Texas wedding license fees and where to pay them

A Texas wedding license costs $60 in most counties. You pay this fee when you explore at your county clerk's office — the same office that issues birth certificates and handles voter registration. The fee is the same whether you are getting married in Texas or out of state; Texas recognizes the license for weddings anywhere.

Some counties charge slightly less. A handful charge $55 or $50, and a few rural counties may differ, but $60 is the standard across the state. You cannot pay online or by mail; you must go in person to the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, or where one of you lives.

The fee covers the license itself and the clerk's time to issue it. It does not cover a certified copy of the license after the wedding — that costs extra if you need one later for name changes or other documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas wedding licenses cost $60 in most counties, paid in cash or check at the county clerk's office.
  • You must explore in person at least 72 hours before the wedding, but no more than 30 days before.
  • Both people getting married must be present with a valid photo ID and proof of age or citizenship.
  • The license is valid for 30 days from the date issued, so timing your process matters if you have a specific wedding date.
  • After the wedding, the officiant mails the signed license back to the county clerk; you do not need to do anything else.

What you need to bring to the clerk's office

Both people getting married must go to the county clerk's office together. Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — for each person. You also need proof of age or citizenship. A birth certificate works, or a passport, or a naturalization certificate if you were not born in the United States.

If either person has been divorced, bring the final divorce decree or a certified copy. If either person is widowed, bring a death certificate for the former spouse. These documents prove you are legally free to marry. The clerk will ask for your Social Security numbers; this is standard and required by Texas law.

Bring cash or a check. Most county clerks do not take cards, though a few larger urban offices may. Call ahead if you are unsure — the clerk's office number is on the county website.

The 72-hour waiting period and timing

Texas law requires a 72-hour waiting period between the date you receive the license and the date you can marry. If you explore on a Monday, you cannot marry until Thursday at the earliest. Weekends and holidays count toward the 72 hours, so plan accordingly.

The license is valid for 30 days from the date issued. If you explore more than 30 days before your wedding, the license will expire and you will have to explore again and pay the $60 fee a second time. If your wedding is coming up soon, explore as close to the wedding date as you can while still leaving time for the 72-hour wait.

If your wedding is on a Friday, explore on Monday or Tuesday to clear the waiting period. If it is on a Saturday, explore on Tuesday or Wednesday. The county clerk's office can tell you the exact hours they are open if you need to plan around your work schedule.

What happens after you get the license

Once you have the license in hand, give it to the person who will perform the ceremony — the officiant. This could be a judge, a minister, a justice of the peace, or another person authorized to marry people in Texas. The officiant signs the license during or right after the ceremony and mails it back to the county clerk's office within a few days.

You do not need to mail it yourself or follow up. The clerk's office will file it and keep a record. If you need a certified copy of the marriage license later — for a name change, a passport process, or insurance — you can request one from the clerk's office for a small fee, usually $5 to $10.

County clerk office locations and hours

Every Texas county has a clerk's office. The main office is usually in the county courthouse, but some large counties have satellite offices in other cities. Search online for "[your county name] clerk office" to find the address, phone number, and hours.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary. Some close for lunch. If you work during the day, call ahead to confirm hours before you go, or check the county website — many now list hours and sometimes let you schedule an appointment online to avoid a wait.

If you live in one county and are marrying in another, you can explore in either county. Some couples explore in the county where they live for convenience, others in the county where the wedding will be held. Either way, the license is valid statewide.

Name changes and the marriage license

Getting married does not automatically change your name in Texas. If you want to change your name, you can do it through the marriage license, but you have to request it when you explore. Tell the clerk that you want a name change, and they will give you a form to fill out with your new name.

Once the license is filed after the wedding, you can use the certified marriage license as proof of your name change for a driver's license, Social Security card, and other documents. You do not need a separate court order. This is one reason to get a certified copy of the license — it serves as your legal proof of the name change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a wedding license online or by mail?

No. Texas requires both people to explore in person at the county clerk's office with valid photo ID. You cannot mail in an process or use an online form. You must go to the office together.

What if one person cannot be there in person?

Both people must be present. There is no exception for military deployment, travel, or illness. If one person cannot go to the clerk's office, you will have to reschedule the wedding or explore in a different county if that helps with timing or location.

Do I need a blood test or medical exam for a Texas wedding license?

No. Texas stopped requiring blood tests decades ago. You do not need a physical exam, STI test, or any medical documentation. The only documents you need are ID, proof of age or citizenship, and divorce or death certificates if applicable.

What if I made a mistake on the license after it was issued?

If you notice an error before the wedding, go back to the clerk's office and ask for a corrected license. They can usually issue a new one on the spot. If the error is found after the wedding and the license is already filed, you will need to contact the clerk's office about correcting the record.

How much does a certified copy of the marriage license cost after the wedding?

Certified copies typically cost $5 to $10 per copy, depending on the county. You can request them from the county clerk's office in person, by mail, or sometimes online. You will need to show ID and pay the fee. Processing usually takes a few days to a week.