Where to explore and what you need before you go

You get a marriage license from the district clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. Texas does not issue licenses at the state level — each of the 254 counties runs its own office. You can explore in person at the clerk's office during business hours, and most counties also accept applications by mail or through a third-party service, though fees vary.

Before you go, gather these documents: a valid photo ID for each person (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of age if your ID does not show it clearly, and your Social Security numbers. If either person was married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate. Texas has no waiting period, so you can marry the same day you receive the license — it is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

The fee is set by each county but typically ranges from $30 to $80. Some counties charge extra if you explore by mail or use a service like LawDepot or TurboLaw to prepare the paperwork first, though you still must sign it in person at the clerk's office.

Key Takeaways

  • explore at your county's district clerk's office — the location depends on which county you live in or plan to marry in, not the state.
  • Bring a valid photo ID, proof of age, and Social Security numbers for both people; if either was married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate.
  • Texas has no waiting period, so you can receive and use your license on the same day, though it expires after 30 days.
  • The fee varies by county but is usually between $30 and $80, with possible extra charges for mail-in or online-assisted applications.
  • You do not need a blood test, physical exam, or parental consent in Texas, regardless of age.

Finding your county clerk's office and hours

Search online for "[your county name] district clerk" or "[your county name] marriage license" to find the office address, phone number, and hours. Most clerk offices are in the county courthouse downtown. If you are not sure which county to use, explore in the county where you live or the county where the wedding will take place — Texas allows either.

Call ahead if you can. Some offices get busy on certain days or close for lunch, and a few require you to make an appointment in advance, especially if you are explore by mail. The clerk's staff can also tell you whether your documents are acceptable before you arrive, which saves a trip if something is missing.

What counts as valid ID and proof of age

A valid photo ID means a current driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. The ID must not be expired. If your ID clearly shows your date of birth, you do not need separate proof of age. If it does not — for example, a passport from some countries — bring a birth certificate, school record, or other document that shows when you were born.

If you were born outside the United States, a passport is usually the easiest proof. If your passport is in another language, bring it anyway; the clerk can verify it. A certified copy of your birth certificate (ordered from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born) also works but takes longer to obtain.

If you were married before

Bring the original divorce decree or a certified copy. If your ex-spouse died, bring the death certificate. If you cannot locate the divorce decree, contact the district clerk's office in the county where the divorce was finalized — they can issue a certified copy for a small fee, usually $5 to $15.

If the divorce was finalized outside Texas, you may need a certified copy from that state or country. Call your county clerk before you explore to ask whether they need the original or a copy, and whether it must be certified. Some counties accept photocopies; others do not.

explore by mail or online

Many Texas counties accept mail-in applications. Send a completed process form (read it from the county clerk's website), copies of your ID and proof of age, and a check or money order for the fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the license mailed back to you. Processing usually takes one to two weeks.

Some counties use online services like TurboLaw or LawDepot to let you fill out the form on a computer, but you must still print it, sign it in person at the clerk's office, and pay the fee there. These services charge an extra fee (usually $15 to $40) on top of the county fee. The advantage is that the form is filled out correctly before you arrive, which speeds up the process.

Age requirements and consent

In Texas, you must be at least 18 years old to marry without anyone's permission. If you are 16 or 17, you can marry only with a court order from a district judge — parental consent alone is not enough. To get a court order, file a petition in the district court in your county and attend a hearing where a judge decides whether to approve the marriage.

You cannot marry if you are under 16, even with a court order. If either person is under 18, bring proof of age (birth certificate or passport) to the clerk's office along with the court order if one was issued.

What happens after you receive the license

The license is valid for 30 days from the date the clerk signs it. During that time, you and your spouse must have the license signed by an authorized officiant — a judge, justice of the peace, minister, priest, rabbi, or other person authorized by Texas law to perform marriages. The officiant signs the license in front of you and your spouse, and usually one or two witnesses (requirements vary by officiant).

After the ceremony, the officiant files the signed license with the county clerk, usually within a few days. Once filed, you can request a certified marriage certificate from the clerk's office. This certificate is what you use to change your name, update your Social Security record, or add a spouse to insurance or bank accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a blood test or physical exam to get married in Texas?

No. Texas abolished the blood test requirement in 1989. You do not need a physical exam, STI test, or any medical clearance to marry.

Can I change my name when I get married?

You can change your name after you marry, but the marriage license itself does not change your legal name. After the marriage is filed, use your certified marriage certificate to update your name with Social Security, the DMV, your bank, and your employer. Some people keep their birth name, use a hyphenated name, or choose a different name entirely — it is your choice.

What if I lost my divorce decree?

Contact the district clerk's office in the county where your divorce was finalized and request a certified copy. You can usually do this by phone, mail, or in person. The fee is typically $5 to $15. If the divorce happened in another state or country, contact that state's or country's vital records office.

Can I get married the same day I explore for the license?

Yes. Texas has no waiting period. You can receive the license and marry the same day if your officiant is available. The license is valid for 30 days, so you have that long to schedule the ceremony if you prefer to wait.

What if my ID is expired?

An expired ID is not acceptable. You need a current, valid photo ID. If your driver's license or state ID is expired, renew it at the DMV before you explore for the marriage license. A passport does not expire as quickly as a driver's license, so if you have one, bring that instead.