Marriage License FAQs
What are the requirements for getting a formal marriage license?
- The license must be issued at least 72 hours* prior to the wedding date, but not more than 90 days before.
- 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.
* If the applicant is an active member of the United States Armed Forces; or, if the applicants have completed a pre-marital educational course (registered with Twogether In Texas); or, if a waiver of 72 hours is signed, the waiting period may be waived.
*If a party is unable to appear before the clerk, they may complete an absent applicant affidavit. At least one person must appear in person.
What can I use as proof of identity?
You may use any of the following as proof of identity;
- Driver's License or Identification Card issued by the State of Texas or another state;
- United States Passport
- A Current Passport Issued by a Foreign Country;
- Original or Certified Copy of Birth Certificate issued by Bureau of Vital Statistic for a state or a foreign government. Must present a valid form of government issued ID; or
- Military ID
- MUTILATED FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED (Ex. torn, taped together, or laminated).
- https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.2.htm
What if my fiancé is out of the country?
All applicants must be present for the ceremony unless the absent applicant is a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation: and unable to attend the ceremony. All other applicants will have to be present for the ceremony.
How long do I have to use my marriage license after I've purchased it?
Expiration of License: If a marriage ceremony has not been conducted before the 90th day after the date the license is issued, the marriage license expires.
Who can perform a marriage license?
The following persons are authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony (a link to the Texas Family Code regarding marriage licenses is below):
- a licensed or ordained Christian minister or priest;
- a Jewish rabbi;
- a person who is an officer of a religious organization and who is authorized by the organization to conduct a marriage ceremony;
- judges or retired judges listed in Section 2.202 of the Texas Family Code.
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.2.htm
How do I get a certified copy of my marriage license?
For Certified Copies of a marriage license you may request them in person, by phone or submit a written request by mail.
Certified Copies are $7.00 each. Certified Copies cannot be faxed.