Getting married is an exciting milestone in life, and one of the first steps in tying the knot is obtaining a marriage license. If you’re planning to get married in Texas, it’s important to know the necessary steps to obtain your marriage license. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get a marriage license in Texas.
1. Understand the Requirements
Before applying for a marriage license in Texas, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
- If under 18, a court order and parental consent are required.
- You do not need to be a resident of Texas to apply for a marriage license.
- You must present valid identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate.
- Your social security number is required for the application.
2. Visit the County Clerk’s Office
Marriage licenses in Texas are issued by the county clerk’s office. To apply for a marriage license, both partners must visit the county clerk’s office together. It’s advisable to call ahead to verify the office hours and any additional requirements.
3. Complete the Application
When you visit the county clerk’s office, you will be required to fill out a marriage license application. This application will ask for basic information about both partners, including full names, dates of birth, places of birth, and current addresses.
4. Pay the Fee
There is a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license in Texas. The fee may vary by county, so it’s essential to check the specific amount with the county clerk’s office. Most offices accept cash, credit cards, or money orders for payment.
5. Wait for the Waiting Period
After submitting your marriage license application and paying the fee, there is a waiting period before your license is issued. In Texas, there is a 72-hour waiting period, which means you cannot get married until three days after the license is issued.
6. Obtain Your Marriage License
Once the waiting period has passed, you can pick up your marriage license from the county clerk’s office. Make sure to bring valid identification, as you may be required to present it again when picking up the license.
7. Choose an Officiant
Before getting married, you’ll need to have an officiant to perform the ceremony. In Texas, authorized officiants include religious ministers, judges, justices of the peace, and certain other individuals specified by state law.
8. Get Married!
Once you have your marriage license and officiant ready, you can proceed with your wedding ceremony. Make sure to have at least two witnesses present at the ceremony to sign the marriage license.
9. File the Marriage License
After the ceremony, the officiant will sign the marriage license, along with the witnesses. The marriage license must be returned to the county clerk’s office for official recording within a certain timeframe, typically within 30 days of the ceremony.
10. Order Certified Copies
After your marriage license is recorded, you can order certified copies for your records. Certified copies are often needed for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal purposes.
Following these steps will ensure a smooth process for obtaining and using your marriage license in Texas. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
