Marriage and divorce records in Durham County, North Carolina serve as vital legal documents for both personal and official purposes. A marriage certificate provides proof of a legal union, while a divorce decree confirms the court’s final decision to dissolve a marriage. These records are often required for name changes, Social Security updates, insurance claims, inheritance matters, and remarriage. Many residents and researchers also use Durham County marriage records and Durham County divorce records for family history, background checks, or legal proceedings.
In Durham County, the Clerk of Court manages access to these public records under North Carolina law. While most marriage and divorce files are available to the public, certain details in divorce cases may remain confidential. Certified copies of a marriage license or a divorce decree in Durham, NC can be requested in person at the courthouse or through online case search tools. This page explains the process step by step so you can easily locate and request the records you need.
What Information Marriage & Divorce Records Contain
Marriage Records : A Durham County marriage certificate provides a complete record of a union between two people. It includes the names of both parties, the date and location of the ceremony, details about the officiant, and information about the marriage license. This document is widely used as proof of marriage. People often need it when applying for joint health benefits, updating identification, changing a last name, or handling legal requirements. Having accurate marriage license records helps prevent delays and confusion during official processes.
Divorce Records : A certified divorce decree outlines the legal end of a marriage. It usually includes the case number, the judge’s name, and the official terms of the divorce. These terms can cover property division, child custody, visitation rights, and spousal support. Divorce records are requested for different reasons such as settling financial matters, updating legal documents, or providing proof of marital status for insurance and Social Security. Clear documentation ensures both parties have a reliable reference for future needs.
Why This Matters : Both marriage and divorce records hold lasting importance. They confirm marital status, which is often needed for government benefits, insurance coverage, and tax purposes. Beyond everyday legal and financial uses, they also serve a personal role in genealogy research, helping families trace their ancestry and preserve history. Whether applying for services or researching family roots, having access to these records brings clarity, trust, and proper documentation.
Where to Obtain Marriage & Divorce Records in Durham County
Looking for Durham County clerk of court divorce records or a Durham NC register of deeds marriage license? The process is straightforward if you know which office to visit. Durham County offers both in-person and online options depending on the type of record you need.
Marriage Records – Register of Deeds Office
The Durham County Register of Deeds Office manages all marriage licenses and certificates.
Location & Contact:
- Address: 201 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Phone: (919) 560-0480
- Website: Durham County Register of Deeds
Who Can Request:
Certified copies are available to the married couple, their immediate family, or legal representatives. For general purposes, uncertified copies may be provided. Valid photo identification is usually required.
Divorce Records – Clerk of Superior Court
Divorce records are handled by the Durham County Clerk of Superior Court. These records are part of the civil case files.
Location & Contact:
- Address: Durham County Courthouse, 510 South Dillard Street, Durham, NC 27701
- Phone: (919) 808-3000
Process:
To access divorce records, you can visit the Clerk’s office in person. Staff can help you search for case numbers and locate certified copies. Online case lookup is available through the North Carolina Judicial Branch portal, but certified copies must still be obtained directly from the court.
Online vs In-Person Access
Durham County makes it convenient to access records in different ways:
Online Access:
- Visit the Durham Register of Deeds website for marriage records or the NC Courts portal for divorce case lookup.
- Search using names, dates, or case numbers.
- View available details online. Certified copies must be ordered in person or by mail.
In-Person Access:
- Visit the correct office: Register of Deeds for marriage records or Clerk of Superior Court for divorce records.
- Provide names, approximate dates, and identification.
- Request either a certified or uncertified copy. Payment is made at the office.
How to Request Certified Copies
If you need to order a divorce decree in Durham County or request a certified marriage certificate in Durham NC, the process is straightforward. Both online and in-person options are available depending on the record type and your preference.
Online Request Process
Durham County offers online services through official portals.
- Marriage Records: The Durham County Register of Deeds website allows requests for certified marriage certificates. You will need to provide the couple’s names, the date of marriage, and a valid government-issued ID.
- Divorce Records: For divorce case details, you can search through the North Carolina Judicial Branch online system. While basic information is available online, certified divorce decrees must be ordered through the Clerk of Superior Court.
Steps to request online:
- Visit the correct portal (Register of Deeds for marriage, NC Courts for divorce lookup).
- Complete the request form with accurate details.
- Upload or present valid photo identification, if required.
- Submit payment securely through the portal.
- Certified copies are mailed to your address once processed.
In-Person Requests at Clerk’s Office
If you prefer, you can make your request directly at the office.
- Marriage Certificates: Visit the Register of Deeds Office, provide names, marriage date, and identification, then complete the request form.
- Divorce Papers: Go to the Clerk of Superior Court’s office at the Durham County Courthouse. Staff can help you locate the correct case file and issue certified copies of the divorce decree.
In-person requests allow you to receive documents the same day in many cases, especially for marriage certificates.
Fees, Accepted Payments, Processing Times
- Certified Marriage Certificate: $10 per copy
- Divorce Decree (certified): Typically $3–$5 per page, depending on length
- Payment Methods: Cash, credit card, debit card, or money order are accepted at most offices. Online payments usually accept credit or debit cards.
- Processing Time: In-person requests are often issued immediately. Online and mail requests may take 7–10 business days.
Certified vs Non-Certified Copies
- Certified Copies: These are official documents with a raised seal or stamp. They are required for legal uses such as name changes, insurance, or court filings.
- Non-Certified Copies: These are for personal reference or genealogy research. They are less expensive and do not carry legal authority.
Knowing the difference helps you request the right copy for your needs. For legal matters such as proving a divorce or applying for benefits, always request a certified copy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Durham County Divorce Records Search
Searching for Durham County court divorce records is simple once you know the correct method. Whether you have a case number or only a party’s name, the Clerk of Superior Court and the North Carolina Judicial Branch provide multiple ways to access case details. This helps you find the court records of divorce in Durham County quickly and accurately.
Search by Case Number
If you already know the case number, the process is fast:
- Visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s case search portal.
- Select Durham County from the county options.
- Enter the full divorce case number in the search field.
- Review the search results to confirm the case.
- Note the file details, then request certified copies from the Clerk’s office if needed.
This is the most efficient method because each case number is unique.
Search by Party Name
If you don’t have a case number, you can still perform a Durham County case lookup for divorce using names.
- Go to the NC Judicial Branch online search system.
- Choose Durham County.
- Enter the first and last name of one or both parties involved.
- Narrow the search by approximate filing year if possible.
- Review the results and identify the correct divorce record.
Providing accurate spelling and details improves your search results.
Durham County Court Docket & Calendar
For ongoing divorce cases, the Durham County court docket and calendar can be viewed online.
- The calendar lists upcoming hearings and court sessions, including family and divorce cases.
- You can filter by date, courtroom, or type of case.
- If your case is active, this is the best way to track hearing schedules and updates.
Access to the court docket ensures you stay informed about proceedings without needing to visit the courthouse in person.
Fees, Costs & Payment Methods
Understanding the costs in advance helps you plan whether you need a marriage certificate or a divorce decree. Below is a breakdown of the most common Durham County divorce record fees, the cost of a marriage certificate in Durham, and what you can expect for certified copy requests.
Marriage Certificate Fees – Register of Deeds
- Certified Copy: $10 per copy
- Uncertified Copy: $1 per copy (for research or personal use)
- Marriage License Application: $60 (paid before the ceremony)
These fees apply to requests made in person, by mail, or online.
Divorce Decree Fees – Clerk of Superior Court
- Certified Divorce Decree Copy: $3–$5 per page (varies depending on length of record)
- Uncertified Copy: $0.25 per page (for personal reference)
- Search Assistance: No charge if you have a case number; additional staff search time may require a small administrative fee.
Certified Copy Fees – Durham County Court
Certified copies always cost more than uncertified copies since they carry legal authority. They include an official stamp or raised seal and can be used for:
- Social Security updates
- Insurance claims
- Passport and immigration purposes
- Name changes
Fee Waivers
In certain situations, fee waivers may be available, particularly for divorce decrees required for active court cases. Fee waiver forms can be requested at the Clerk of Superior Court office. Approval depends on income level and legal circumstances.
Online vs In-Person Costs
- Online Requests: Often include convenience or processing fees (usually $2–$5 extra per transaction). Payment is made by credit or debit card.
- In-Person Requests: Standard fees only, with payment accepted by cash, card, or money order. Many people choose this method if they want same-day certified copies.
Eligibility & Restrictions
Before ordering records, it helps to know who can request a marriage certificate in Durham NC and whether Durham County divorce records are public. While many records are accessible, some restrictions apply to protect privacy.
Who Can Request Marriage Records
In Durham County, certified marriage certificates are available to:
- Either spouse listed on the certificate
- Parents, children, or other immediate family members
- Legal representatives (such as an attorney with written authorization)
Uncertified copies may be available for genealogy or personal research, but they cannot be used for legal purposes.
Who Can Request Divorce Records
Most court records of divorce in Durham County are public. This means that anyone can search for a divorce case through the Clerk of Superior Court. However, only parties involved in the case, their attorneys, or authorized representatives can request certified copies of the actual decree.
Confidential or Sealed Records
Some divorce files may contain sensitive details. If a case is sealed by court order, only the judge, parties, or their attorneys can access it. Marriage records are rarely sealed but may be restricted if related to adoption or protective orders.
Older Records & Archive Access
- Marriage Records: Older certificates (dating back to 1881 in Durham County) are kept at the Register of Deeds. Many are available on microfilm or in digital archives.
- Divorce Records: Older files may be stored in the archives of the Clerk of Superior Court. You may need to provide approximate dates or docket numbers to locate them.
Understanding these eligibility rules saves time and helps you know whether you qualify to receive certified or non-certified copies.
Common Uses of Marriage & Divorce Records
Marriage and divorce documents serve many purposes beyond simple recordkeeping. Whether you need proof of a divorce certificate in Durham or want to access genealogy marriage records in Durham County, knowing their common uses can save you time.
Legal Proof for Name Change
A certified divorce decree is often required for a name change after divorce in Durham NC. Courts, the DMV, Social Security Administration, and banks will request a certified copy before updating your records. Marriage certificates are also needed when adopting a new last name after marriage.
Proof for Remarriage or Immigration
Both marriage certificates and divorce decrees may be needed to show marital status when applying for a new marriage license, completing an immigration petition, or processing spousal benefits. In these cases, only certified copies are accepted.
Custody & Child Support Cases
Family court often requires a proof of divorce certificate in Durham as part of child custody or support cases. These documents confirm legal marital status, which can affect custody agreements, visitation rights, and support calculations.
Genealogy & Family History Research
Older genealogy marriage records in Durham County are valuable for building family trees and tracing ancestry. While uncertified copies are sufficient for research, certified copies can confirm accuracy when submitting documents for historical or legal purposes.
Problems & Solutions in Getting Records
Sometimes, requests for records do not go as smoothly as expected. Whether you are dealing with a Durham County missing divorce record or trying to amend a marriage certificate in Durham, knowing common issues and their solutions can save you frustration.
Missing or Sealed Records
If a record cannot be found, it may be because:
- The case or marriage was filed under a different spelling or date.
- The record is archived and not yet digitized.
- The court has sealed the record due to privacy concerns.
Solution: Double-check spelling, provide alternate dates, or request staff assistance at the Clerk’s office or Register of Deeds. If sealed, only the parties involved or their attorneys can access the record with court approval.
Delays in Processing
Online and mail requests may take longer during peak periods. Processing can be delayed if identification is missing or fees are unpaid.
Solution: When possible, make in-person requests for faster service. For mailed or online requests, confirm you included all required information and payment.
Incorrect Information on Certificates
Errors such as misspelled names or wrong dates sometimes appear on marriage or divorce documents. These mistakes can create problems with legal filings.
Solution: Submit a correction request with supporting documents (such as a birth certificate or prior court order). The Register of Deeds handles marriage certificate corrections, while the Clerk of Superior Court addresses errors on divorce decrees.
How to Correct or Amend a Record
If you need to fix errors on a divorce decree in NC or amend a marriage certificate in Durham:
- Visit the appropriate office (Register of Deeds for marriage, Clerk of Superior Court for divorce).
- Provide the incorrect record and official proof of the correct information.
- Complete a correction or amendment form.
- Pay any applicable fees for re-issuance.
- Receive an updated certified copy once approved.
Taking these steps helps ensure your documents are accurate and legally valid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are divorce records public in Durham County?
Yes. Most public divorce records in Durham County are available to anyone through the Clerk of Superior Court. While case details can be searched online, certified copies of the divorce decree must be requested in person or by mail. Some records may be sealed by court order and are only available to the parties or their attorneys.
How much does a certified copy cost?
- Certified Marriage Certificate (Durham County NC): $10 per copy
- Certified Divorce Decree (Durham County): About $3–$5 per page, depending on length
Uncertified copies cost less but cannot be used for legal purposes.
Can I access old marriage certificates?
Yes. Marriage records in Durham County NC date back to 1881. Older records are preserved at the Register of Deeds and may be available on microfilm or in digital archives. Many of these can be requested as uncertified copies for genealogy research.
What’s the difference between a divorce decree & divorce certificate?
- A divorce decree is the full court order that finalizes the divorce, including property, custody, and financial rulings.
- A divorce certificate is a shorter document confirming the divorce took place.
In Durham, certified copies are usually issued as divorce decrees. This distinction helps if you are comparing divorce decree vs divorce certificate in Durham for legal needs.
Can I search Durham County divorce records online for free?
Yes, you can use the North Carolina Judicial Branch online case search to look up basic divorce case details at no cost. Keep in mind that certified copies of divorce decrees cannot be downloaded and must be ordered directly from the Durham County Clerk of Superior Court.