How do I get a marriage license?

County Clerk (county level - each of Texas's 254 counties)

Step by Step

How to do it

Many county Clerks offer online pre-application to save time; complete the application online first; then BOTH applicants must appear in person at the County Clerk's office within the timeline specified by the online system (Denton County example: must appear within 3 days of submitting online app)
Both applicants verbally state (take the oath printed on the application) and sign the application before the County Clerk; one applicant may complete the process if the other is absent under specific statutory exceptions (absent applicant affidavit procedure - call County Clerk for details; common for active duty military)
Pay the fee; license issued immediately
MANDATORY 72-HOUR (3-DAY) WAITING PERIOD: The marriage ceremony may NOT take place until 72 hours after the EXACT TIME the license was issued; this waiting period is waived for:
- Active duty U.S. Armed Forces members (with military ID)
- Couples who submit a Twogether in Texas premarital education certificate (see below)
- Couples remarrying each other
- By written waiver from a judge with family law jurisdiction (for good cause)
30-DAY DIVORCE RESTRICTION: If either applicant was divorced within the past 30 days, they must wait 30 days after the divorce was final before remarrying (unless the court waived the 30-day requirement in the divorce decree - certified copy of waiver required at time of license purchase)
License valid for 90 days from date of issue; ceremony must take place within this window; if expired, must reapply
At least one witness must be present at the ceremony and sign the license (Texas requires only one witness; more witnesses are common but not required)
Officiant must complete and return the license to the issuing County Clerk within 30 days of the ceremony; certified copies available from the County Clerk
TWOGETHER IN TEXAS PREMARITAL EDUCATION PROGRAM: Texas's fee-reduction and waiting period waiver program:
- Complete at least 8 hours of premarital education from an approved provider
- Submit your Twogether in Texas Certificate at time of license application
- Standard fee reduced by approximately $60 (varies by county; some counties reduce by $60, others have different structures)
- 72-hour waiting period WAIVED
- Twogether in Texas info: healthandwellbeing.dshs.texas.gov/twogether-in-texas
OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANTS: If NEITHER applicant can prove Texas residency, an additional $100 out-of-state fee applies (effective January 1, 2019); acceptable proof of Texas residency: Texas driver's license, state ID, utility bill, etc.

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Valid proof of identity and age: Texas driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or certified copy of birth certificate; OR other government-issued ID from Texas, another state, U.S., or foreign country
Social Security number verbally (some counties require the physical SSN card; verify with your specific county)
Proof of Texas residency if applicable (to avoid $100 out-of-state fee)
Both must be 18+; under 18 requires a court order removing disabilities of minority (effective September 1, 2017); contact county Clerk for specific requirements

Fee

Varies by county; standard range approximately $71.50-$108 (most common around $75-$82); with Twogether in Texas certificate: reduced (some counties as low as $20-$25); out-of-state couples: standard fee + $100; payment methods vary (cash, card, money order - verify with county; many do NOT accept personal checks)

Waiting Period

The marriage ceremony may NOT take place until 72 hours after the EXACT TIME the license was issued; this waiting period is waived for: - Active duty U.S. Armed Forces members (with military ID) - Couples who submit a Twogether in Texas premarital education certificate (see below) - Couples remarrying each other - By written waiver from a judge with family law jurisdiction (for good cause) 30-DAY DIVORCE RESTRICTION: If either applicant was divorced within the past 30 days, they must wait 30 days after the divorce was final before remarrying (unless the court waived the 30-day requirement in the divorce decree - certified copy of waiver required at time of license purchase) Step 5 - License valid for 90 days from date of issue; ceremony must take place within this window; if expired, must reapply Step 6 - At least one witness must be present at the ceremony and sign the license (Texas requires only one witness; more witnesses are common but not required) Step 7 - Officiant must complete and return the license to the issuing County Clerk within 30 days of the ceremony; certified copies available from the County Clerk

Where to Go

County Clerk in any Texas county (254 counties)

County-specific variations apply

Texas's 254 county Clerks each set their own fees, payment methods, and minor procedures within state law. Harris County (Houston - largest in TX), Dallas County, Tarrant County (Fort Worth), Bexar County (San Antonio), Travis County (Austin), Collin County (Plano/McKinney), Denton County, and other large counties are the most resourced with multiple locations and online pre-application. Rockwall County was named "Marriage Capital of Texas" by the Texas Legislature in 2025. Many small rural TX counties have very limited hours and may be cash-only.

Texas Notes

Important state-specific details

72-hour waiting period - plan accordingly; from EXACT time of issuance.
TWOGETHER IN TEXAS: saves ~$60 on fee AND waives 72-hour waiting period; worthwhile for any couple willing to complete 8 hours of premarital education.
30-DAY DIVORCE RESTRICTION: cannot remarry for 30 days after divorce unless court waived it.
$100 out-of-state fee if neither applicant is a TX resident.
Texas also offers DECLARATION OF INFORMAL MARRIAGE (Common Law Marriage registration): can register an existing common law marriage at the County Clerk; fee approximately $45-$46; Texas DOES recognize common law marriage (informal marriage).
No blood test required.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Texas Secretary of State (general info) - sos.state.tx.us; Texas DSHS (Vital Statistics - birth/death, not marriage copies) - dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics; Twogether in Texas - healthandwellbeing.dshs.texas.gov/twogether-in-texas; County Clerk (varies by county)