Marriage Requirements
- The premarital physical is no longer required.
- Both applicants must provide their Social Security numbers and verification of the number. Applicants may present a Social Security Card or a W-2 Form or company pay stub with name and number for verification.
- An alien admitted to the United States for permanent residence or to engage in employment must be issued a Social Security number. Applicants who are not eligible for a Social Security number may obtain a marriage license by signing an affidavit attesting to this fact. The Affidavit can be printed from the web site or is available at the Register of Deeds Office. (Note: Adobe Reader required to open form.)
- Under the age of 16 is unlawful to marry.
- Applicants 16 – 18 years old with consent
- Couples age difference must be no more than four years.
- Must file either a certified copy of a North Carolina district court order authorizing the marriage or a written consent to the marriage which must be signed by the appropriate person, agency, or institution which could be a parent having full or joint legal custody of the underage marriage applicant or a person, agency, or institution having legal custody or serving as guardian of the underage marriage applicant.
- Applicants 16-18 years old and emancipated
- A license may also be issued to persons between 16 and 18 whom the court has emancipated from parental authority. A certified copy of the emancipation decree or certificate of emancipation must be filed with the Register of Deeds before the license can be issued under this exception.
- A license may also be issued to persons between 16 and 18 whom the court has emancipated from parental authority. A certified copy of the emancipation decree or certificate of emancipation must be filed with the Register of Deeds before the license can be issued under this exception.
- All applicants must present a valid state issued driver’s license or, state issued ID card or, a certified copy of their birth record.
- All applicants must present a valid state issued driver’s license and must provide their Social Security.
- Divorced applicants must provide the month and year divorce was finalized. Applicants recently divorced (within 30 days) must present original or certified copy of divorce decree. There is no waiting period between the divorce and applying for the new license.
- The license is good immediately upon issuance and is valid for 60 days in the state of NC. It must be returned to the Register of Deeds’ Office in the county in which it was issued within 10 days of the marriage ceremony.
- The fee for the marriage license is $60.00. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted.
- Marriage licenses are issued between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Applicants should be in our office prior to 4:30 p.m. if possible.
- If you plan to be married by the magistrate, the fee will be $50.00. Please contact their office for information regarding office hours or the ceremony.
- If you need a copy of your marriage license, you may obtain it at the office in person, you may request it by mail, or at www.ncvitals.com. Certified copies are $10.00 each. Please be sure to sign your request if request is sent by mail. Please make checks payable to the Alleghany County Register of Deeds.
Miranda Roupe Registrar miranda.roupe@alleghanycounty-nc.gov Nicole Billings Deputy Register of Deeds nicole.billings@alleghanycounty-nc.gov Jacqueline Kirby Duncan Assistant Registrar jackie.duncan@alleghanycounty-nc.gov | Contact: County Administration Building 348 South Main St. PO Box 186 Sparta, NC 28675 Phone: 336-372-4342 Fax: 336-372-2061 | Department Links: FAQ Forms Fee Schedule Genealogy Marriages Search/View Deeds Online Real Estate Checklist Tax Certification Uniform Commercial Code Vital Records Notary Public Thank a Veteran Discount Program |