Durham NC Marriage Records
Durham marriage records are held by the Durham County Register of Deeds. The City of Durham does not issue marriage licenses. In North Carolina, marriage records are a county function handled by the register of deeds in each county. Durham is the county seat of Durham County, and the register office is located in the heart of the city. Applicants must schedule an appointment before visiting. The office also requires an online application to be submitted before the in-person visit.
Durham Marriage Records Quick Facts
Durham County Register of Deeds
Sharon A. Davis serves as the Durham County Register of Deeds. Her office is located at 201 East Main Street in downtown Durham. The phone number is (919) 560-0480. Unlike some county offices, Durham requires an appointment for marriage license applications. Walk-ins are not accepted for license services.
The office also requires applicants to complete an Online Marriage Application before the in-person visit. This speeds up processing during the appointment. You must submit the online form and then schedule your appointment. No licenses are issued after 3:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. Appointments should be made during regular business hours.
| Office | Durham County Register of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 East Main Street Durham, NC 27701 |
| Phone | (919) 560-0480 |
| Register | Sharon A. Davis |
| License Fee | $60 cash only |
| Last License | No licenses issued after 3:30 PM |
| Office Website | dconc.gov |
Getting a Durham Marriage License
Durham has a two-step process for marriage license applications. First, complete the Online Marriage Application through the county website. Second, schedule and attend an in-person appointment at 201 East Main Street. Both steps are required. You cannot skip the online form, and you cannot skip the appointment.
Both applicants must appear together at the appointment. Bring your completed online application confirmation and valid photo ID. If either party was previously married, bring proof that the prior marriage has ended. The license costs $60, and the Durham office accepts cash only. There is no card or check payment option, so come prepared with cash.
Visit the Durham County marriage records page to find the online application link and appointment scheduling. Plan your visit well before 3:30 PM. The office does not issue licenses in the final hour of the business day. Give yourself at least a half hour of buffer to complete everything without rushing.
Searching Durham County Marriage Records
Completed marriage certificates are part of the permanent record at the Durham County Register of Deeds. You can search these records in person at 201 East Main Street. Staff can assist with lookups by name or approximate date. Certified copies are available for a fee.
Historical marriage records for Durham County can also be researched through the Durham County Register of Deeds. Older records may require more detailed research through the register or the NC State Archives in Raleigh at archives.ncdcr.gov.
Genealogy researchers working on Durham family histories should contact the register's office directly at (919) 560-0480. Staff can advise on what records exist and in what format. Some older records are on microfilm, while more recent ones are in digital systems. Certified copies carry the official seal of the Durham County Register of Deeds.
Important Notes for Durham Applicants
The cash-only payment policy at the Durham office is strict. Do not rely on a card or check. Bring exact or near-exact change if possible. An ATM is not always conveniently located within the building, so plan ahead before your appointment.
The 3:30 PM cutoff for license issuance means morning appointments are the safest choice. If anything goes wrong with your documentation, a morning appointment gives you time to resolve the issue before the cutoff. Afternoon appointments close to 3:30 PM leave little room for unexpected delays in the Durham office.
If you have questions about your specific situation, including prior marriages or name discrepancies on IDs, call the office at (919) 560-0480 before your appointment. Staff can tell you what additional documents you may need. Being fully prepared makes your Durham marriage license appointment go smoothly.
Durham County Marriage Records
Durham is the county seat of Durham County. All marriage licenses and records for Durham residents are processed at the county register's office. For full details on the appointment process, online application, and historical records, see the Durham County marriage records page.