North Carolina § 51-7 - Penalty for solemnizing without license.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 51-7 — Penalty for solemnizing without license., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 51-7. Penalty for solemnizing without license.
Every minister, officer, or any other person authorized to solemnize a marriage under the laws of this State, who marries any couple without a license being first delivered to that person, as required by law, or after the expiration of such license, or who fails to return such license to the register of deeds within 10 days after any marriage celebrated by virtue thereof, with the certificate appended thereto duly filled up and signed, shall forfeit and pay two hundred dollars ($200.00) to any person who sues therefore, and shall also be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. History (R.C., c. 68, ss. 6, 13; 1871-2, c. 193, s. 8; Code, s. 1817; Rev., ss. 2087, 3372; C.S., s. 2499; 1953, c. 638, s. 1; 1967, c. 957, s. 5; 1993, c. 539, s. 415; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2001-62, s. 7.) Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2001-62, s. 16, provides: "The Administrative Office of the Courts shall develop any and all forms necessary for carrying out the purpose of this act and distribute them to the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court in each county."
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 51-7
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 51-7 cover?
Section 51-7 ("Penalty for solemnizing without license.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 51-7?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 51-7" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 51-7 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.