Texas marriage license guide
How to get a marriage license in Texas
Texas imposes a 72-hour waiting period after issuance (waived for active-duty military and for couples who complete a Twogether in Texas premarital course — which also drops the $75 fee to $25). The license is valid for 90 days statewide. Two witnesses are required. Texas fully recognizes informal (common-law) marriage and allows couples to file a Declaration of Informal Marriage with the County Clerk to make it official without a ceremony.
Texas marriage license at a glance
- Issued by
- County Clerk
- License fee
- $25–$85
- Waiting period
- 3 days
- Validity
- 90 days from issuance
- Minimum age
- 18 (without parental consent)
- Witnesses required
- 2
- ID requirement
- Government-issued photo ID; Social Security number
- Blood test?
- No (not required in any US state)
- Common-law marriage?
- Recognized
- Statute
- Tex. Fam. Code §§ 2.001 et seq.
Source: statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Fees vary by county within Texas — check with the local clerk before applying.
Texas counties — where to apply
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Informational only — not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your local county clerk before applying.