Harris County is the most populous county in Texas and the third most populous in the United States, home to over 4.7 million residents. The Harris County Clerk's office processes more marriage licenses than any other county in Texas — approximately 25,000 per year.
Office Location and Hours
The Harris County Clerk's Office at 201 Caroline Street, Suite 330, Houston, TX 77002 handles all marriage license applications. This is the main downtown Houston courthouse location. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Harris County also accepts an online pre-application at harrisvotes.com to reduce your time at the counter. Both parties must still appear in person, but completing the form online means the clerk can pull your information quickly.
Required Documents
Both applicants must bring the following to the Harris 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 Harris 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 Harris 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 Harris 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 Harris 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 Harris 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 Harris 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 Harris 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 Houston 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.