Texas Marriage License Information
Q: What is the cost of a Texas marriage license?
A: The marriage license fee varies from county to county. Fee is $74 in Harris County for Texas residents and $174 for non-residents. Prices will vary in other counties. Check with the County Clerk's office of other counties for their fees. You can receive a $60 discount by taking our online premarital education course.
Q: How should I pay for my Texas marriage license?
A: The accepted form of payment is cash in most counties (some counties may accept other forms of payment.)
Q: What kind of I.D. is needed to get a marriage license in Texas?
A: You must have valid, government-issued picture identification such as a drivers license, I.D. card issued by
DPS, a valid passport, or resident alien card.
Q: What are the residency requirements for Texas?
A: There are no state residency requirements to obtain a Texas marriage license. You do not have to be a previous
or current resident of Texas to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide.
Q: Is there a waiting period from the application date
to the date the license is issued?
A: No, you will receive your Texas marriage license immediately after showing proper I.D., filling out personal
information, and paying at the county clerk's office.
Q: Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued
to the date I am allowed to marry?
A: Yes, in Texas there is a mandatory 72 hour waiting period after receiving your marriage license to the time you
may be married in most cases.
The waiting period can be waived due to active military status. You will need to show your military I.D. to waive
the waiting period. By taking our online premarital education course will also waive the 72 hour waiting period.
Q: What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?
A: You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to
show proof of age.
Q: What if one or both of us is younger than 18?
A: If either partner is under 18, parents or legal guardians must be present. If a parent can not be present, due to death, separation, divorce or other circumstances, proper evidence must be presented for verification. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you are under 16 you can not marry without a court order.
Q: Are blood tests or physical exams required?
A: No. There is no blood test or physical exam required in the state of Texas to obtain your marriage license.
All you will need are your government-issued picture I.D. cards, payment, and a few minutes of your time to
answer some questions about yourselves at the county clerk's office.
Q: How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's issued?
A: You must use your Texas marriage license within 90 days of the date it was issued or it will expire.
Once expired, you must re-apply and wait another 72 hour waiting period (unless waived) in order to use your
Texas marriage license or to get married.
Q: What if one or both partners have been divorced
or have had a spouse die?
A: If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided.
If the divorce or spouse's death had taken place within the last 30 days, you will need a certified copy of the
divorce decree or death certificate. Information about obtaining a copy of your divorce records or spouse's
Q: Do we have to apply for our marriage license in person?
A: In most cases, yes, both bride and groom will need to apply in person.
If one is unable to appear, you will need to obtain an "absent application" form, take it to that person, have
them fill it out and have it notarized.
View instructions on completing Affidavit of Absent Applicant on Application and the form by clicking here.
Q: Are proxy marriages legal?
A: Yes, marriage by proxy is allowed only for active military applicants. You will need to complete the Affidavit of
Absent Applicant on Application for Marriage License form.
Q: Are cousin marriages legal?
A: No, cousin marriages are not allowed. As of September 1, 2005, first cousin marriages are no longer allowed.
Q: Are common law marriages legal?
A: Yes, common-law marriages are allowed. Read more about common law marriage in Texas by clicking here.