* Contact any Register of Deeds in NC to obtain information on obtaining a Marriage Certificate.

* The marriage ceremony MUST be performed within 60 days after the license is issued. If the ceremony is NOT performed within 60 days following issuance of license, another license must be issued before a marriage can be performed. A Magistrate, Minister, or any other person authorized by their religious denomination, or federally recognized Indian Tribe, may perform a marriage ceremony. 

* The original Marriage Certificate (no photocopy) on the wedding day.

* The couple and 2 adult witnesses must present valid IDs on the wedding day.

After the Wedding

* The DMV, Social Security office, and Passport agency do not accept copies of the Marriage Certificate, only original certified documents issued by the Register of Deeds.

* You are still legally married even if you don’t have the physical Marriage Certificate, but you will need it in order to make a legal name change. To change your last name, go to the Social Security office first with an original Marriage Certificate. Then go to the DMV, and then the Passport agency with an original as well.

* The document which provides legal proof that you are married is called the Marriage Certificate. You can request a certified original of your Marriage Certificate (Register of Deeds) after your completed Marriage License has been returned and processed.