checks and money orders payable to N.C. Vital Records. No personal checks please.)
North Carolina Vital Records issues certified copies of North Carolina marriage records for events that occurred within the State of North Carolina.
Marriage records are available for events that occurred within the State of North Carolina from 1962 to present.
You may request the certified copies by mail, in person, and Online (VitalChek).
Make your certified check or money order payable to NC Vital Records.
Please do not send cash in the mail.
Personal checks are not accepted.
A Marriage Certificate search costs $24 and includes one copy if a certificate is located. The search covers a three-year period. This search fee is nonrefundable.
There is a $15 fee for each additional certificate copy requested from the same search. Delivery time is up to 12 weeks plus mail time.
If you want same-day walk-in service, an additional $15 expedited processing fee is required.
Mail-in applicants may also receive expedited service.
Include the $15 expedite fee and write Expedite on the envelope. Expedited mail requests will be processed within two weeks of receipt
Choose Faster Service
There are three ways to get faster service.
Faster Processing and/or Delivery through the Mail: You can go through the steps for mail-in service but choose to pay more for faster processing and/or faster delivery.
In-Person: You can go through the steps for drop-off service but choose to pay more for same-day, walk-in service.
Online or phone: You can order the certificate with your credit or debit card through VitalChek. This is the only way to get service online or by phone.
We offer same-day expedited service at our walk-in window at our Raleigh location.
Office Hours for Walk-In Service are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM.
Main Switchboard Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
By Mail or Drop off form
Send the completed form with $24 money order, certified check, or business check (not a personal check) for the first copy of the certificate and $15 for each additional to:
North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1903
You can also drop off the form at the Vital Records Office in Raleigh between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., MondayFriday, except on state government holidays. Payments accepted in person include money order, certified check, business check, or cash. No personal checks please.
If no record is found, you will be sent a letter. The search fee is nonrefundable even if a record is not located.
Faster Service through the Mail
Fill in the form as in step one. Write "Expedite" on the outside front of the envelope.
Send via U.S. mail to
North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1903
Send via UPS or FedEx to:
N.C. Vital Records
225 North McDowell Street
Raleigh, N.C. 27603-1382
Apply Online or Phone (VitalChek)
Online service is available at www.vitalchek.com or you may call toll-free 1-800-669-8310. (Outside the U.S., call 1-615-372-6800.) VitalChek is an independent third-party service and is not affiliated with the State of North Carolina. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for this service, and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA.
You will be asked to provide your credit card number and its expiration date.
Provide all the necessary certificate information along with a street address (no APO, FPO, or PO Boxes) where the certificate can be delivered. Someone must be available at the address provided to sign for receipt of the documents that will be express mailed to the requesting party.
Order official, certified marriage certificates from North Carolina Vital Records online quickly and securely
VitalChek is an official service, authorized by North Carolina Vital Records, to securely order certified North Carolina vital records, like marriage certificates. Other online services may not be authorized by North Carolina Vital Records, and may charge additional fees without providing approved services or guaranteeing confidentiality of your data.
As a government-approved organization for 25 years, VitalChek safely delivers millions of vital records every year and is Americas No.1 resource for ordering certified vital records across the nation. VitalChek makes purchasing your familys most important documents, such as North Carolina marriage certificates, simple, fast and secure:
Simple step-by-step ordering with easy to use editing features to help ensure the accuracy of your order.
Fast online ordering, processing & delivery options to help get your certificate as quickly as possible.
Secure ordering processes that are designed to help protect your identity online.
VitalChek offers the convenience of ordering North Carolina marriage certificates for yourself or your family from the privacy of your home or office, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, with no hidden fees or unexplained charges. No traffic, no standing in line, no parking, no hassles.
North Carolina Vital Records (Cooper Memorial Health Building)
225 N. McDowell St.
Raleigh, NC 27603-1382
N.C. Vital Records Telephone: 919-733-3000
Fax: 919-733-1511
Parking for the Cooper Building
One handicap space is available on McDowell Street in front of the Cooper Building. Public parking is available in Visitors Lots (see areas in pink on the map below). The parking fee is $2 per hour, payable on exit. The entrance to the Cooper Building faces McDowell Street (east).
Hours of Operation
Office Hours for Walk-In Service: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM.
Main Switchboard Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Certificates may also be obtained from your local county. Use the contact information below to inquire.
Alamance County : 124 West Elm Street Graham, North Carolina 27253-2802
Phone: 336-570-6565
Alexander County : 201 1ST SW Ste 1 Taylorsville, NC 28681-2592
Phone: 828-632-9332
Alleghany County : Main Street PO Box 186 Sparta, NC 28675
Phone: 336-372-4342
Anson County : N Green Street P O Box 352 Wadesboro, NC 28170
Phone: 704-994-3201
Ashe County : Court Street, P O Box 367 Jefferson, NC 28640
Phone: 704-694-3212
Avery County : Main Street Newland, NC 28640
Phone: 828-733-8262
Beaufort County : 112 W 2nd Street Washington, NC 27889
Phone: 252-946-2323
Certified copies of North Carolina marriage records are issued to the following:
A person requesting a copy of his or her own marriage record or that of the person's spouse, sibling, parent, direct ancestor, direct descendant, stepparent, or stepchild;
A person seeking information for a legal determination of personal or property rights; or
An authorized agent, attorney, or legal representative of a person described in (1) or (2) above.
If you are not qualified to receive a certified copy, you will receive a non-certified copy.
North Carolina law requires payment before a certificate or a service can be provided. Fees are not refundable after a service has been provided. Certificates are sent first class mail unless otherwise requested and additional fees are applied. When ordering through N.C. Vital Records, our fee schedule is:
Search fee (includes one copy, if the record is found on file): $24.00
Additional copies of same certificate: $15 each
Additional searches (each three year period or portion thereof): $24
Expedited processing fee: $15
Overnight delivery within NC: $15
Overnight delivery outside of NC within U.S.: $20
Overnight delivery outside of U.S.: Varies
Online
Certified Marriage Certificate: $39
Additional copy: $15 each
In Person
Search Fee (includes one copy): $24
Additional copy: $15 each
Expedite fee (same-day service): $15
If using a credit/debit card as your payment method, an additional $2.50 processing fee will be charged by VitalChek (independent third-party processor not affiliated with the State of North Carolina).
Methods of Payment
Fees may be paid by one of the following methods:
Money order.
Certified check.
Business check.
Credit or debit card through VitalChek or in-person.
Cash is accepted only for in-person services. Please do not send cash in the mail.
(Make certified checks, business checks and money orders payable to N.C. Vital Records. No personal checks please.)
North Carolina Vital Records issues certified copies of North Carolina marriage records for events that occurred within the State of North Carolina.
Marriage records are available for events that occurred within the State of North Carolina from 1962 to present.
You may request the certified copies by mail, in person, and Online (VitalChek).
Make your certified check or money order payable to NC Vital Records.
Please do not send cash in the mail.
Personal checks are not accepted.
A Marriage Certificate search costs $24 and includes one copy if a certificate is located. The search covers a three-year period. This search fee is nonrefundable.
There is a $15 fee for each additional certificate copy requested from the same search. Delivery time is up to 12 weeks plus mail time.
If you want same-day walk-in service, an additional $15 expedited processing fee is required.
Mail-in applicants may also receive expedited service.
Include the $15 expedite fee and write Expedite on the envelope. Expedited mail requests will be processed within two weeks of receipt
Choose Faster Service
There are three ways to get faster service.
Faster Processing and/or Delivery through the Mail: You can go through the steps for mail-in service but choose to pay more for faster processing and/or faster delivery.
In-Person: You can go through the steps for drop-off service but choose to pay more for same-day, walk-in service.
Online or phone: You can order the certificate with your credit or debit card through VitalChek. This is the only way to get service online or by phone.
Marriage certificate is the official record of two people joining together in a marriage. This certificate is required to make the union between two people legally binding. If you have lost your marriage certificate or if you simply want a duplicate copy of your marriage certificate you can obtain one with following the procedure given below.