Obtaining a Marriage License

A North Carolina Marriage License may be obtained from the Register of Deeds Office in any county in North Carolina. The license is good for 60 days from the date of issue and a ceremony can be held in any location within North Carolina. After the ceremony, the license must be returned to the county that issued the license.

Steps to Obtain a Marriage License in Forsyth County

• Applicants must complete a worksheet. This can be done online, or at the Register of Deeds Office. Completing the worksheet online will save considerable time in the office.
• See the sample worksheet for the information you will need to be able to complete the worksheet.
• Applicants must finish their application in person at the Register of Deeds Office.

If over 18 years of age and one applicant is unable to appear in person, the other party to the marriage must appear in person on behalf of the applicant and submit a sworn and notarized affidavit, along with original proof of age and social security number for both parties. If the presenting party is not able to bring original proofs for the other party, they may present notarized copies. Copies must include a notary statement, seal and signature attesting to the authenticity. An Affidavit in Lieu of Personal Appearance form may be printed.

What You Need to do and bring BEFORE Coming to Our Office

• Complete a marriage worksheet online OR bring in all the information on this sample worksheet
• Know your US Social Security Number, if you are eligible for one.

If you don’t know your US social security number, please write it down and bring the number with you. The number is available from the social security office and is on tax forms. You might also be able to get it from your employer or bank.

Other Information

• The hours for obtaining a marriage license in Forsyth County are between 8:00 am and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You must be in our office before 4:30 pm. We do not issue marriage licenses after that time.
• A license may be used immediately or at any time within 60 days from the date of issuance.
• If you plan to get married by a Magistrate, you must make an appointment. Please call (336) 779-6319 between 8:00 - 9:00 am or 4:00 - 5:00 pm to schedule a ceremony in Winston-Salem or Kernersville. Be sure to ask for directions to their offices.
• If you plan to obtain a marriage license in another North Carolina County, contact them directly for current hours and requirements. Click here for a link to other NC Counties websites. Once there, click on the map for a specific county’s contact information.

How to Change Your Last Name After the Wedding

There are two ways you can do it, and one of them is super simple.

Just because you have a marriage license with your new last name, doesn't mean you've officially changed your name. (If you thought that was the hard part, wait until you see the lines at the social security office and DMV.) There's a shortcut, though: Make it easy on yourself and fast-track your paperwork with the brilliant and easy Hitchswitch Name Change kit.

Rather do it the old-school way? See below:

1. Get your marriage license.

Before you can change your name, you'll need the original (or certified) marriage license with the raised seal. Call the clerk's office where your license was filed to get copies if one wasn't automatically sent to you.

2. Change your Social Security card.

Visit the Social Security Administration's website and fill out the application for a new Social Security card. You'll keep the same number—just your name will be different. Mail in your application to the local Social Security Administration office, or just go through the process while you're there. You should get your new card within 10 business days.

3. Change your license at the DMV.

Take a trip to the local Department of Motor Vehicles office to get a new license with your new last name. Bring every form of identification that your local DMV instructs you to—including your current license, your certified marriage certificate and, most importantly, your new Social Security card.

4. Change your bank accounts.

This one's a biggie, especially if you're setting up a joint bank account, or if you have one already set up. The fastest way to change your name at your bank is to go into a branch location, bringing your new driver's license and your marriage certificate. You should request new checks and debit and credit cards on top of changing the name attached to your accounts. Something to note: You might get hit with fees for requesting a new debit card.

5. Fill in the blanks

Once you have a Social Security card and driver's license in your married name, other changes should be fairly easy. Some places only require a phone call; others may ask for a copy of your marriage certificate or social security card. Be sure to notify:

• Employers/payroll -Post office (if your address has changed too)
• Electric and other utility companies
• Credit card companies
• Schools and alumni associations
• Landlord or mortgage company
• Insurance companies (auto, home, life)
• Doctors' offices
• Voter registration office
• Investment account providers
• Your attorney (to update legal documents, including your will)
• Passport office
• Airlines (to transfer over your miles)

6. Feeling overwhelmed? Ignore two to five and let us help.

Trust us, there's a much easier way to officially change your name. Go to Hitchswitch Name Change, choose the package you want, and with a few simple steps, all of the paperwork you need is sent to you filled out with your information (that only takes filling out one form). This service is so worth it, since it cuts down on all the time it'd take to track down every single form you need and fills it out for you. It doesn't get simpler than that!