Obtaining a Marriage License
Must be 18 years of age to apply for a Marriage License.
Both applicants must be present to receive the license (few exceptions, as noted in the Statutes). In the State of Texas, the marriage license is valid for ninety (90) days from the day it is issued. However, after the marriage license is issued there is a 72-hour waiting period before the license becomes valid. The marriage license may be used anywhere in the State of Texas.
To apply for the Marriage License each applicant shall submit:
- Fee: $81.00 Plastic protector sleeve available for $3.00
- Valid Government-issued picture ID.
- Proof of identity and age (Driver’s License, State Identification Card, or other document issued by this state or another state, United States or a foreign country; certified copy of applicants birth certificate that is translated)*
- Verbalize the oath printed on the application and sign the application before the county clerk
- If one applicant cannot appear personally, see information on the absent applicant procedures
The Absent Applicant form is available to couples when one of the applicants is not available to apply in person.
*Both applicants must be present for the ceremony*
An Informal Marriage License is available to couples. Both parties must be present to obtain an Informal Marriage License. Informal Marriage Fee: $46.00
***Note: The VS-180, Application for Marriage License, the VS-180.1, Declaration and Registration of Informal Marriage, and the VS-181, Application of Absent Applicant for Marriage License, are for County Clerks Offices use only. Applicants applying for a marriage license must see their nearest county clerk for the application. Applications not received directly from the county clerk's office will NOT be accepted. ***
State-Approved Marriage Counseling Information (EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2022)
The Healthy Marriage Program provides voluntary marriage and relationship education skills. Through the Twogether in Texas website you can locate marital, pre-marital and relationship counselors and classes.
- All Texans can use these services.
- There are no eligibility requirements.
- Couples who complete pre-marital education through one of the counselors listed on this website will receive a completion certificate that can be presented to a Texas county clerk for:
- Up to $60 off their marriage license fee
- Waiving the 72-hour waiting period
- Visit the website: www.twogetherintexas.com