Catawba County Register of Deeds

What are the requirements to obtain a marriage license?
All Ages

Both BRIDE and GROOM must personally appear at the Register of Deeds Office. This should be done together, but if for health reasons either party is unable to appear, you will need to contact our office for further instructions.
Both BRIDE and GROOM must present a valid picture ID card (driver's license, State ID or valid passport - it must include your date of birth). A Matricular Consular or an Instituto Federal Electoral will be accepted as long as our translator is present or a translation is presented.
Both BRIDE and GROOM must provide a valid Social Security Number by presenting your Social Security Card or a permanent reocrd showing your SS# (Example: W-2, Tax Return or Insurance card) or notarized affidavit that indicates you are not eligible for a SS#. Therefore, an additional ID wil need to be provided. If you are unable to present a Social Security Number, along with the Affidavit, you will need to present a Certified Birth Certificate.
If applicable, both BRIDE and GROOM will need to provide a stamped filed copy (does not have to be certified) of their divorce judgment papers which are signed by the Clerk or Judge or a copy of death certificate of their previous spouse if recorded in North Carolina. Please NOTE if divorce took place prior to 1988, allow time for Clerk's Office to retrieve a copy from Raleigh. If the divorce took place OUT OF STATE you will need to provide the same. If death took place

OUT OF STATE, then a CERTIFIED COPY is required. This only applies to your last marriage and is required regardless of how long ago this happened. You will find this change across the state because it's important and necessary to know that the divorce has been properly finalized. These documents can be found in the county and state or country that the death or divorce took place. Sorry for the inconvenience this will cause, but the following website will be able to assist you in locating your information.
IN the STATE of NORTH CAROLINA death certificates are recorded in Register of Deeds' Offices in which information can be found at http://www.ncard.us At the Welcome statement click on "please click here"
IN the STATE of NORTH CAROLINA divorces are recorded in the Clerk of Court's Office in which information can be found at http://www.nccourts.org/county click on the county youneed and then to the left click on Court Telephone Directory.
OUT of STATEoffices for either can be located at http://www.vitalrec.com

Hospital records or photocopies of required documents will not be accepted in place of original documents.

If you are 16 or 17 years of age, in addition:

You must present a certified Birth Certificate.
The parent or legal guardian must also be present and present legal documentation to prove that they are the parent or legal guardian.You may be required to produce certified copy of court orders.

If you are 14 or 15 years of age, in addition:

You are required by law to have a court order authorizing us to issue a marriage license.

What is the cost of a Marriage Certificate? Certificates are $10.00 per certified copy. Uncertified copies are $0.50 if you come into the office or $1.00 by mail payable through money orders made payable to Catawba County Register of Deeds. Uncertified copies of all vital records are open to public inspection. Cash or debit cards are accepted when a request is made in person.

How can I obtain a Marriage Certificate?
BY MAIL:
Submit a written request to include:

the groom's full name
bride's full name
bride's full maiden name
date of marriage; or
you may go online for a printable version of our form. Click here

You have the option to complete the form online before printing a hard copy or print the blank form and complete by hand; be sure to complete the REQUIRED section. We must have the requestor’s signature and relationship to the person named on the certificate whether on our application or by a written request. Include a copy of your picture ID and send a self addressed stampedenvelope. Only the persons named on the marriage certificate or immediate family members may request marriage certificates. See the above list.

IN PERSON:

You can use the above mentioned form or fill out one upon arrival and present a valid picture ID.
You may also contact the NC Department of Health & Human Services at (919)733-3526 or http://vitalrecords.dhhs.state.nc.us/vr/index.html.

What are acceptable forms of identification?

A Drivers License with photograph.
State issued Identification Card
Passport
Military Identification Card with photograph
Agents, attorneys or legal representatives must also furnish documentation of authority in order to receive a certified certificate for an individual.

Who may obtain a Certified Copy of a Marriage Certificate?
According to NCGS 130A-93(c) & 130A-99 the certificate must be for:

Self
Spouse
Parent/Step-parent
Brother/Sister, Step-brother/sister
Child/Step-child/Grandchild
Grandparent
Funeral Services Director/licensee
Any person seeking information for legal determination of personal/property right (proof required)
An authorized agent, attorney, or legal representative of the applicant (proof required)

After obtaining a marriage license, who do I speak with about a civil ceremony?

The Justice of the Peace is the Magistrate in North Carolina. You may want to verify fee and schedule an appointment with either office, Newton (828)465-6116 or Hickory (828)327-9093.

What's the procedure for changing to my married name?

You will need to obtain a certified copy of your marriage license and apply at the Social Services Office for a new card. After 24 hours you may present the same certificate to the DMV to apply for a new driver's license.

How do I file separation papers?

It is advisable to see an attorney to initiate the process. Both parties are required to sign and the document must be properly notarized.