How to Get Married in Texas: License, Waiting Period, and Cost
To get married in Texas, both partners visit any county clerk's office, apply in person with photo ID, pay a $60 fee, and wait 72 hours before the ceremony. The license stays valid for 90 days, and you can skip both the waiting period and the fee by completing a state-approved premarital education course. This guide walks engaged couples through every step, from gathering documents to returning the signed license after your ceremony, with current costs, deadlines, and exceptions you should know.
Key takeaways
- The standard Texas marriage license fee is $60, but it's waived for Texas residents who complete a premarital education course within the past year.
- Texas requires a 72-hour waiting period between license issuance and the ceremony, with four specific exceptions: active-duty military, DoD employees/contractors, a judge's written waiver, or a completed premarital education course.
- Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. There is no parental consent exception; minors can only marry with a court order removing disabilities of minority.
- A marriage license from any Texas county is valid statewide, and many counties now offer online applications.
- After a divorce, Texas law imposes a 31-day cooling-off period before you can marry a new person, though remarrying your ex-spouse has no waiting period.
- The signed marriage license must be returned to the county clerk after the ceremony so the marriage becomes part of the public record.
How to Get a Marriage License in Texas: The Quick Steps
Both partners apply together at any Texas county clerk's office, bring valid photo ID, pay the fee, and then wait 72 hours before your ceremony can take place. Here's the process from start to finish:
- Choose a county clerk's office. Any county in Texas will work; the license is valid statewide.
- Gather your documents. Both partners need a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID) and their Social Security numbers.
- Apply in person. Both applicants appear before the county clerk, complete the application form, and take an oath.
- Pay the $60 fee. Cash, check, or card acceptance varies by county.
- Wait 72 hours. Your ceremony cannot legally take place during the 72-hour period after issuance (unless you qualify for an exception).
- Hold your ceremony. An authorized officiant performs the ceremony within the license's 90-day validity window.
- Return the signed license. The officiant or one of the spouses returns the completed license to the issuing county clerk so the marriage is recorded.
This guide is for engaged couples planning a wedding in Texas, whether you're lifelong residents or destination-wedding visitors.
Texas Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must appear in person before a county clerk and meet several eligibility rules before a license can be issued.
In-Person Appearance and Documents
Under Section 2.002 of the Texas Family Code, each person applying for a license must:
- Appear before the county clerk
- Submit proof of identity and age (driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued photo ID)
- Provide a Social Security number on the application
- Take an oath and sign the application
Providing false information on the application is a Class C misdemeanor, and providing fraudulent proof of identity or age is a Class A misdemeanor.
Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years old. Texas does not allow parental consent as an exception. A person under 18 can only marry if they've been granted a court order removing the disabilities of minority (essentially a judicial emancipation). This applies under Section 2.003 of the Family Code.
Legally Single
Both parties must be legally single. If you've been married before, that prior marriage must have ended through divorce, annulment, or the death of your former spouse. Texas also imposes a 31-day cooling-off period after a divorce: you cannot marry a new person until the 31st day after the divorce decree is signed (Family Code Section 6.801). Remarrying your ex-spouse has no such waiting period.
Prohibited Relationships
Texas law voids marriages between close relatives, including parent and child (by blood or adoption), siblings (full or half-blood, or by adoption), and uncle/aunt and niece/nephew (Family Code Section 6.201).
No Blood Test Required
Texas does not require a blood test, medical exam, or health certificate to obtain a marriage license. This is a common question from couples who have read about requirements in other states, but Texas eliminated its blood test requirement years ago.
How Much Is a Marriage License in Texas?
The statutory fee for a Texas marriage license is $60, set by Section 118.011 of the Local Government Code. That single fee covers every service involved in issuing the license, including preparing the application, administering oaths, filing waivers, and recording the return of the license.
Here's a breakdown of costs you may encounter:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard marriage license | $60 | Required for all applicants |
| Non-resident surcharge | Up to $100 | Applies when neither applicant can prove Texas residency |
| Informal marriage declaration | $25 | For couples registering a common-law marriage |
| Voluntary childhood program contribution | $5 | Optional; supports the Texas Home Visiting Program |
| Premarital education course fee waiver | $0 license fee | Texas residents who complete a qualifying course within the past year pay no license fee |
The Premarital Education Course Discount
Texas residents who complete a state-approved premarital education course (described in Family Code Section 2.013) and present a completion certificate dated within the past year get two benefits: the $60 license fee is waived, and the 72-hour waiting period is eliminated. The certificate must be provided to the county clerk at the time of application.
The Texas 72-Hour Waiting Period and How to Waive It
A marriage ceremony cannot legally take place during the 72 hours immediately after the marriage license is issued. This is set by Section 2.204 of the Texas Family Code.
The 72-hour rule has four exceptions. You can skip the wait if you:
- Are active-duty military. Members of the U.S. armed forces on active duty are exempt.
- Work for the Department of Defense. This includes DoD employees and contractors.
- Obtain a judge's written waiver. A judge with jurisdiction in family law cases, a justice of the supreme court, a judge of the court of criminal appeals, a county judge, or a judge of a court of appeals can sign a written waiver if they find good cause for the ceremony to happen sooner.
- Complete a premarital education course. Providing a course completion certificate (dated within the past year) to the county clerk waives the waiting period and the license fee.
The 90-Day Validity Window
Once issued, your Texas marriage license is valid for 90 days. If your ceremony doesn't happen within that window, the license expires and you'll need to apply and pay again. Plan your application timing so the 90-day window comfortably covers your wedding date.
Where to Apply and the Texas County Clerk Process
A marriage license issued by any Texas county is valid for ceremonies held anywhere in the state. You don't need to apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live.
Online Applications and Remote Technology
Many Texas counties now accept online applications, letting you fill out the form and upload documents before your in-person visit. Some counties also offer license issuance through remote technology under Family Code Section 2.0091. Check with your local county clerk's office to see what options are available, as these vary by county.
When One Partner Can't Be There
If one applicant who is 18 or older is unable to appear in person, any adult or the other applicant can apply on their behalf. Under Sections 2.006 and 2.007 of the Family Code, the person applying must present:
- A notarized affidavit from the absent applicant (check with the county clerk for their preferred form, or find a sample on the Texas Courts website)
- Proof of the absent applicant's identity and age
If both applicants are absent, the clerk can only issue a license when both provide affidavits confirming they are active-duty military stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation.
Confirming Local Details
Office hours, accepted payment methods, and online application availability differ from county to county. Call or visit your county clerk's website before your trip to confirm specifics and avoid a wasted visit.
After the Ceremony: Returning the License and Next Financial Steps
The ceremony is just the beginning of the legal and financial transition into marriage.
Returning the Signed License
Texas law authorizes a range of officiants to conduct a marriage ceremony, including licensed or ordained ministers, judges, justices of the peace, and certain other officials (Family Code Section 2.202). After the ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the county clerk's office so your marriage is officially recorded. This step is what makes your marriage part of the public record. You can then request certified copies of the marriage certificate from the clerk's office, which you'll need for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal processes.
Planning the Financial Side of Marriage
With the legal paperwork handled, couples typically turn to a longer list of financial and administrative decisions:
- Name changes. If either spouse is changing their name, you'll need to update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, bank accounts, and employer records.
- Beneficiary designations. Review and update beneficiaries on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and investment accounts.
- Health insurance. Marriage is a qualifying life event that typically triggers a special enrollment period, usually 30 to 60 days depending on the plan.
- Bank accounts. Decide whether to open joint accounts, keep separate ones, or use a combination.
- Tax filing. Your filing status changes for the entire tax year in which you marry, even if your wedding is in December.
When to Bring In a Professional
Some decisions call for qualified help. A family law attorney is the right resource if you're considering a prenuptial agreement or have complex property questions. A tax professional can model how marriage will affect your combined tax liability. An estate planning attorney can help you draft or update wills and powers of attorney. For routine logistics like name changes and beneficiary updates, you can typically handle those on your own with your marriage certificate in hand.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a blood test to get married in Texas?
No. Texas does not require a blood test, medical exam, or health certificate to obtain a marriage license. You only need valid photo ID, your Social Security number, and the $60 fee.
How long does a Texas marriage license last?
A Texas marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it's issued. If you don't hold your ceremony within that window, the license expires and you'll need to apply and pay again.
Can you get married the same day you get the license in Texas?
Generally, no. Texas requires a 72-hour waiting period between license issuance and the ceremony. However, you can skip the wait if you're active-duty military, a DoD employee or contractor, obtain a judge's written waiver for good cause, or complete a state-approved premarital education course.
How much does a marriage license cost in Texas?
The standard fee is $60, set by the Texas Local Government Code. Texas residents who complete a state-approved premarital education course and present a certificate from within the past year can have the fee waived entirely. Non-residents may face an additional $100 surcharge.
Do both people have to be present to apply for a marriage license in Texas?
Both applicants are generally required to appear in person. However, if one applicant who is 18 or older cannot appear, any adult or the other applicant can apply on their behalf using a notarized affidavit and proof of the absent person's identity and age.
Can I get a marriage license in one county and marry in another?
Yes. A marriage license issued by any Texas county clerk is valid for ceremonies held anywhere in the state. You don't need to apply in the county where you plan to marry.
Does Texas recognize common-law (informal) marriage?
Yes. Texas recognizes informal marriages (commonly called common-law marriages). Couples can register a Declaration of Informal Marriage with the county clerk for a $25 fee, or prove the marriage through other legal means under Family Code Section 2.401.
How can I waive the 72-hour waiting period in Texas?
Four exceptions allow you to skip the wait: being active-duty military, being a DoD employee or contractor, obtaining a written waiver from a qualified judge for good cause, or completing a state-approved premarital education course and providing the certificate to the county clerk.
Do you need to be a Texas resident to get married in Texas?
No. Texas does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. However, if neither applicant can prove Texas residency, the county clerk may charge an additional $100 on top of the standard $60 license fee.
How long after a divorce can you remarry in Texas?
You must wait at least 31 days after the divorce decree is signed before marrying a new person. If you're remarrying your ex-spouse, there is no waiting period.
Written by
Ronke Oyekunle
Co-Founder & COO, Neptune
Reviewed by
Michael Cotugno, Esq.
Managing Partner, Neptune Legal · 30+ years practicing family law
Michael has been practicing family law for more than 30 years and as Managing Partner of Neptune Legal, he is widely recognized for his expertise in premarital agreements and estate plans. After spending the first two decades of his career handling family law litigation, he saw firsthand the emotional and financial costs couples often face when issues are not clearly addressed early on. This experience led him to focus his practice on helping clients proactively create thoughtful, well-structured agreements.