What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Marriage License
A Texas marriage license is issued by the county clerk in the county where you plan to marry. You and your partner must both go to the clerk's office in person, bring required documents, and pay a fee. The license is valid for 30 days after it is issued, and you must have it signed by an authorized person (a judge, justice of the peace, or licensed minister) during the ceremony. The signed license is then returned to the clerk to make the marriage official.
You do not need to live in Texas to marry there. You do not need parental consent as an adult. The process is straightforward, but the documents required and fees vary slightly by county, so checking your specific county clerk's website before you go saves time.
Key Takeaways
- Both partners must appear in person at the county clerk's office with valid government-issued photo ID and proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or state ID).
- Texas has no waiting period between getting the license and the ceremony, and the license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
- The fee ranges from about $60 to $75 depending on the county, and some counties offer a small discount if you complete a premarital education course.
- The person performing the ceremony (judge, justice of the peace, or licensed minister) must sign the license during the ceremony, and you or your partner must return the signed license to the clerk within 30 days.
Documents You Must Bring to the Clerk's Office
Both you and your partner need a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID all work. The ID must not be expired.
You also need proof of age. A birth certificate is the standard document. If you do not have an original or certified copy, a passport, state ID, or military ID can serve as proof of age. Some counties accept a certified copy from the vital records office in your state of birth; others require the original. Call your county clerk's office to ask which they accept.
If either partner was previously married, bring the original or certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. Texas law requires this. If you do not have it, the clerk can sometimes look it up in court records, but this takes extra time.
The Fee and How to Pay
The marriage license fee in Texas ranges from approximately $60 to $75, depending on your county. Most clerks accept cash, check, and card. A few counties offer a small fee reduction (usually $10 to $20) if you and your partner have completed a premarital education course approved by the state. The course is typically offered online and takes a few hours.
Ask your county clerk whether they offer this discount and which courses they recognize. If you plan to take a course, do it before you go to the clerk's office so you can bring proof of completion.
What Happens at the Clerk's Office
You and your partner will fill out an process together. The clerk will ask questions about your names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers (optional but requested), and whether either of you has been married before. You will sign the process in front of the clerk.
The clerk will then issue the license. It is a single document with both your names on it. You will receive one copy to take with you. The license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. You do not have to use it right away—there is no waiting period in Texas—but you must use it within that 30-day window.
Who Can Sign Your License During the Ceremony
The person performing your ceremony must be authorized by Texas law to solemnize marriages. This includes a judge, a justice of the peace, a licensed minister, priest, or rabbi, and certain other religious officials. The person does not have to be from Texas or know you personally.
If you are having a small ceremony or a non-traditional one, confirm ahead of time that the person you want to perform it is legally authorized. A justice of the peace can perform a ceremony for a small fee (usually $25 to $50) if you do not have a minister or judge in mind. You can find the justice of the peace for your precinct through your county clerk's office.
Returning the Signed License to the Clerk
After the ceremony, the person who performed it will sign the license. You or your partner must return the signed license to the county clerk's office within 30 days. If you do not return it, the marriage is not legally recorded, even though you had the ceremony.
You can mail the signed license or deliver it in person. Some counties allow you to mail it; others prefer in-person delivery. Call the clerk's office to ask. Once the clerk receives and files the signed license, your marriage is official in Texas. You can request a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the clerk if you need it for name changes, insurance, or other purposes.
County Clerk Contact Information and Hours
Every county in Texas has a clerk's office. You can find your county clerk's phone number and office hours on the Texas Association of Counties website or by searching "[your county name] clerk marriage license." Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.
Calling ahead is worth the time. The clerk can tell you exactly which documents they accept, whether they offer the premarital course discount, and whether they have any local rules that differ from state law. Some rural counties have smaller offices with limited hours, so confirming before you drive there prevents a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get blood tests or a physical exam before getting a marriage license?
No. Texas does not require blood tests, physical exams, or medical clearance to marry. You only need the documents listed above and the fee.
What if one partner cannot go to the clerk's office in person?
Both partners must appear together at the clerk's office. Texas does not allow one person to explore alone or by proxy. If one partner is out of state or unable to travel, you will need to wait until both can go together.
Can I marry someone from another country?
Yes. Your partner must have a valid passport or travel document and proof of age. If they do not have a U.S. birth certificate, bring their passport. The clerk will tell you if any additional documents are needed based on your partner's citizenship status.
What if I want to change my name after marriage?
Texas recognizes a name change through marriage automatically. You can use your marriage certificate to update your name with the Social Security Administration, your driver's license, and other agencies. You do not need a separate court order.
How long does it take to get the marriage certificate after the license is filed?
The clerk files the signed license when you return it. A certified copy of the marriage certificate is usually ready within a few days to a week, depending on the county. You can call the clerk's office to ask how long their office takes and whether you can pick it up in person or need to request it by mail.