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A standard license for most couples. Valid for 90 days after issuance. Requires a 72-hour waiting period between obtaining the license and getting married unless an exemption applies, such as completing a premarital education course or being active-duty military.
For couples where one person cannot be present to apply. The absent person must complete a notarized affidavit, and the other party must submit it in person at the county clerk's office. Both parties must still meet all eligibility requirements for marriage in Texas.
Recognizes a couple as legally married without a formal ceremony. To establish a common-law marriage, both parties must agree to be married, live together in Texas as spouses, and present themselves to others as a married couple. Couples can formalize this by filing a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the county clerk's office.
To apply for a Texas marriage license, visit your local county clerk’s office in any Texas county. Both applicants must be present with a valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID) and provide their Social Security numbers. Some counties offer online pre-application to save time, but you must still finalize the application in person.
You must apply for a Texas marriage license in person at any county clerk’s office within Texas. Applications cannot be completed remotely from another state. At least one applicant must physically appear in Texas to obtain the license. If one party is unavailable, they may submit a notarized Affidavit of Absent Applicant, allowing the other applicant to apply on their behalf.
A Texas marriage license cannot be obtained remotely from outside the U.S. Both applicants must apply in person at a Texas county clerk’s office with valid government-issued identification. If one party cannot appear, they may submit a notarized Affidavit of Absent Applicant, but the other applicant must be present in Texas to complete the process.
Marriage licenses in most states expire within 30–90 days. Make sure to check your state’s rules to avoid last-minute stress.
Processing times can vary. Applying early helps you avoid delays, especially if your wedding is on a weekend or during peak season.
Some states allow same-day issuance, while others require a waiting period. Plan ahead to meet your wedding timeline.
Most offices issue licenses immediately, though some may take a few days. Confirm whether you’ll need to pick it up or if a digital copy is available.
If your license expires before your wedding, you’ll need to reapply—and repay the fees again. Stay on top of the deadline to avoid extra hassle.
Both applicants must provide a valid form of government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or state-issued ID card. The identification must be current and not expired.
Both applicants must provide their Social Security numbers. If an applicant does not have one, they must sign a declaration stating this fact.
Texas law requires both parties to be at least 18 years old to obtain a marriage license without parental consent. Applicants must provide documentation proving their age, which is typically satisfied by the photo ID mentioned above.
If either applicant has been divorced within the last 30 days, they must provide a certified copy of the divorce decree. This requirement ensures that the previous marriage has been legally terminated.
Both applicants must complete and sign the marriage license application form. This form is typically available at the county clerk’s office or can be downloaded from their website in some counties.
While not required, couples who complete a premarital education course can present a certificate of completion to receive a discount on the marriage license fee and waive the 72-hour waiting period. By providing these documents and meeting the state’s requirements, couples can successfully apply for a marriage license in Texas.
Certain cases need more paperwork
Make sure your IDs, forms, and application details are accurate to avoid delays.
Some states offer fee reductions for completing a course—check if it applies to you.
Avoid last-minute stress by applying in advance and consulting a specialist if needed.
Detailed step by step application process
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