Lyla Dejesus
If you've recently tied the knot in Texas, you may be wondering what to do with your marriage license. Well, the next step is to return it to the relevant authority. In Texas, marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk's office, and the completed license must be returned to the same office within a specified time frame. This is usually done by mail or in person. There are certain requirements that must be met for the marriage to be legally valid, such as the minimum age of 18 years for applicants and a waiting period between obtaining the license and the ceremony. So, make sure to check with your local County Clerk's office for specific instructions and requirements to ensure your marriage license is properly recorded and finalized.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage license validity | 89 days from the date of issue |
| Age requirement | 18 years or older |
| Waiting period between obtaining a license and the ceremony | 72 hours (can be waived in certain cases) |
| Cost | $20 with a completed premarital education course |
| Affidavit of Absent Applicant | Allowed in certain situations |
| Proof of identity and age | Required for both applicants |
| Returning the marriage license | Must be returned to the Travis County Clerk's Office within 30 days from the date of the ceremony |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Marriage licenses are valid for 89-90 days from the issue date
In Texas, marriage licenses are valid for 89–90 days from the date of issue. This means that the marriage must take place within this timeframe. If the couple wishes to marry after the expiration date, they must purchase a new license.
There is a required 3-day waiting period between the time a marriage license is obtained and the ceremony. This waiting period does not apply if the applicants possess a valid Twogether in Texas certificate or a premarital counseling certificate from a known counselor. The certificate must be printed and shown to the person issuing the marriage license and the person who performs the ceremony.
Both applicants must be present to receive the license, with a few statutory exceptions. In such cases, an affidavit of an absent applicant can be used for the issuance of the marriage license. If one applicant is absent, the other applicant may apply for the marriage license on their behalf. However, both applicants cannot be absent unless they are members of the armed forces of the United States stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation.
After the marriage ceremony, the completed marriage license must be returned to the relevant County Clerk's Office within 30 days. It can be returned by mail or in person. Once received, it will be recorded in the public records and then returned to the couple.
Black Choir's Performance at Royal Wedding
You may want to see also
Explore related products
There is a 3-day waiting period before the ceremony
In Texas, there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period between the issuance of a marriage license and the wedding ceremony. This rule is outlined in the Texas Family Code, Chapter 2, Section 2.204. The marriage license is valid for 89 days from the date of issuance, and if the ceremony does not take place within this period, the license expires. In such cases, a new license must be purchased.
To obtain a marriage license in Texas, both applicants must typically appear before the County Clerk. However, in certain exceptions, if one of the applicants is unable to be present, a completed affidavit of an absent applicant can be used for the issuance of the license. This situation applies if the absent applicant is a member of the armed forces stationed in another country for combat or a similar military operation. In this case, the other applicant or any adult person can apply on their behalf.
The marriage license must be returned to the issuing County Clerk's office within 30 days of the wedding ceremony. It can be returned by mail or in person. Once received, the Clerk's office will record the license in the public records and then return it to the couple.
It is important to note that Texas has specific requirements for marriage licenses, and it is always advisable to refer to official sources or seek guidance from the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Wedding Table Flowers: Creative Arrangements for Your Big Day
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Applicants must be 18 or over
In Texas, applicants must be 18 years or older to obtain a marriage license. According to Texas Family Code 2.003, effective from September 1, 2017, a person under the age of 18 may not marry unless they have been granted a court order by the state or another state, removing the disabilities of minority for general purposes. Both applicants must be present when applying for a marriage license, providing proof of identity and age using documents approved by state law. However, Texas law allows exceptions to this rule. If one applicant is unable to apply in person and is 18 or older, the other applicant or any adult may apply on their behalf. This requires a completed affidavit of the absent applicant, which can be obtained from the relevant county clerk's office or the Texas Courts website.
Additionally, there is a required three-day waiting period between obtaining the marriage license and the ceremony. The license is valid for 89 days from the date of issue and must be returned to the relevant county clerk's office within 30 days of the wedding ceremony. If the couple does not marry before the expiration date, a new license must be purchased.
It is important to note that Texas also has provisions for informal marriage licenses. This type of license is available to couples who agree to be married, live together in the state, and represent themselves as married to others. However, an absent affidavit application cannot be used for this type of license.
Furthermore, there are specific requirements for members of the armed forces or those working for the United States Department of Defense. In these cases, a written waiver from a designated judge or completion of a premarital education course may be necessary.
Wedding Night: Islam's First Union
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Applicants must submit proof of age and identity
In Texas, applicants must be 18 years or older to obtain a marriage license. If one of the applicants is unable to apply in person and is 18 years of age or older, any adult or the other applicant may apply on their behalf. In such cases, the person applying on their behalf must present a notarized affidavit of the absent applicant and proof of the identity and age of the absent applicant.
According to Section 2.005 of the Texas Family Code, acceptable forms of identification include a state driver's license or identification card (ID) issued by the state or another state and is current or has expired no more than two years, the applicants' original or certified copy of a birth certificate, a passport, or a document issued by the United States or a foreign government.
If the applicants are active-duty military members, they must show their military identification. Additionally, if the applicants obtain a premarital education course certificate from the Texas Twogether Program, the 72-hour waiting period after being issued a marriage license is waived. The completed marriage license must be returned to the relevant County Clerk's Office within a specified period, which is 30 days in Travis County.
The Electric Slide: A Wedding Song Staple?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The license must be returned to the address indicated on the application
In Texas, marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk's office and are valid for 90 days from the issue date. The license is valid in any other county in the state of Texas. There is a 72-hour waiting period before the marriage ceremony can take place, unless a waiver is obtained.
After the wedding ceremony, the completed marriage license must be returned to the relevant authority for recording in the public records. In Travis County, for example, the completed license must be returned to the Travis County Clerk's Office within 30 days from the date of the ceremony. This can be done by mail or in person.
According to Texas state law, Section 2.208, the county clerk must return the marriage license to the address indicated on the application. This means that the address to return the marriage license to is specified on the application form. Therefore, applicants should refer to their application form to determine the correct address to return their marriage license to after the wedding.
It is important to note that specific procedures and requirements may vary across counties in Texas. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the relevant county clerk's office or official county website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the marriage license process, including the return of the license after the wedding.
John Ridge's Wedding: A Fateful Day
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You need to return your completed marriage license to the County Clerk's office.
You can return your completed marriage license by mail or in person.
You must return your completed marriage license within 30 days from the date of the ceremony.
Your marriage license will expire if it has not been used before the 90th day after it was issued. If you wish to marry after this date, you must purchase a new license.
