Cumberland - Fayetteville

Harnett - Lillington

Hoke - Raeford

Lee - Sanford

Moore - Carthage

ABOUT CERTIFIED COPIES: 

If the bride is going to change her last name, she will need at least 3 certified copies of her completed marriage license stamped by the county. If she has a passport she will need to change, I suggest she get 4 certified copies. They are $10 each. When you get your marriage license, the issuing Register of Deeds may also give you a request form so that you can order your copies after your wedding.

The officiating minister is responsible for getting your two witnesses to sign the license and completing her part. She must return the completed marriage license to the issuing Register of Deeds within 10 days after the wedding. Then the Register of Deeds will record your marriage and send one copy on to the State Vital Records to be recorded there. At this point you may request your certified copies by sending in a request and the fee. (Or, you may appear in person at the Register of Deeds office and get your certified copies and paying cash for them.) Each certified copy is $10. Some counties accept personal checks and others require cashier's check or money order. Once you have received your certified copies, you will need to take one original copy to the Social Security office to change your name. Take another original copy to the DMV to change your name on your driver's license. Social Security and DMV will not accept photocopies of your certified copy and do not return your certified copy. If you have a passport, you will need another certified copy to get your name changed on that. I suggest you keep the last original certified copy at home in your files to photocopy for those wanting proof of marriage but don’t require an original copy.