Franklin Dean
If you're planning a wedding in Texas, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from your local county clerk's office. This is an essential step to ensure that your marriage is legally recognized. The timing of your application is crucial, as Texas marriage licenses are only valid for a specific duration. So, how long is a wedding license good for in Texas, and what are the other key considerations for obtaining one?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Validity | 89 or 90 days from the date of issue |
| Time to obtain the license | At least 72 hours before the ceremony, but no more than 90 days beforehand |
| Cost | $70 to $90, $100 if either party cannot prove Texas residency |
| Additional costs | $20 with a completed premarital education course |
| Where to obtain | Local county clerk's office |
| Who should be present | Both parties and a witness |
| Requirements | Proof of identity, proof of age (18+), proof of divorce or death of spouse (if applicable) |
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What You'll Learn
Where to get a wedding license in Texas
To obtain a wedding license in Texas, applicants must go to their local county clerk's office. The state has 254 counties, and each has its own website with specific instructions. Some counties, such as Travis County, allow applicants to fill out and save the application online before scheduling an in-person appointment. Others, like Bexar County, provide a phone number for applicants to call with any questions.
Both parties must be present at the appointment and provide proof of identity and age with documents approved by state law. These documents include a driver's license, state ID, birth certificate, or passport. If neither applicant can prove Texas residency, there is an additional $100 fee.
If one party is absent, an adult representative may apply on their behalf. In this case, an affidavit of the absent applicant must be provided, declaring that the applicant is a member of the armed forces of the United States and unable to attend.
There is a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued before the marriage ceremony can take place, unless one or more of the following criteria are met:
- The applicant(s) obtain a written waiver from a judge.
- One of the applicants is an active-duty member of the armed forces of the United States and can show identification.
- The applicants submit a premarital education course certificate from Twogether in Texas or a similar premarital counseling certificate.
- The applicants are remarrying each other.
The marriage license is valid for 90 days from the issue date and is valid in any other county in the state of Texas.
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Who needs to be present when applying
In Texas, a marriage license is typically obtained by both parties appearing in person at their local county clerk's office. This is usually located within the county's main courthouse. Many counties in Texas now offer an online application process, but the marriage license must still be collected in person.
Both applicants must be 18 or over and provide proof of identity using documents approved by state law. These can include a driver's license, a certified copy of a birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a military ID card, and a social security number. If either applicant has been married within the last 30 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree must be provided, along with a waiver.
There are some exceptions to the requirement that both applicants appear in person. If one applicant is a member of the military and cannot be present at the county clerk's office, they can submit a notarized absentee affidavit. This can be notarized on base and returned to the county clerk without the person being present to obtain the license.
If the marriage is an informal marriage, the applicants are asked to sign a declaration and oath confirming that they are married to each other and have represented themselves as married to others. This declaration can be filed with the county clerk to register a common-law marriage.
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How long before the wedding to get a license
Planning a wedding in Texas? Don't forget to factor in the time it takes to get your marriage license. While the process is relatively simple and straightforward, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, both you and your fiancé must appear in person at your local county clerk's office to obtain the license. This needs to be done at least 72 hours before your wedding ceremony, but no more than 90 days beforehand, as marriage licenses in Texas expire after 90 days. So, it's important to time your trip to the county clerk's office accordingly.
When visiting the county clerk's office, make sure you bring valid photo identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or certified birth certificate. Additionally, there may be a fee for obtaining the marriage license, which can vary by county but typically ranges from $70 to $90. Some counties may have additional charges, such as credit card fees, so it's advisable to check with your specific county clerk's office in advance to know the exact amount and accepted payment methods. If you are unable to provide proof of Texas residency, an additional $100 fee may be required.
It's worth noting that Texas has certain requirements for individuals performing wedding ceremonies. Your officiant must be licensed or ordained as a minister, priest, or rabbi, or they may be a judge or justice of the peace. Texas does not require additional wedding witnesses. If you are planning a destination wedding or getting married in a public place, be sure to research the specific requirements for that location.
If you are recently divorced, there is a 30-day waiting period before you can apply for a new marriage license. Additionally, Texas offers free marriage education classes for premarital couples, and completing these classes can result in a deduction from the cost of your marriage license. Overall, obtaining a marriage license in Texas is a relatively straightforward process, but it's important to allow enough time and be aware of the specific requirements and fees that may apply.
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How long is a Texas wedding license valid for
In Texas, a marriage license is valid for 89 or 90 days from the date it is issued. If the couple does not marry within this window, the license expires, and they must apply for another one. Texas law requires that couples apply for a marriage license at least 72 hours before their wedding but no more than 90 days beforehand.
The marriage license must be obtained from the local county clerk's office, and the couple must appear in person. Both parties must provide proof of identity using documents approved by state law and cannot be presently married to anyone other than each other. If either party is not a Texas resident, they will need to bring an additional $100. The marriage license typically costs between $70 and $90, but certain counties may charge credit card fees or may not accept personal cheques, so it is best to bring cash.
After the wedding, it is the officiant's responsibility to ensure that the license is recorded with the county where the wedding took place. Within a few weeks, the couple will receive their marriage certificate in the mail.
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What to do with the license after the wedding
In Texas, a marriage license is valid for 89 to 90 days from the date it is issued. If you don't get married within that window, the license will expire, and you will have to apply for another one.
Now, what to do with the license after the wedding? Here are the steps to ensure your marriage license is properly handled and recorded:
Sign and Date the License
After the wedding ceremony, ensure that the officiant who performed the ceremony signs and dates the marriage license. This is a crucial step, as it confirms the officiant's role in legally binding your marriage.
Return the License to the County Clerk's Office
The signed and dated marriage license must be returned to the county clerk's office from where it was issued. This is typically done by the officiant, but it's a good idea for couples to confirm that this responsibility is clearly communicated and understood. The license should be returned no later than 30 days after the wedding ceremony.
Receive Your Official Marriage License
Once the completed marriage license is received by the county clerk, it will be recorded in the public records. After it's officially recorded, you will receive your official marriage license, typically within a few weeks. This document serves as the official recognition of your marriage and can be used as proof of your marital status.
Obtain Additional Copies (Optional)
You may want to obtain additional copies of your marriage license for various purposes, such as name changes, insurance updates, or other legal procedures. These copies can be purchased from the county clerk's office where the license was issued. If you are unsure about where the license was issued, you can use the marriage indexes from the Texas Department of Vital Statistics to search for the marriage record and determine the issuing office.
Understand Common Law Marriage (if applicable)
If you entered into a common law marriage, also known as an "informal marriage," you may need to take additional steps. In Texas, a "declaration of informal marriage" can be filed with the county clerk to register this type of marriage. Contact the county clerk's office for more information on the specific procedures and requirements for common law marriages.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your marriage license is properly handled and recorded, allowing you to focus on celebrating your new chapter together as a legally recognized married couple in Texas.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding license in Texas is valid for 89 or 90 days from the date it is issued. If a couple wishes to marry after the expiration date, a new license must be purchased.
You can obtain a marriage license from any county in Texas. You can get it from your local county clerk's office, which is typically located within the county's main courthouse. Many Texas counties now offer an online application process.
Both applicants must appear in person at the county clerk's office. You must be 18 years or older and provide proof of identity using documents approved by state law. If you are divorced, there is a 30-day waiting period before you can apply for a new license.
After obtaining your wedding license, you must have it signed by all the necessary parties, including the officiant, who must meet certain requirements. The officiant can be a licensed or ordained minister, priest, rabbi, judge, or justice of the peace. The license must then be recorded with the county where the wedding took place, and you will receive your marriage certificate in the mail within a few weeks.
