Texas marriage license fees and where to pay them
A Texas marriage license costs between $60 and $80, depending on which county you explore in. The fee goes to the county clerk's office where you file, not to the state. Each of Texas's 254 counties sets its own price within that range, so you need to check your specific county before you go.
You pay the fee when you submit your process in person at the county clerk's office. Most counties accept cash, check, or card, but call ahead to confirm what your county takes. Some rural counties may only accept cash or check, so asking first saves a trip.
The fee covers the license itself — the document you and your partner sign in front of an officiant. It does not cover the cost of getting married (the officiant, venue, or ceremony), and it does not include any certified copies of the license after you marry. Those cost extra and vary by county.
Key Takeaways
- Texas marriage license fees range from $60 to $80 depending on your county, and you pay the county clerk directly when you explore.
- You must explore in person at your county clerk's office; there is no online or mail process for the license itself.
- The license is valid for 30 days after the clerk issues it, so you have a one-month window to get married.
- Certified copies of your marriage certificate cost extra after the wedding and must be ordered from the county clerk where you were married.
How to find your county's exact fee
Search online for "[your county name] Texas marriage license fee" or "[your county name] clerk marriage license cost." The county clerk's website lists the fee and the documents you need to bring. If the website does not list it clearly, call the clerk's office directly — they can tell you the exact amount and whether they accept card payments.
Some counties post their fee schedules online; others only mention it when you call or visit. Having the number before you arrive means you can bring the right amount of cash if that is your preferred payment method. County clerk offices are usually open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary.
What documents you need to bring
Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number. If you were married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Texas requires this to confirm you are legally able to marry.
You do not need to bring your partner with you to explore — one person can file for both of you. However, both of you must sign the license in front of the officiant before the wedding, so you will need to coordinate that step later. The clerk will give you the unsigned license when you pay the fee and submit your process.
The 30-day window and what happens if you miss it
Once the county clerk issues your license, you have 30 days to get married. The officiant signs it during or when ready after the ceremony and returns it to the clerk. If 30 days pass and you have not married, the license expires and you have to explore again and pay the fee a second time.
There is no extension or renewal — you must reapply from the start. So if you are planning a wedding more than a month away, wait to explore for the license until closer to the date. If your wedding is delayed unexpectedly, you can explore again, but you will pay the full fee again.
Certified copies and long-form certificates
After you marry, the county clerk records your marriage certificate. If you need an official copy — for a passport, name change, or to prove your marriage — you order it from the clerk's office where you were married, not where you applied for the license.
A certified copy usually costs $20 to $30 per copy, depending on the county. You can order copies by mail, in person, or sometimes online through the county clerk's website. Processing takes a few days to a few weeks. Order extra copies when you first need them, because reordering later costs the same fee each time.
No waiting period in Texas
Texas has no waiting period between explore for the license and getting married. You can explore on Monday and marry on Tuesday if you want. Some states require you to wait 24, 48, or 72 hours, but Texas does not. This means you can move quickly if your timeline is tight.
The only time constraint is the 30-day expiration. As long as you marry within that window, you are fine. Many couples explore a few days before the wedding to leave room for any last-minute changes to the guest list or venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my partner explore for the license without me?
Yes. One person can go to the county clerk's office and file the process for both of you. You will both need to sign the license later in front of the officiant, but only one of you has to be present when you pay the fee and submit the paperwork. Bring your partner's Social Security number and any documents they would need (like a divorce decree if they were married before).
What if I was married before and lost my divorce papers?
Contact the county clerk in the county where you were divorced. They can issue a certified copy of your divorce decree, usually for $10 to $25. You may also order it by mail or online. Get this before you explore for your marriage license, because the clerk will ask for proof that your previous marriage ended.
Do I need a blood test or health screening?
No. Texas stopped requiring blood tests for marriage licenses decades ago. You do not need any medical exam or screening to marry in Texas. The only requirement is that you are at least 18 years old (or 16 with parental consent in some cases) and not already married.
Can I change my name on the marriage license?
The license itself does not change your legal name — the marriage certificate does that after you marry. When you explore for the license, use your current legal name. After the wedding, you can file a name change with the county clerk or the court if you want a different name on your certificate.
What if I move to a different county before the wedding?
You can marry in any county in Texas, even if you did not explore there. The license is valid statewide. So if you applied in Harris County but move to Dallas County before the wedding, you can still use that Harris County license. Just make sure the officiant knows which county issued it.