Dallas County is the second most populous county in Texas with approximately 2.6 million residents. The Dallas County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses at the main downtown courthouse.
Office Location and Hours
Marriage licenses in Dallas County are issued by the Dallas County Clerk at 509 Main Street, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75202. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Parking in downtown Dallas can be expensive — consider public transit via DART light rail (West Transfer Center or Convention Center station).
Dallas County also has a satellite clerk's office at the George Allen Courts Building. Call ahead to confirm which location handles marriage licenses on your intended visit day.
Required Documents
Both applicants must bring the following to the Dallas County Clerk's office:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: State driver's license, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government photo ID. Must not be expired.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card not required — just know the number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party was previously married, be prepared to provide the date and state the marriage ended. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Fee — $82
The Dallas County marriage license fee is $82. Accepted payment methods typically include cash, credit/debit card, and money order. Personal checks are not accepted at most county clerk offices. Call ahead to confirm current payment options.
Waiting Period — 72 hours (waivable)
The waiting period in Dallas County is 72 hours (waivable). Plan your license application date carefully relative to your ceremony date. See our complete waiting periods guide for more detail on this state's rules and how to request a waiver if applicable.
License Validity — 90 days
Your Dallas County marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Texas. If your ceremony falls outside this window, the license expires and you must reapply. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact expiration date.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must sign and return the completed marriage license to the Dallas County Clerk within the timeframe required by Texas law. The clerk then records it as a permanent public record. Certified copies of the marriage certificate can be ordered from the clerk's office after recording — typically available 2–4 weeks after the ceremony.
Call the Dallas County Clerk's office the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fee amounts, and any appointment requirements. Government office policies can change without public notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Texas requires both applicants to appear together in person to apply for a marriage license. There are very limited exceptions (active military deployment in some states). Both parties must present valid photo ID and provide their Social Security numbers.
Yes. Texas has no residency requirement for marriage license applicants. You can apply in Dallas County regardless of where you live, and the license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Texas.
After your officiant returns the signed license and the Dallas County Clerk records it, you can order certified copies directly from the clerk's office in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek. You'll need certified copies for Social Security, your driver's license, and other name change purposes.
The county clerk's office does not typically perform ceremonies. For a civil ceremony, contact the Dallas area courthouse to ask about judge or magistrate availability. Justices of the Peace in the county may also be available. See our courthouse ceremony guide for more detail.