Tarrant County, Texas
Marriage License Requirements

Who Issues Marriage Licenses in Tarrant County?

Marriage licenses in Tarrant County are issued by the Tarrant County Clerk's Office, located at 200 Taylor Street, Suite 301, Fort Worth, TX 76196. This is the main downtown Fort Worth courthouse. There is no satellite location that issues marriage licenses — you must go to the main office.

The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They do not offer evening or weekend hours for marriage license applications. Plan to arrive by 4:30 PM to ensure you have enough time to complete the process — the application itself typically takes 15–30 minutes once you're at the counter.

The $82 Fee — What's Included and How to Pay

The Tarrant County marriage license fee is $82.00 as of 2025. This is set by Texas state law (Texas Family Code §118.011) and applies uniformly across all Texas counties — but note that some neighboring counties charge slightly different amounts due to local additions.

Tarrant County accepts:

• Cash (exact change appreciated)
• Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover — small processing fee may apply)
• Certified check or money order payable to "Tarrant County Clerk"

Personal checks are not accepted. If you plan to pay by card, confirm the current processing fee when you call ahead — it is typically $2–$4 and varies by card type.

Required Documents

Both applicants must bring the following to the Tarrant County Clerk's office:

• Valid government-issued photo ID: Texas driver's license, Texas ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport. The ID must not be expired.
• Social Security Number: You'll need to provide your SSN on the application form. You do not need to bring the physical card, but you must know the number.
• Proof of age: If you are under 18, additional requirements apply (see section below).
• Divorce decree (if applicable): If either party has been divorced, you'll need to provide the date the divorce was finalized. If divorced within the past 30 days, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. Tarrant County clerks have occasionally asked for this even for older divorces — it's safer to have it.

You do not need a birth certificate unless you are under 18. You do not need proof of residency — Texas does not require Tarrant County residency to obtain a Tarrant County marriage license.

The 72-Hour Waiting Period

Texas law (Texas Family Code §2.204) imposes a 72-hour waiting period between the time your license is issued and the earliest moment you can legally marry. The 72 hours begins the moment the clerk stamps your application — not midnight of the following day. If your license is issued at 10:00 AM on a Monday, you cannot marry until 10:00 AM on Thursday.

This catches many couples off guard. It means if you're planning a Friday ceremony, you need to apply by Tuesday morning at the latest — not Thursday, which many people assume.

How to Get the 72-Hour Waiting Period Waived

Texas law allows a county or district judge to waive the 72-hour waiting period "for good cause." This is more commonly done than most people realize. The process in Tarrant County:

1. After receiving your marriage license, take it to the Tarrant County Courts Building at 100 W. Weatherford Street.
2. Ask at the district clerk's office (ground floor) for the waiver process — they will direct you to an available judge or magistrate.
3. A judge signs the waiver directly on the license. There is typically a small fee ($5–$10).
4. You can then marry immediately.

Good cause doesn't require an emergency. Judges in Texas routinely grant waivers for valid scheduling reasons. This is not advertised on the Tarrant County website, but it is a legitimate and frequently used option.

How Long Is the Tarrant County Marriage License Valid?

A Tarrant County marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. If you do not have your ceremony within 90 days, the license expires and you must reapply and pay the $82 fee again. There is no extension process.

The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Texas — not just in Tarrant County. You can apply in Fort Worth and get married in Austin or on a ranch in Hill County.

After the Ceremony — Returning the License

After your ceremony, your officiant is legally required to return the signed marriage license to the Tarrant County Clerk within 30 days. The clerk then records it and it becomes a permanent public record. About 2–3 weeks after recording, you can order certified copies of your marriage certificate — you'll need these for name change purposes.

Certified copies cost $21.00 each through the Tarrant County Clerk's office. You can order by mail, in person, or online through VitalChek.

Minors (Under 18)

Texas prohibits marriage under age 18 without a court order as of 2017. Parental consent alone is no longer sufficient. A minor seeking a marriage license in Tarrant County must obtain a court order from a family court judge before applying. This is an uncommon situation and the process requires legal representation. Contact the Tarrant County family courts for guidance.

Courthouse Ceremony in Tarrant County

Tarrant County does not provide courthouse wedding ceremonies through the clerk's office. If you want to get married at the courthouse, you'll need to arrange your own officiant. Options in the Fort Worth area include:

• Justices of the Peace — Tarrant County has several JPs who perform marriages. Call the JP offices directly to schedule; fees and availability vary by precinct.
• Municipal judges in Fort Worth and Arlington who perform ceremonies on request.
• Any ordained minister, wedding officiant, or judge in Texas can perform the ceremony.

For a simple courthouse elopement, most couples apply for the license in the morning and schedule their JP ceremony the same afternoon (after the 72-hour wait is waived by a judge). See our Courthouse Wedding Guide for the full walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions