Texas Marriage License: Requirements and How To Get It

Texas Marriage License Requirements

1. Age requirement

Both parties must be at least 18 years old. If either party is under 28, they will require parental consent. In some cases, underaged individuals may also need approval from a judge.

2. Identification

Each party must display a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID.

3. Social security number

Both parties must provide their social security numbers. If you are not a US citizen and do not have one, you will need to give an acceptable form of identification in place of it.

4. Waiting period

Texas does not have a waiting period for marriage licenses. You can typically acquire one on the same day you apply.

5. Application

Both parties must appear in person at the county’s office to complete the marriage license application. Some counties may allow for online applications in advance.

6. Fees

There is a fee for securing a marriage license in Texas. It differs by county.

7. Previous marriage

If either party has been previously married, they will need to give the date of the divorce or the date of the spouse’s death. Most counties may demand a copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.

Where to Apply?

A Texas marriage license can be easily obtained from any county clerk’s office. Many counties now have an online application process.

Below are links with marriage license information for some of the country’s most populous counties:

How To Get a Texas Marriage License

1. Gather required documents

Before heading to the county clerk’s office, guarantee to have all the essential documents.

Valid photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport, military ID)
Proof of age and identity
Social security numbers
Final decree if divorced within the last 30 days (if applicable)

2. Visit the county clerk’s office.

Both individuals must appear in person at their local county clerk’s office to apply for a marriage license. It’s urged to check the office hours and also to make an appointment if needed.

3. Complete the application

Please complete the marriage license application provided by the county clerk. You will need to provide personal information such as full names, ages, addresses, and more.

4. Pay the fee

Set aside money to pay for the marriage license fee. The cost differs by county. Yet, it typically ranges from $70 to $100. Some counties accept cash only. Others may accept cards or checks.

5. Wait for the mandatory waiting period.

Texas law requires a 72-hour waiting period from the time the license is issued until the wedding ceremony can legally be performed. This waiting period can be waived for active military members or under other specific scenarios, such as completing a state-approved marriage education class.

6. Get married within the validity period.

The marriage license is valid for 90 days from the issue date. Ensure your marriage ceremony occurs within this time frame. Have the officiant sign the permit.

7. Return the signed license.

After the union ceremony, the signed marriage license must be returned to the county clerk’s office to be recorded. The officiant or the couple can do this.

8. Obtain certified copies

Once the marriage is recorded, you can acquire certified copies of the marriage license for legal name changes or your records.

9. Consider a premarital education course.

Fulfilling a premarital course will not only provide valuable insights for your union, but it can also waive the 72-hour waiting period and cut the license fee in some counties.

Marriage License Purposes

1. Legal eligibility verification

A marriage license affirms that both parties meet the legal requirements to marry. It can include age, mental capacity, and the absence of a current marriage that has not been legally ended. By requiring a license, the state ensures that marriages comply with local laws.

2. Consent documentation

Applying for and receiving a marriage license is a formal way for each party to communicate their mutual consent to the marriage. The process provides a legal record that they have agreed to enter the union willingly.

3. Public record establishment

Marriage licenses make a public record of a marriage. These records can be used for genealogical research, proving family relationships, and documenting lineage.

4. Legal name change facilitation

A marriage license and the marriage certificate derived from it are essential for individuals deciding to modify their name upon marriage. Both serve as key documents to update legal documents, such as social security cards, driver’s licenses, and passports.

5. Rights and responsibilities activation

Marriage confers numerous rights and responsibilities on the married couple. Some examples are related to inheritance, property ownership, and taxation. The license initiates the legal process that activates these rights and responsibilities.

6. Social and cultural recognition

A marriage license is a step toward acquiring social and cultural recognition of a couple’s union. In many societies, marriage is a personal commitment. More importantly, it is also a status that is acknowledged and celebrated by the community.

7. Financial and insurance benefits

Married couples often qualify for various financial insurance benefits. They can open shared health insurance plans, survivor benefits, and joint bank accounts, among other things. The license is the first step in accessing these advantages.

8. International legal recognition

For couples who wed in one country and move to or spend significant time in another, a marriage license and subsequent marriage certificate can prove the marriage’s legality and legitimacy. They are vital for certain visas, residency rights, and other international legal matters.

Marriage Certificates

A marriage certificate is an official record that proves the marriage between two individuals. It is issued by a governmental authority or public record office. A marriage license grants permission for the couple to get married, but a marriage certificate is proof that the union has legally taken place.

Frequently Asked Questions in Texas Marriage License

1. What are the two types of marriage in Texas?

Formal marriage. It is the more traditional route that involves acquiring a marriage license and having a ceremony. The ceremony can be religious or secular.
Common-law marriage. It does not require a license or a ceremony. Couples in Texas may be legally acknowledged married without formalities if they meet certain criteria.

2. What is the easiest way to get married in Texas?

The easiest way to get Married in Texas is undergoing a formal marriage. It is more straightforward and widely recognized.

3. How long does it take to get a marriage license in Texas?

The process of obtaining a marriage license in Texas does not take months. It is relatively quick. It can also be completed within the same day of visiting the county clerk’s office, provided you have gathered all the necessary documentation beforehand. Moreover, I have met all the state’s requirements.

4. Is foreign marriage recognized in Texas?

Foreign marriages are generally acknowledged in Texas. It is given that they are legally valid in the jurisdiction where they were performed. This principle is part of the US legal doctrine of comity. It means that another respects the laws, judicial decisions, and public acts of one jurisdiction.

And now, the act of getting married is now one step easier as you’ll now well aware on securing a marriage license. Share our article to help raise awareness!

Lost Your Birth Certificate? Request A Replacement Online

Instant Vital Records offers a birth certificate replacement service you can use from the comfort of your home. Enter your information and our software will automatically complete the required forms for your state. We print and mail your forms along with required payments to your state health department. You can trust that we take your personal information privacy and security seriously with HIPAA compliant data storage and data encryption. To get started, simply click here to begin your application. Your replacement documents will arrive by mail to your home within a few weeks.

This Blog Is Fact Checked By Experts

Our team of experts has thoroughly verified the accuracy of this content. For detailed information on the editorial guidelines followed on our website, please click here.

About The Author

I am Tracy Gorman, a seasoned writer with a passion for exploring. What truly excites me is the ability to translate ideas into meaningful articles that assist others.