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Marriage license Laws in the state of Texas, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the Texas marriage laws before filling out the Texas marriage license form.
In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.
You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, but you'll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.
And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.
ID Requirement: Certified copy of birth certificate; or valid driver's license or other acceptable I.D. issued by the state, another state, the United States, or a foreign government.
• Either bring your Social Security card or know your Social Security number.
• If you want to use your maiden name on the license bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or a certified copy of your divorce decree that states name is to be changed to maiden name.
Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Texas.
If previously married: If your divorce was finalized within 30 days, bring certified copy of the divorce decree stating the 30 day waiting period is waived.
Application Requirement: Both parties must appear, together or separately, to apply. (Portions of the application process may be completed by absentee application if one party is unable to appear in person).
Fees: $36+ - Cash Only.
Waiting Period: Marriage licenses have a 72 hour waiting period -- unless waived due to active duty military status.
Blood Tests: No blood test requirement.
Under 18: If either party is under the age of 18, they must be accompanied by parents.
• If under the age of 16, Tennessee law requires that the couple receives a court order before being allowed to marry.
Proxy Marriages: Yes.
Common Law Marriage:
Yes. Texas also refers to common law marriage as an informal
marriage. For a marriage to be declared an informal marriage
in Texas, a couple has two options:
1. Sign a declaration of their marriage under oath. The form
is available at County Clerk's office.
The Declaration and Registration of Informal Marriage
asks for full names, woman's maiden surname, addresses,
dates of birth, places of birth, social security numbers,
and relationship information.
The Declaration states: "I solemnly swear (or affirm) that
we, the undersigned, are married to each other by virtue of
the following facts: On or about (Date) we agreed to be
married, and after that date we lived together as husband
and wife and in this state we represented to others that we
were married. Since the date of marriage to the other party
I have not been married to any other person. This
declaration is true and the information in it which I have
given is correct."
2. Live together as husband and wife in Texas Represent to
others that they are married. Agree with one another that
they are married.
Individuals under the age of 18 may not enter into an
informal marriage.
Cousin Marriage: No.
Same Sex Marriage: No.
Officiants: All regular ministers of the gospel of every denomination, and Jewish rabbis, more than 18 years of age, having the care of souls may perform marriages. Ministers must endorse the marriage license and return it to the clerk of the county court within three days after the marriage.
Valid: License is
valid for 30 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Texas.
Please Note: As of September 1995 Texas Law requires that a notarized statement pertaining to child support be submitted by all marriage license applicants. This form may be obtained at the same time you apply for your marriage license. It must be signed and completed in the presence of two witnesses and a notary public. No applications can be processed without the proper submission of this statement.
It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.
Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.
Dallas County Clerk
Dallas, TX
214. 653. 7478
