$60 premarital course discount available statewide.
Texas Marriage License — State Rules
Texas has the most actionable waiting period waiver process in the country — a duty judge can sign the waiver on your license the same day at the courthouse, often in under 30 minutes. The premarital course discount is also the largest in the US: $60 off the $82 fee, reducing it to $22.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | County Clerk |
| Waiting period | 72 hours (waivable by judge) |
| License validity | 90 days |
| Fee range | $22–$82 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | 2 required |
| Residency required? | No — Texas has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes — both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No — Texas does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the County Clerk
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport. Both parties.
- Social Security Number — required on the application for both parties. Physical card typically not required. Non-U.S. citizens without an SSN write "None."
- Prior marriage information — date and state the prior marriage ended (divorce or death). For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
- Fee payment — $22–$82. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
Texas County Guides
Select your county for the exact office address, hours, fee, appointment requirements, and county-specific procedural detail.
Fee: $82
Fee: $82
Fee: $82
Fee: $82
Fee: $82
Fee: $82
County-by-county guides for all Texas counties are being expanded continuously. Use our checklist tool for a personalized document list based on your state while additional county pages are added.
Frequently Asked Questions — Texas
No. Texas has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a Texas marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Texas.
The waiting period in Texas is 72 hours (waivable by judge). This means you must wait this long after receiving the license before holding the ceremony. See our waiting periods guide for the complete statewide comparison and waiver procedures.
A Texas marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. If the ceremony does not occur within this window, the license expires and you must reapply and pay the fee again. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact deadline.
No. A Texas marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within Texas. If your ceremony is in a different state, you must apply for a license in that state. Your home state will recognize any legally performed marriage from another state.