The North Carolina Marriage Certificate Copy Request is the mail-in application for a copy of a North Carolina marriage certificate, processed with VitalChek for North Carolina vital records. If you searched for a Mecklenburg County marriage license, note that this form asks for a copy of an existing marriage certificate and is not a license application. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the agencies publish the form and their own online request pages, and the application reaches them only through the channels described below.
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What is North Carolina Marriage Certificate Copy Request?
The North Carolina Marriage Certificate Copy Request is the application, printed as "Application for a copy of a North Carolina Marriage Certificate," for ordering a certified or uncertified copy of a North Carolina marriage certificate by mail.
North Carolina marriage certificates are available from 1962 to the present. The form is organized in five steps: certificate information, information about the person requesting the copy, the number of copies and delivery method, payment, and mailing. It is processed with LexisNexis VitalChek Network Inc., which the form describes as partnering with North Carolina for enhanced electronic processing of mail-in vital record applications.
A certified first copy is the one the form marks as suitable for legal purposes; the uncertified copy is marked as not suitable for legal purposes. The form lets you add copies of either kind, up to 5 additional copies. A separate application must be submitted for each individual certificate requested.
The certificate search covers a three-year period. The search fee is required to process the request and is non-refundable even if no record is found.
This form requests a copy of a certificate that already exists. It is not an application for a marriage license. The Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds also describes how to request a marriage vital record on its website, including an online request through Permitium and a Spanish-language request titled "Solicitud de Copia de Acta de Matrimonio."
Who needs to file North Carolina Marriage Certificate Copy Request?
People who are legally entitled to obtain a North Carolina marriage certificate use this application. Under NC General Statute 130A-93, as the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds summarizes it, that means: yourself, your spouse, a brother or sister, a child or stepchild, a parent or stepparent, a grandparent, a grandchild, or an authorized agent, attorney or other legal representative (proof required).
The form adds conditions by relationship:
- A spouse must be the current spouse.
- A legal guardian or custodian, a legal representative and a person holding a power of attorney each need the supporting paper named on the form.
- Anyone who checks Other - Please specify may not be entitled to a certified copy.
The minimum ordering age is 18. Each applicant must include identification: requests without ID are returned. If the name on your ID does not match the name on the certificate, you must provide evidence of a legal name change.
Making a false statement on the application or unlawfully obtaining a copy is a felony under G.S. 130A-26A.
When to file North Carolina Marriage Certificate Copy Request
Submit the form whenever you need a copy of a North Carolina marriage certificate; no deadline is printed on it. It covers certificates from 1962 to the present, and the search covers a three-year period, so enter the date of marriage carefully.
Requests are processed in the order received and can take up to four months plus mail delivery time; the mailing section notes that processing may take 120+ days. State statute requires vital records to process your payment on receipt of the application, so there will be a lag between the date your payment is processed and the date you receive your order. For expedited processing, the form directs you to VitalChek.com and to https://vitalrecords.nc.gov/processing-dates.htm for current expedited processing times.
Documents you need
- A legible photocopy of one primary photo ID: a current state-issued driver's license or non-driver photo ID card (address must match the address on the application), or a current passport or visa with photo.
- Other primary photo IDs: current U.S. military ID, a Department of Corrections photo ID dated within the last year or release/discharge paper, a state or U.S. government agency photo ID (for agency business), or a current student ID with a copy of transcript.
- If you have no primary photo ID, two forms of alternate ID showing full name, current address and/or signature: for example a temporary driver's license, utility bill, unexpired vehicle registration/title, or bank statement.
- More alternate IDs: a pay stub with current address dated within the last 60 days, a previous year W-2, a government agency letter dated within the last six months showing your current address, or a state-issued concealed weapon permit.
- Evidence of a legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, certified divorce decree or certified court order, if the name on your ID does not match the name on the certificate.
- Parent or stepparent: a copy of the marriage certificate to the named parent.
- Spouse: a copy of the marriage certificate and/or a notarized statement naming you as the current spouse.
- Child or stepchild: a copy of your certified birth certificate or your parent's marriage certificate, or a notarized statement naming you as the child or stepchild of the registrant.
- Sibling: a copy of your birth certificate supporting the stated relationship.
- Grandparent: a copy of your child's birth certificate supporting the stated relationship.
- Grandchild: a copy of your birth certificate and your parent(s) birth certificate supporting the stated relationship.
- Legal guardian or custodian: a copy of the certified court order naming you as legal guardian or legal custodian.
- Legal representative: the attorney's ID and bar card, plus a copy of the retainer agreement or a typed letter on firm letterhead authorizing retrieval of the record.
- Power of attorney: a notarized copy of the Power of Attorney agreement naming you as an authorized agent to receive the certificate.
- If you must present your own birth certificate as proof of entitlement and you were born in NC, you do not need to provide it.
How to fill out North Carolina Marriage Certificate Copy Request
Gather ID and relationship documents
Before you start, collect a photocopy of an acceptable photo ID (or two alternate IDs) and the additional documentation listed for your relationship to the person named on the certificate.
Enter the groom's or applicant's name
Under STEP 1: CERTIFICATE INFORMATION, print the full name of Groom/Applicant: First, Middle, Last and Suffix, plus the last name prior to first marriage, if applicable.
Enter the bride's or applicant's name
On the next line, print the full name of Bride/Applicant in the same format, including the last name prior to first marriage, if applicable.
Enter the marriage date and county
Write the Date of Marriage in MM/DD/YYYY format and the county where the marriage license was issued. If the county is unknown, provide the city or town.
Enter your details as requester
In STEP 2, give your full name, street address (a P.O. box cannot be used for expedited shipping), city, state, ZIP code, e-mail address for communication and status updates, and daytime phone. The minimum ordering age is 18.
Mark relationship and reason
Check your relationship to the person named on the certificate (for example Self, Current Spouse or Sibling; Other must be specified). Then check one Reason for request, such as Genealogy/Family History or Legal Purposes.
Sign and date the certification
Sign and date the certification that the information is true to the best of your knowledge. The form warns that a false statement is a felony under G.S. 130A-26A.
Choose copies and delivery method
In STEP 3, enter the quantity of certified or uncertified copies (first copy plus up to 5 additional copies) and total them on line A. Select one delivery method for line B; line C is the VitalChek processing and handling fee.
Select payment method
In STEP 4, check Credit Card, Personal Check or Money Order and enter the total amount due (A + B + C). For a card, add the number, expiration date, cardholder's signature and date; checks and money orders are payable to VITALCHEK.
Review, download and assemble
Check names, dates and totals, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF. Assemble it with your ID, supporting documents and payment, and send it as described under How to submit.
How to submit North Carolina Marriage Certificate Copy Request
The form is submitted by mail. The Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds also offers an online marriage certificate request, and the form points to VitalChek.com for expedited orders.
- By mail: send the completed and signed form, a photocopy of your ID and any additional documentation required for your relationship to: NCOVR, Attn: VC Certificate Orders, 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1900. Do not include a pre-paid express mail envelope; choose the delivery method in the delivery box on the form instead.
- Online (Mecklenburg County): the Register of Deeds' page at https://deeds.mecknc.gov/services/request-marriage-record offers an online request through Permitium, which charges a processing fee and accepts all major credit cards.
- Expedited orders: visit VitalChek.com for expedited placement and processing.
Fees apply on the mailed form: a certificate search fee, a copy fee, a delivery charge and a non-refundable VitalChek processing and handling fee. The amounts are printed in Steps 3 and 4 of the form. Pay by credit card, personal check or money order; do not send cash. Make checks and money orders payable to VITALCHEK, and send separate payment for each application. UPS will not deliver to a P.O. box.
FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the agency's channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mailing the application without a photocopy of ID; the form states that requests that do not include ID will be returned.
- Using a driver's license or state ID whose address does not match the requestor's address on the application.
- Leaving out the relationship paper (such as a birth certificate, court order or notarized statement) that the form requires for your relationship to the person named.
- Submitting one application for more than one certificate; a separate application and a separate VitalChek processing fee are required for each certificate.
- Sending cash, or making a check or money order payable to someone other than VITALCHEK.
- Listing a P.O. box as your street address when you want expedited shipping; UPS will not deliver to a P.O. box.
- Including a pre-paid express mail envelope instead of choosing a delivery method in the delivery box.
- Applying under a name that differs from the ID without evidence of a legal name change.
- Checking Spouse when you are not the current spouse, or signing a false statement; false statements are a felony under G.S. 130A-26A.
Frequently asked questions
What is the North Carolina Marriage Certificate Copy Request?
It is the application for a certified or uncertified copy of a North Carolina marriage certificate, printed as "Application for a copy of a North Carolina Marriage Certificate." Certificates are available from 1962 to the present, and the form is submitted by mail with ID and payment.
Is this the form for a Mecklenburg County marriage license?
No. This form requests a copy of an existing marriage certificate, not a marriage license. The Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds describes marriage record requests at deeds.mecknc.gov/services/request-marriage-record, including an online request through Permitium.
Who can request a copy of a North Carolina marriage certificate?
Under G.S. 130A-93: yourself, spouse, sibling, child or stepchild, parent or stepparent, grandparent, grandchild, or an authorized agent, attorney or legal representative with proof. The minimum ordering age is 18, and each relationship has its own supporting document.
What ID do I need to order a marriage certificate copy in NC?
A legible photocopy of one current primary photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, or two alternate IDs, such as a utility bill and bank statement, if you have no primary photo ID. Requests without ID are returned.
How long does it take to get a North Carolina marriage certificate copy?
The form says requests can take up to four months plus mail delivery time, and the mailing section notes 120+ days. Requests are processed in the order received. For expedited orders, the form points to VitalChek.com.
Where do I mail the North Carolina marriage certificate application?
Mail it to NCOVR, Attn: VC Certificate Orders, 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1900, with ID, any required relationship documents and payment. Do not enclose a pre-paid express mail envelope.
Can I fill out the NC marriage certificate request online?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF does not submit the request or issue the certificate; you mail it as the form directs, or use the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds' online request.
What happens if the certificate cannot be found?
The search fee is required to process the request and is non-refundable even if no record is located. The search covers a three-year period, so a wrong marriage date can lead to no record being found.
Can I order more than one copy on one application?
Yes, for the same certificate: the form allows a certified or uncertified first copy plus up to 5 additional copies of each type. Requests for different certificates need separate applications, each with its own VitalChek processing fee.
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