Getting Your Texas Marriage License
OBTAINING YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS
IMPORTANT NOTE: The issuance of marriage licenses may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic since many county clerk's offices are not offering in-person services at this time. Because of this, applying for a marriage license may not be available until they re-open. We recommend checking the county clerk's website where you intend to apply or contact their office for more information on their current services. Please see the on the COVID-19 & Texas Law research guide for additional information related to COVID-19.
GENERAL INFORMATION
There are two types of marriage licenses--Formal marriage license and Declaration and Registration of an Informal Marriage (Common law). The basic requirements are the same for both types of marriage.
- Both parties must appear in person.
- Both parties must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must have a valid, government-issued picture identification. Names will be reflected on the marriage license exactly as they appear on the IDs. The County Clerk's office cannot change the name or spelling of name on ID. Forms of acceptable, valid identification include:
- Driver's license
- State ID
- Passport
- Military ID
- Visa
- Must know Social Security number.
- A blood test is NOT required.
Effective January 1, 2019, a $100 Out-of-State Applicant fee will be assessed if neither applicant is able to prove Texas residency. Forms of acceptable proof include:
- Driver's License
- State ID
- Handgun License
- Vehicle Registration
- Property Tax Statement or Homestead Exemption
- Voter Registration Card
- Military Orders reflecting Texas as Home of Record
- Income Tax
- Paycheck Stub or Letter of Employment on Company Letterhead
- Receipt of Benefits from State Agency
- Utility bills (12 months history)
- No PO Box addresses will be accepted
FORMAL MARRIAGE
A formal marriage license can be obtained from any county in Texas and the marriage can be performed anywhere. If the marriage takes place outside of Texas, contact the appropriate state office, consulate or embassy to learn the marriage requirements for that state or country.
Additional requirements and information:
- There is a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued before the marriage ceremony can take place. The 72-hour waiting period can be waived by meeting one of three criteria.
- The waiting period does not apply if an applicant is a member of the armed forces of the United States and on active duty. Military ID must be shown to the person who performs the marriage ceremony.
- The waiting period does not apply if the applicant obtains a 72-hour waiver signed by a District Judge. Waiver must be shown and kept by the person performing the ceremony.
- Applicants possess a valid Twogether in Texas Certificate. Certificate must be shown to the person who performs the ceremony.
- The marriage must take place within 90 days from the date of issuance--no exceptions.
- If divorced, there is a 30-day waiting period after the divorce is final before remarriage--unless waived. If the 30-day waiting period is waived, a certified copy must be presented at the time the license is purchased.
- The fee is $75 cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover. (Credit card use adds an additional 1.73 percent fee.)
- The fee is $15 for couples who attend the State of Texas approved Marriage Education Class and present a valid Twogether in Texas Certificate. For more information visit the Twogether in Texas website.
ONLINE APPLICATIONS
Marriage license applications may be filled out and saved online. However, applicants must appear in person to sign and purchase the marriage license. Please note: additional information will be required of each applicant when the marriage license is issued. The process can be completed at the downtown location or at a Tarrant County sub-courthouse location.
Online Application: https://ccrecordse.tarrantcounty.com/Marriage/MarriageApplication.aspx?type=PUBLIC&lang=ENU
HOW TO SAVE $60 ON YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE: TwogetherinTexas Online Premarital Course:
Texas couples that complete 8 hours of TwogetherinTexas pre-marital education through Dr. D’Arienzo’s online Texas premarital course are able to receive $60 off their marriage license state fee. Additionally, by taking this Texas premarital counseling course, you avoid the three day wait, meaning you can get married the same day that you complete your marriage application.
https://www.twogetherintexasonlinecourse.com/twogether-in-texas/
MINORS OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE
Effective September 1, 2017, if either applicant is under 18 years of age, a court order granted by this state under Texas Family Code Chapter 31, removing the disabilities of minority of the applicant for general purpose is required. In addition, minor applicants must show certified copy of birth certificate with current school ID, driver's license or state ID.
ABSENTEE APPLICANT
An absentee affidavit is to be completed if an applicant is unable to appear personally before the County Clerk to apply for a marriage license. The other applicant may apply for a marriage license on behalf of the absent applicant.
The County Clerk may not issue a marriage license for which both applicants are absent unless both applicants are:
- a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation
A person may agree to marriage by the appearance of a proxy appointed in the affidavit authorized by Subchapter A if the person is:
(1) a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation; and
(2) unable to attend the ceremony.
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PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT MARRIAGE CEREMONY
Licensed or ordained Christian ministers and priests, Jewish rabbis, persons who are officers of religious organizations and who are duly authorized by the organization to conduct marriage ceremonies; Justices of the Supreme Court, Justices of the Court of Criminal Appeals, Justices of the District, County and Probate Courts, Judges of the County Courts at Law, Courts of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Courts, retired Justices and Judges of such courts, Justices of the Peace, retired Justices of the Peace, the Judge of a Municipal Court, the Judges and Magistrate of the Federal Courts of this state.
RETURN OF MARRIAGE LICENSE
The person who performs a marriage ceremony is responsible for returning the marriage license to our office within 30 days from the date of marriage. The license can be returned in the provided envelope or mailed to:
Tarrant County Clerk
200 Taylor Street, Suite 301
Fort Worth, TX 76196
https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/county-clerk/vital-records/marriage-licenses.html
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. -- 5 p.m.
For more information, please call 817-884-1550
