In Texas, an Application for Marriage License is the required legal document for couples seeking to marry in the state, governed by section 2.004 of the Texas Family Code. Both parties must appear together at the county clerk's office in their county of residence or the county where the marriage ceremony will take place. The completed form serves as the official record of the couple's identities, backgrounds, and intent to marry.
Eligibility Requirements
Texas law sets the following requirements for obtaining a marriage license:
Required Information and Documents
When visiting the county clerk's office, each applicant must bring the following information and documents:
The Application Process
Once the completed application is submitted and the fee is paid, the county clerk issues a marriage license. Texas law requires a 72-hour waiting period between the time the license is issued and the time the marriage ceremony can take place. This waiting period is mandatory unless a court grants an emergency waiver. After the ceremony is completed, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the county clerk's office for recording. The marriage is officially recognized once the record is filed.
A Texas marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If the ceremony does not take place within that period, the license expires and the couple must reapply and pay the fee again.
Fees
The standard fee for a Texas marriage license varies by county but typically ranges from $70 to $83. Some Texas counties offer a reduced fee of $11 for couples who complete a state-approved premarital education course. Payment is generally accepted in cash, check, or money order at the county clerk's office. Contact your local county clerk's office for the exact fee information for your county.
Name Changes After Marriage
The marriage license application includes an optional name designation section where each spouse may indicate the name they intend to use after the ceremony. Texas allows the following types of name changes through the marriage license process:
Note that first name changes are not permitted through the marriage license process in Texas. Once the marriage is recorded, the certified marriage certificate serves as official documentation for updating your name on your driver's license, Social Security card, passport, and other records. For additional name change assistance, see our name change form resource.
Child Support and Disclosure Requirements
Texas law requires applicants to disclose on the marriage license application whether they are delinquent on court-ordered child support payments. A county clerk may refuse to issue a license to any applicant who is in arrears on child support obligations. Each applicant signs the form affirming that all information is truthful, as submitting false information is a felony offense punishable by fines and imprisonment under Texas law.
FormsPal provides additional related documents for couples planning their union. Explore the blank marriage certificate template to have a record ready after your ceremony. For a ceremony in another state, you may need the Georgia Application for Marriage License. Those who may later require dissolution documents can access the Texas Marital Settlement Agreement on FormsPal.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Application Marriage License Form |
| Form Length | 2 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 30 sec |
| Issuing Authority | Texas County Clerk's Office |
| Waiting Period | 72 hours from issuance |
| License Valid For | 90 days from issuance |
| Typical Fee | $70 to $83 (varies by county) |
| State | Texas |
| Other names | obtaining a texas marriage license, application marriage get, texas marriage license form, of marriage texas get |