Texas Marriage License Requirements

Statutes

• Texas Family Code Section 2.002 (application for marriage license)
• Texas Family Code Section 2.003 (application by a minor)
• Texas Family Code Section 2.005 (proof of identity and age)
• Texas Family Code Section 2.008 (issuance of license)
• Texas Family Code Section 2.006, Section 2.007, 2.0071 (absent applicant matters)

Age requirements

Age Requirements

Applicants for the marriage license must be at least 18 years old to get married without consent. A person under the age of 18 must present the following to the county clerk:

• Documents establishing parental consent;
• Documents showing that a prior marriage has been resolved; or
• A court order authorizing the marriage of the person.

Residency requirements

There are no residency requirements.

• Appear before the county clerk (if an applicant cannot personally appear, then any adult or the other applicant may appear on behalf of the absent applicant.);
• Submit proof of identity and age;
• Provide applicable information in the application; and
• Take the oath and sign the application before the county clerk.
• Pay the fees. The fees vary from county to county. If a couple attends the state of Texas approved marriage education course, then they don't have to pay the state portion of the fee; however, they still must pay the county portion of the fees.

Reasons for denial of the license:

• Failure to provide required information;
• Failure to present valid forms of ID;
• Over age16, but under 18, but didn't present parental consent, documents establishing that a prior marriage has been dissolved, or a court order;
• Violation of the divorce waiting period- attempting to marry within the last 30 days of divorce.
• Indicates that the applicant has been divorced within the last 30 days, violating the waiting period

Waiting period: You must wait 72 hours after obtaining the license before you can marry.

License expiration

The license expires 30 days from date it's issued. Once the license has expired, it can't be used to get married; you will have to apply for a new license.