This is general Marriage Lincense info for the state of Texas, however all those who want to be married must visit their county clerk's office to attain their marriage license. We do not provide any form of short cut to this step.

What are the requirements for getting a formal marriage license?

• Both parties must appear before the county clerk;

• Submit proof of identity and age;

• Provide information applicable to each person for which space is provided

• Mark the appropriate boxes provided in the application and;

• Take the oath printed on the application and sign before the county clerk.

 

What can I use as proof of identity?

• Driver's license or identification card issued by this state or another state;

• United States passport;

• A current passport issued by a foreign country;

• An original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a Bureau of Vital Statistic for a state or a foreign government (printed within the last 10 years). Must present a valid form of government issued ID; or

• Military ID card

• Forms of identification cannot be mutilated(Ex. torn, taped together, or laminated).

 

What is the cost of a marriage license?

The cost of a marriage license is $81.00 cash and is purhcased at your county clerk's office.

 

Couples who go through the State of Texas approved marriage education class will not have to pay the $60.00 State portion of the marriage license fee.  They will still pay the smaller County portion, which varies by County. The certificate must be presented to the clerk at the time of purchasing the marriage license.

 

What is the expiration of a marriage license?

If a marriage ceremony has not been conducted before the 90th day after the date the license is issued, the marriage license expires.

 

What should be done once the marriage license has been purchased?

After you have purchased your marriage license you must select an authorized officiate to perform the ceremony, and wait the appropriate 72-hours before the ceremony take place to get married. 

 

Who should record the marriage license after the ceremony takes place?

The person who conducts a marriage ceremony shall record on the license the date and the County in which the ceremony is performed and the person's name, subscribe in the license, and return the license to the County Clerk who issued the license not later than the 30th day after the date the ceremony is conducted.

 

What are the requirements for an informal marriage license?

• Both parties must appear before the county clerk;

• Submit proof of identity and age;

• Provide information applicable to that person for which space is provided

• Mark the appropriate boxes provided in the application and;

• Take the oath printed on the application and sign before the county clerk.