A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes a couple to marry. It is issued by a government official, such as a county clerk or a judge. In North Carolina, couples must apply for a marriage license in the county where one of them resides. The application process is relatively simple and can be completed in a few minutes.
There are several important reasons to obtain a marriage license before getting married. First, it is required by law in North Carolina. Second, it helps to protect the couple’s legal rights and benefits. For example, a marriage license entitles the couple to file joint tax returns, make medical decisions for each other, and inherit property from each other.