WHO & WHEN: Texas Law requires a Man and Woman to obtain their Marriage License at least 72-hours before they are to be married... Exceptions to the 72-hours: Active Military status -OR- a waiver issued by a Judge. THE LICENSE EXPIRES IN 30 DAYS FROM WHEN YOU BUY IT.
WHERE: A Marriage License can be obtained in ANY County Clerk's office in Texas and can be used in any County in Texas. For example: A couple may purchase their Marriage License in Travis County and be married in Williamson County, or Dallas County, or any county in Texas that they choose!
Contact your County Clerk's office for location, hours, and acceptable payment types. (Click the links below for local County Clerk Offices.)
You can obtain a Discounted Marriage License (you save $60.00) by completing a PRE-APPROVED 8-hour pre-marital counseling class. Check out here to see when & where the next class is: TWOGETHER IN TEXAS.
IDENTIFICATION: The Bride and Groom will need at least ONE FORM of identification to obtain their Marriage License. Acceptable forms of ID are: Current Driver's License -or- Certified Copy of their Birth Certificate -or- Current Passport. The Bride and Groom will need ONE FORM of identification to obtain their Marriage License. Acceptable forms of ID are: Current Driver's License -or- Certified Copy of their Birth Certificate -or- Current Passport.
ABSENT APPLICANT / PROXY: If either the Bride or the Groom cannot be present to obtain the Marriage License an 'Absent Applicant' form can be used. (Get these at the County Clerk's office.) The person who CAN come get the Marriage License (either the Bride or Groom) must bring the completed 'Absent Applicant' form to the County Clerk's office along with their own ID AND the Absent person's identification (see above for acceptable forms of ID). IF the 'Absent Applicant' will NOT be present to Exchange Wedding Vows, then a 'PROXY' needs to be named to stand-in to take their vows. The 'PROXY' will be named on the Absent Application Form and on your License. Be sure your 'Proxy' will be available when you need them! (A 'Proxy' can be male / female / related / friend... there are no guidelines for who the 'Proxy' has to be.)
YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE: Be sure to proof-read your Marriage License before leaving the County Clerk's office. The spelling of your name on your Marriage License legally affects you! Brides: Your name will not change on this document - you have to get married first! When your Officiant signs the License & the County has recorded your Marriage - THEN you can have your new last name changed on your drivers license, bank account, Social Security Card, etc.
Call us with any questions on HOW to obtain your Marriage License - we have an in-depth understanding on the procedures in Texas. 512-704-4678
