Common-law marriage has diverse names, from "marriage in fact", "marriage by repute and habit", "informal…
Where to Apply
Where do I get a marriage license in Texas?
To get married in Texas, apply for a marriage license at any Texas county clerk's office.
Where can I find a nearby county clerk's office?
A list of Texas county clerk offices are at the bottom of the page.
Informal Marriage
What is an informal marriage?
In Texas, informal marriage for legal adults has three rules:
- Agree to be married
- Live together in Texas as married
- Present yourselves to others as married
How does informal and common-law marriage differ?
In Texas, an informal marriage is the same as common-law marriage.
What's a declaration and registration of informal marriage?
You may register your informal marriage at a county clerk's office to record its existence.
Residency
Must I live in Texas to apply?
You need not be a Texas resident to marry in the state.
Must I at lease be a U.S. citizen to marry?
Non-U.S. citizens may get married in Texas.
Costs
Note: Each county sets their own marriage-related fees…
How much is a marriage license?
A Texas marriage license costs $65 to $88.
How much is an informal marriage license?
It costs $30 to $82 to file a declaration and registration of informal marriage.
How much is a certified marriage certificate?
A certified copy of your marriage certificate costs $10 to $20.
Someone told me I could get the license fee discounted?
There's a $60 max discount for completing Twogether in Texas premarital education.
Usage
Where can I use my license?
Your Texas marriage license may be used anywhere in the state.
Can I get married outside the state?
You may not use your marriage license outside the state's lands or waterways.
Can I use another state's marriage license?
An out-of-state marriage license is invalid.
Application
What does the marriage license application ask for?
The marriage license application asks the following under oath or affirmation:
- Name
- First, middle, last, suffix
- Maiden name
- Address
- Street, city, state, zip
- Birthdate
- Birthplace
- Including county
- Phone number
- Social security number
- Address to mail recorded license
- One address for both
- Certified copy sent after marriage
There are five true/false questions:
- You're unmarried
- False okay if remarrying current spouse
- Co-applicant is unmarried
- Same as above…
- False okay if remarrying current spouse
- Not divorced in last 30 days
- False okay with court waiver
- False okay if remarrying divorced spouse
- Not delinquent in child support
- False will not stop licensure
- Not related within a prohibited degree
- Ascendant, descendant, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin
- Includes stepparents and stepchildren
- Includes whole and half blood
- Includes adoptions
What does the absentee application ask for?
Besides the regular application questions, the affidavit of absent applicant asks:
- Who you'll marry
- Name
- Maiden name
- Age
- Address
- Reason for absence
- Name of ceremony proxy
- Optional
- May not be co-applicant
- For U.S. armed forces stationed overseas
- Approximate marriage date
- Notary
- Name
- Title
- Signature
- Seal
What does the informal marriage application ask for?
The declaration and registration of informal marriage form is the same as the regular form, but also asks for your marriage date.
Can I download a blank marriage license application?
You may download the marriage license, absentee, or informal marriage form for sample use only.
Attendance
Can I apply absentee?
You may apply absentee for any reason with a notarized affidavit of absent applicant.
Can we both apply absentee?
Both applicants may apply absentee if both are in the U.S. armed forces stationed overseas.
How old must I be to apply absentee?
You must be at least 18 years old to apply absentee. So must the other applicant.
How do I prove I'm military stationed overseas?
Military members need not prove their overseas post. Just declare it as fact.
Who submits the absentee form?
Any adult may turn in one or both absentee forms with the absentee's ID.
Age Requirements
How old must I be to marry?
Aged 18 and above?
If you're at least 18 years old, you may marry without parental or court approval.
Aged 16 and 17?
If you're 16 or 17 years old, you may marry if you're emancipated.
Aged 15 and below?
If you're 15 years old or younger, you may not marry in Texas.
What are the underage marriage rules?
Did the law change?
On July 15, 2017, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed HB3932, which toughens child marriage laws. It went into effect September 1, 2017.
What did the law change?
Emancipation replaces court hearings. The minimum age of marriage is now 16.
Is parental consent needed?
Parental consent is not required for a minor to marry.
How do I prove I'm emancipated?
Show a certified copy of the court order that removes your disabilities of minority.
Do I have to be emancipated in Texas?
Your emancipation court order may come from Texas or another state.
Premarital Education
Why take a premarital education course?
Complete 8+ hours of premarital education and save up to $60 off the license fee and waiver of the 72-hour waiting period.
How do I find a course or provider?
You may search for nearby courses and registered providers or phone 877-541-7905.
When should I take a course?
Complete your course within one year of applying for a marriage license.
Waiting Period
When will I get my marriage license?
You'll get your marriage license right after applying, but must wait 72-hours to use it.
How do I get the 72-hour waiting period waived?
Are you military?
The 72-hour wait does not apply to active duty U.S. military members.
Do you work for the DoD?
The 72-hour wait does not apply to Department of Defense employees or contractors.
Do you have a court waiver?
You may ask a judge to waive the 72-hour wait time for good cause.
Did you complete premarital education?
An unexpired premarital education completion certificate waives the 72-hour wait.
Expiration
How long will my marriage license last?
Your marriage license will remain valid for 90 days after issuance.
Identification
Do I have to show ID?
Bring proof of identity and age with one of the following unexpired forms of ID:
- Driver's license or state ID card
- U.S. or Canadian
- Less than two years expired
- Passport
- U.S. or foreign
- Foreign passport must have visa
- Military ID card
- Must have photo
- Includes dependents
- Active duty, reserve, or retired
- Birth certificate
- State-, consular-, or government-issued
- Original or certified copy
- USCIS document
- Visa
- Green card
- Citizenship certificate
- Naturalization certificate
- Citizen ID card (Form I-197)
- Employment authorization card (EAD)
- Temporary ID card
- ID card
- Driving permit
- Issued by TxDPS
- Consular document
- Includes birth documents
- State or national government
- Court order
- Name or sex change
- Original or certified copy
- School record
- High school and above
- Insurance policy
- Active the past two years
- Offender ID card
- Issued by TX Department of Criminal Justice
- Miscellaneous licenses and certificates
- Car title
- Pilot's license
- Handgun carry license
- Voter registration certificate
- DD Form 214, discharge certificate
- Divorce decree or marriage certificate
Do I have to show my birth certificate?
You need not show your birth certificate.
Do I have to show my social security card?
You need not show your social security card. Just know the number.
How do I show ID if applying by absentee affidavit?
Whoever's applying on your behalf must bring your ID. It may not be a photocopy.
Blood Test
Is a blood test required?
Texas got rid of the premarital syphilis and STD blood test provision in 1983.
Divorced
Do I have to show I'm divorced?
You do not have to show your divorce decree.
How soon can I marry after divorce?
You must wait 30 days to apply for a marriage license following divorce.
How do I get around the 30-day divorce wait?
If you're not remarrying your divorced spouse, get a court order to bypass the wait.
Widowed
Do I have to show I'm widowed?
You do not have to show a death certificate.
How soon can I remarry following a spouse's death?
There is no waiting period between the death of a spouse and remarriage.
Name Change
How do I change my name through marriage?
You may submit your name change forms with a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Witnesses
Do I need witnesses?
You do not need a witness at your marriage ceremony.
Can I still have a witness sign my marriage license?
Only your officiant may sign the marriage license. Not even you may sign it.
The Ceremony
Who can conduct our marriage?
A judge, justice, magistrate, or approved officer of a religious body may solemnize your marriage.
Does my officiant need to register in Texas?
Texas does not register or vouch for officiants.
Can we self-solemnize our marriage ceremony?
You may not self-solemnize your marriage ceremony. You must use an officiant.
License Return
When must my marriage license be returned?
Your officiant must return the marriage license to the issuing county clerk within 30 days after marriage.
Marriage Certificate
How do I get a copy of my marriage certificate?
You may buy a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county clerk who issued you your marriage license.
Proxy Marriage
Can I get married by proxy?
You may marry by proxy if you apply by proxy and are a member of the U.S. armed forces stationed overseas.
How do I appoint a stand-in?
You must name your proxy when applying for a marriage license.
Prohibited Marriage
Can I marry a cousin?
You may not marry a first cousin.
Can I marry a family member?
You may not marry up or down your family line. This extends to siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and first cousins.
Can I marry a half-blood relation?
You may not marry a half blood relation. Texas treats it the same as whole blood.
Can I marry a stepchild or stepparent?
You may not marry a current or prior stepchild or stepparent.
Can I marry someone I'm related to by adoption?
Texas treats relationships by adoption the same as blood relations.
Common-law Marriage
Does Texas allow common-law marriage?
Common-law marriage is legal in Texas, where it's called informal marriage.
Vow Renewal
Can I get a vow renewal marriage license?
You may apply for a marriage license to renew your vows or remarry your spouse.
Hi, I and girlfriend are both Chinese with J1 visa and B1 visa, respectively. We want to get married in Hoston. What documents should we prepare? Do we need certification from china-consulate before marriage?
Thanks,
Hi Litong. Your visas alone will serve as sufficient ID to get married in Houston or anywhere else in Texas. The county clerk simply needs to verify your name and age, which your visas will supply.
The only document is required is a ID and can be your passport.
Hello! I'm living in Spain, have a German passport and my fiance lives in the US, we are planning to get married in around a year in the US, Texas, would my passport and visa be enough as documents or is there anything else I should take with me? Thanks a lot!
That's all the identification you need to bring.
I won't be needing my birth certificate? That's perfect then. Thanks a lot for the help!
You're welcome. Best of luck to you.
can you marry in Texas with a mexican passport and an expired visa?
Hi hopeful. Foreign passports are clearly accepted in Texas marriage statutes. The visa provision is a documented request by some county clerks, but not explicitly spelled out in Texas law.
An expired visa with foreign passport is enough for TxDPS, but that may not necessarily be the case for the county clerk you visit. Bottom line, contact the county clerk's office to determine if their specific office requires an unexpired visa. If they do, ask if they're willing to waive it or accept a supplemental identity document.
So a foreign passport can be used as a form of Acceptable id to obtain a marriage license in Texas?
Yes, a foreign passport is acceptable ID.
Brazoria county can you use a foreign passport, and do you need a unexpired visa?
Yes.
The Brazoria county clerk's website doesn't list a visa requirement. You'll have to phone them to find out for sure.
Can you Marry in Texas with a Mexican ID?
It depends on what form of Mexican ID it is. If it's a passport, that would work great. Foreign passports are on the officially approved list of IDs.
Anything beyond that and you'll have to contact the county clerk ahead of time to determine if they'll accept an alternate identity document. Clerks have the authority to unilaterally accept or reject alternative forms of ID.
Once we obtain a marriage license and wait the 72 hours, can we go anywhere in Texas and get married? For instance, can we drive to a small town and find a little chapel and get married on a whim?
Your Texas marriage license may be used anywhere in Texas. Any town. Any chapel.
Can I get a license if i want to marry my spouse again for the ceremony if we are already married through an informal marriage?
Hi Merchi. Yes, you may apply for a second marriage license to remarry your current spouse. The steps are the same. The fee is the same.
Question: I’m a U.S. service member and my fiancé is a citizen of Serbia living with permanent residency in Germany. What documents would we need to get married in Texas?
She has her Serbian passport but want to make sure before to fly together to Texas. Lastly, would our marriage certificate be recognized in Germany?
Thank you!
She would need to bring her passport and visa. You would need your own photo ID, such as your military ID card.
Yes, your marriage certificate will be recognized.
I am engaged to a man from Canada and want to get married. I want to stay in Texas and he drives a 18 wheeler and comes thru town couple times a week and he wants to stay a Canadian resident and I want to stay a Texas resident.
What is extra needs to be done in order for us to be married and would it be seen as a legal marriage for Canada?
Nothing extra needs to be done. Just make sure your fiance brings his Canadian driver's license or passport. Bring your ID as well.
Yes, of course.
Can I get marriage license in Texas with a Mexican driver's license
Hi Benny. You may have to bring a passport and visa instead. You may want to contact the county clerk's office you plan to apply in to confirm if they'll accommodate alternative forms of ID.
Hello, what we need to apply for a marriage license, my fiancé and myself are Texas residents and we are divorced for previous marriages .
If either divorce was within the past 30 days, you'll have to wait to apply. Other than that, bring ID.
How do I go about getting married at the courthouse?
Hi TJ. Your county clerk's office should be able to provide you with a referral to a justice of the peace. You'll have to book an appointment for your civil ceremony, which can either take place at the courthouse or at another agreed upon location.
If a UK citizen and an American citizen were to be married in Texas but moving overseas. Would the UK citizen only need a passport as identification? Or are there other documents required?
Passport and visa is enough.
If the UK citizen did not want to pursue a green card would they still have to apply for the K-1 Visa?
Also, would a visa still be required if the couple planned to move to Europe after marriage and not pursue a green card? Thank you!
Texas statutes says a foreign passport alone is sufficient, but it also provides county clerks the authority to ask for more. Many require a visa on top of a foreign passport.
Foreign passport and visa is the safest combination, which is why it's mentioned in this write-up. However, clerks have the authority to dismiss the requirement upon request.
You can get in touch with the county clerk's office you plan to apply in to determine if they mandate the visa requirement and are willing to waive it.
Your residency after marriage doesn't matter when it comes to fulfilling the ID requirement.
Good morning. Both myself and partner live in the uk and are visiting Texas in October.
Are we able to apply for a marriage license online in readiness for our vacation. If not, what is the best way to obtain a license as we are doing a fly drive from Houston around the south for two weeks. Many thanks
No.
At a minimum, apply for your marriage license 72 hours before your marriage ceremony. That's the waiting period. Also take into account that county clerk offices are closed on weekends.
I’m getting married October 5. When would it be a good time to get the marriage license?
Any time, as you'll be well within the 90-day expiration limit.
Planning on getting married in Texas this month. I am a UK resident, on a visa waiver, and my fiancee is a Texas resident. I have no intention of staying afterwards, and we're applying for a UK Visa for her. Would a printout of my VISA waiver be sufficient in place of a VISA?
It's up to the county clerk. They have the authority to accept alternate forms of ID. You'll have to get in contact with them ahead of time to get it cleared.
Hi there. I have a weird issue. I married in California nearly 40 years ago and lied about my age on the marriage license! I was 17 and I claimed that I was 18.
It hasn't been an issue for our marriage at all. So far. But, now I'm beginning to worry that when the time comes that my husband passes away (if he dies first) and I need to apply for spousal Social Security benefits it might be a prblem that my Birth Certificate and Marriage License don't match!
So … could I just apply for a liscence and (re)marry my husband, legally, here in Texas now?
You could contact the Social Security Administration by phone and pose this question to them, anonymously if you'd prefer.
Texas doesn't issue remarriage licenses or a marriage license to a couple who's already married.
Hi I got my marriage license in June and it is about to expire. We decided to wait until December to get married. What is the waiting period te reapply for a marriage license Bexar County Texas.
There is no waiting period to reapply. You can get another license at any time.
So is an expired foreign passport acceptable ID?
Hi James. You'd have to contact the county clerk to determine if they'll accept expired ID.
Hi there, one of the required documents listed is social security number. If one of the spouses is a foreign citizen and does not have a social security number, would that be a problem?
Hi Meg. The social security number requirement only applies to those who have one.
I'm from England but my boyfreind is from Dallas, he want me to move over there and marry him, which of course I want to do, but because of this whole covid stuff, idk if I can now even move over to be with him, whats going on with the whole travel situation?
Hi Winonna. There's still a Covid-19 travel restriction in place.
I'm aware but it says if you've been in the UK for 14 days, so i would visit else where for 14 days before then flying, or is that not allowed?
Hi Winnona. It applies to you if you've been in any of the listed countries within the past 14 days.
We've mailed in our marriage license, when will we be getting it back and how can we get certified copies?
Hi Jan. Unless you purchased a certified copy of your marriage certificate when you applied for your marriage license, you'll have to contact the county clerk to order a separate copy. It'll cost you around $10 to $20 per copy.
So does that mean we will not be getting back the original marriage license? I understand we would need to purchase a certified copy of the marriage license. I had thought the original marriage license would be mailed back to us after mailing it in so that it can be recorded.
Unless you were told that up front, it's not the case.
We did get the marriage license mailed back to us :) Now what is the difference between the marriage license and marriage certificate?
Hi Jan. If it shows the date it was recorded, it's the same thing. In many states the license and certificate are the same. Only the status changes after marriage and recording.
I am an international student living in Texas, and am planning to apply for a marriage license with my fiancé who is a citizen of Finland, and is currently with me here. Is my fiancé's passport sufficient to allow us to apply for the license? Furthermore, will our marriage be recognized in Finland?
Yes, a foreign passport will work fine.
Yes.
Hello I'm a Texas resident who is also an active duty military member. my fiance' is South Korean and we would like to get married in Dallas. What documents do we need?
Hi Andre. She needs to bring her passport and visa.
My girlfriend and I are from Jersey (UK) and would like to get married in San Antonio. How long does it take to receive a marriage permit and where could one get hold of one? Are you able to give me the validity time of a permit?? Thank you
Hi William. San Antonio is located in Bexar County. Use the TX office locations drop-down to lookup Bexar. You'll get your license the same day you apply for it, but there's a 72-hour waiting period to use it.
Hello, im wondering what are the steps for applying for a marriage license with my girlfriend who is from Mexico?
Hi James. The rules are exactly the same as if she were a U.S. citizen. She'll want to make sure she bring proper government ID.
I live in Oklahoma and want to get married. I have family in Texas that aren't marrying. There is a lot of control and manipulation in our family and the church community. I am not letting this stop me though.
Does the address you give when applying for a marriage license need to match what is on your driver’s license? We just moved (within Texas) and have not yet updated our driver’s licenses with our new address, but may move again soon so we want to wait to update them.
Will that be an issue when we go to apply, if the address where we currently live doesn’t match what is printed on our DLs? Thanks.
No, you're fine.
My fiance and I are trying to fill out the informal marriage but he only has an old maybe expired Texas offender card. Can he use that for identification.
Hi Brittany. Your best bet is to contact the county clerk's office and ask if they're willing to accept an expired offender card. They have the authority to approve such a request.
My fiance and I are both US citizens living in MN. We are looking to get married in TX. Is it possible to apply and get the license to be used in less than 72 hours?
Only through a judge's waiver.
Hi, my fiance and i want to get married in September. He is Venezuelan but legal resident of an European country, he is divorced. Besides the ID (passport) will he need any proof of divorce? Thanks,
No, showing proof of divorce isn't necessary.
Hi, my OPT will expire in 07/08/2021 and my i20 (F1 status) will start to work at the end of August. Can I apply for marriage license on 07/06/2021 and get marriage certificate in July, 2021?
You'll get your certificate after your marriage ceremony and completed certificate of marriage is returned to the county clerk for recording. That means you could get it even sooner.
Thanks! During the time of grace period (after my OPT card expires and before my i20 starts working), will my license or certificate still valid?
Your marriage license will remain valid for 90 days after you receive it. The expiration of your OPT doesn't impact that. After you're married, your certificate doesn't expire. It's a historical record that proves you're marriage took place.
Thank you!
Hello, I’m a US citizen but my fiancé is Mexican. We are planning on going to Texas in September to get married. How long before we leave should we apply for a marriage license?
Additionally, we both live and plan on living in Mexico for the foreseeable future. So we will be traveling into the country for the sole reason of getting married then returning. Does this change anything?
No, that's not a problem.
Hi Curtis. Do you happen to know the county where your marriage will take place? I ask because you may need to make an appointment.
Hello I'm a UK citizen and my fiancé is a USA citizen. I normally use an ESTA to travel into the states would that be acceptable as well as my passport
Hi Victoria. An ESTA might work, but it's risky to apply without verifying this with the county clerk in advance.
An ESTA is the only visa I use to visit the states. I plan to bring my passport and driver license as proof of ID.
Hi Victoria. That should be fine, but it's still recommended to phone the county clerk in advance to verify.
My partner and I want to get married while on holiday in Texas 2022. We are both British Citizens. What documentation do we need to bring and is it even possible to do? Thanks
Passport and visa.
Yes, of course. Noncitizens are welcome to marry in Texas.
Hello, I wanted some clarification on the very first true/false question on the marriage license application. It says you can state "False" if remarrying current spouse. What does this mean and in what scenarios can False be mentioned on that question? Thanks.
Are you already married to the person you're attempting to marry again? Think vow renewals.
For most people, this is false.
Thank you for your reply. If we like to go for vow renewals, are we still eligible to get an official license and marriage certificate after having the ceremony done?
Hi Mayuresh. You'll get a new marriage license and certificate.
Okay, thank you for the information.
Hi! My fiancé and I are both living in Texas, but plan to elope in New Mexico in October. We plan to get our license in Texas. Will our license still be valid in Texas if we have the officiant sign it in New Mexico? If we can't use the Texas license in New Mexico, will we need to get a license in both states?
That won't work. You'll have to get a New Mexico marriage license.
No.
No, just get one from New Mexico.
If a couple gets a marriage license in Travis County Texas will it be valid in Mexico and can the Mexico officiant sign the Texas license? Or do they have to get one in Mexico?
Hi Janie. A Texas marriage license is only valid in Texas. It can't be used in Mexico. And vice versa. The marriage license must originate from Mexico if the marriage will take place there.
Hi, I am an international student on J1 visa, can I get married with an Australian permanent resident according to Texas law? What is she can't fly to Texas because of covid? Can I register a new marriage if she was absent?
Hi Zee. Although you could apply on her behalf, she'd would have to be present in Texas for the ceremony.
I am an Indian Citizen and I have been living in the United States since 2017 on a H1b Visa. My fiance is a German Citizen. She is coming to the US next month and we are planning to get married here in Dallas.
So, I have some questions regarding this:
Application, ID, the ceremony, then return license for recording.
Identification is the only required document. If you're using your foreign passport, show your visa too. You can also show any USCIS-issued document for ID.
No, but there's a 30-day wait between divorce and getting remarried.
Yes. Make sure you acquire a certified copy of your Texas marriage certificate for proof of marriage.
Thanks for response.
What is application and the ceremony? Can you give detailed explanation and link if there is any for application?
I have a valid H1b Visa and I can show it. What kind of visa is required for German citizen as they do not required any visa to enter US?
Application is the marriage license form you'll have to fill out from the county clerk's office. The ceremony is your marriage ceremony.
You can fill out the Dallas County marriage application online.
Then the passport alone should be fine. Dallas County accepts a foreign passport alone as sufficient ID for noncitizens.
I have been with Alex on an off for over 10 years. He is in Mexico we want to finally get married in El Paso. What is involved?
Hi Pamela. Apply for a marriage license in any Texas county. It needn't be be in El Paso County. If Alex is unable to apply with you, he'll have to complete an affidavit of absent applicant, which you'll submit on his behalf.
After getting the marriage license, what’s the next step?
HI Thayane. Your marriage license will expire after 90 days. You'll need to get your marriage solemnized beforehand. It's only valid for use in Texas. Then your officiant must return your completed marriage license to the issuing county clerk for recording.
I am a US citizen living in Dallas. My fiancée is French. We are planning to get married in Texas. Does she need any documents other than a passport?
Hi Adam. Passport and visa is enough.
Hi there,
If my girlfriend, who is a foreigner, is visiting me without a fiance visa (k-1), can we get married if it's something that we decide to do during the visit?
Thanks, V
Yes, you could.
My fiancé is Mexican so we are going to have our religious ceremony in México next year, which means we were only planning to show up for our legal marriage this year at the corresponding office, is that possible? or we actually need to throw a ceremony for getting legally married.
Hi Emely. You must get your marriage certificate where your marriage takes place. If your legal marriage occurs in Texas, apply in Texas. If it's in Mexico, apply there.
There's no need for a ceremony, only solemnization. Meaning, as long as you exchange vows and have your marriage recorded, that's sufficient. No need for pomp or razzle dazzle.
Hello I am an American citizen and I would like to marry my fiancé that is in the Senegal Army. What documents do we need in order to be married?
HI Nova. You need to bring government-issued photo ID. Your fiancé must bring a passport and visa.
Hi - we are British and Irish couple sailing around the world. We want to fly into Texas to be married however how long after the marriage would we receive the official marriage documentation to a address in Panama?
Many thanks in advance, Kate
That depends entirely on the county clerk's office and how expeditious they are. Texas has 254 counties and each is responsible for sending out their own certified copies.
Hi there I'm F1 student, I lost my F1 2 year ago, and my ID expired. Can I still get married with my passport?
Hi Lili. It's best to contact the county clerk to determine if they'll allow you to only show your foreign passport. They have the authority to accommodate.
Hi, does common law marriage certificate have the same recognition as a marriage license? Specifically is it recognized throughout the US and does it qualify as proof of marriage for international purposes? Thank you.
Hi Trevor. The marriage license allows you to get married in Texas. The marriage certificate proves you are married. One precedes the other. The license is only valid for use in Texas. The certificate provides proof of marriage that will be recognized throughout the U.S. and other countries.
Hi I'm a US citizen, my fiancé is an immigrant from Mexico. He has a Mexican passport, birth certificate, and drivers license from Mexico. No visa though. What documents would I need to get married in Texas?
Hi Sara. Their passport alone might be enough. Contact the county clerk's office in advance where you plan to apply to make sure they'll accept just a passport.
I am a USA citizen. My fiance is a Mexican citizen. He only has a valid driver's license from Mexico. No other legitimate ID. We have a joint bank account. Have lived together for over 7 years. Can we get married legally here in Texas? If not, is there any other state that we can get married in?
Hi Michelle. You'll want to contact the county clerk where you're applying to determine if they'll accept that. They have a good amount of latitude to maneuver.
My girlfriend (Brazilian) and I (United States American) plan on getting married in Texas. Does anyone know what type of visa she would need to apply for to live and work here permanently? She currently has a tourist visa, but I know that won't allow her to stay/work here.
Permanent resident card, also known as a Green Card.
Hi I'm from the U.K and plan on getting married to my fiancé who is from San Antonio. However I do have a social security number so will I still be able to apply for a marriage license.
I do not have a social security number*
Non-U.S. citizens do not need a social security number to get married in Texas.
Hi I'm a us citizen wanting to get married with my boyfriend that is in jail but his an immigrant and only has a birth certificate he doesn't own a picture ID what else can he use, is there anyway to still get married while him being in county jail.
Hi Elizabeth. You'll have to make arrangements with that Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facility administrator.
My boyfriend are planning to get married soon but as a DACA do I need my birth certificate? Is there other types I can use?
No, you do not need to show your birth certificate.
Hello, first thank you I am able to see the threads and it's very helpful. My fiancee will be arriving to the US with a k-1 visa around September, and I will be relocating to Houston for work during that time.
Can we get married and file for adjustment of status there? Note- I will be going back to bring her here and we will be flying to Houston and finding apartments to officially move there.
Yes, you can file after marriage.
Hi, my boyfriend and I want to get married in Texas, but he is Japanese and doesn't have a social security number. But he has a Japanese equivalent. Will he need to fill out additional forms because of this?
Since your boyfriend doesn't have a social security number, he can leave that part of the form blank.
Hi there! I’m British & my partner is American and lives in Houston - we’re planning to get married and would like to know if obtaining our license & certificate in Houston, TX will allow us to have a wedding ceremony either elsewhere in the US or maybe UK?
Your Texas marriage license cannot be used outside of Texas. It won't work in another state or the UK.
I have read in the comments that to marry a non-us citizen/resident they can use a visa and passport - would a visitor/tourist visa be acceptable? We are not planning to live in the US.
Thank you
Yes, a tourist visa is fine.
Howdy there, So I (Us citizen) want to marry my boyfriend who is a Brazilian citizen. Would I be able to apply for the license, have him come over, exchange our vows and make it official? Would our marriage be recognized internationally, or anywhere else in the US?
He'd have to complete an absentee form if not applying in person. You can turn it in along with his ID.
Sure.
Yes, it would be recognized in Texas and worldwide.
I appreciate your comment, thanks!
Hi, I'm a UK citizen and my fiance is Texan. COVID-19 has delayed our marriage because of travel restrictions for unvaccinated people.
Also, I've heard that if you enter the USA with intention to marry, immigration doesn't look well on this.
My question is, what is the best way to deal with this?
My frustrations at not being able to resolve this is traumatizing, so if you can advise, I'd be very grateful, thank you.
There is nothing extra special for you to do. Texas county clerks issue marriage licenses. It's among one their many duties. You'll get a marriage license as long as you meet the age and identification requirements, regardless of citizenship status.
My place of birth is wrong on my marriage license. Can I get it changed?
Hi Yang. You can contact the county clerk to get your marriage license corrected and reissued.
Hi my fiance is coming to the US with a CID visa. Can we get married legally in Texas. I'm a US citizen. After she will return to work while I file for her and the kids in Florida for permanent residency.
Hi Kevin. I assume you mean a "C1D" or "C1/D" visa. If so, that's fine for marriage purposes.
Hi! I am an American citizen and want to marry my girlfriend who is Mexican, she has a B1 visa, I would like to know if in the marriage license application she has to write her Mexican address or if it's okay if we both write down my Texas address.
Hi Hassan. Your girlfriend should write her own current address.
I am 69 and my soon to be husband is 70. Do we need to take the premarital course for a reduced license fee?
Taking the premarital education course is optional for everyone, regardless of age.
Hello, I am 69 and my soon to be husband is 70. We have been together for five years now and have decided to get married. Is there still the 72 hour waiting period and the full fee for seniors getting married in Aransa County?
Yes, the waiting period and fees apply to all ages. But you can ask for a waiting period waiver.
What do I do if I don't have a SSN since the application asks for it? My significant other has one but I don't?
Hi Jose. Documenting a social security number on the marriage license application is only necessary for those who have one. Otherwise, leave it blank.
Can I get a marriage license with a driver's license ID? I am Venezuelan and my fiancé is a U.S citizen; my passport and J1 visa are expired, but I am currently under a TPS status.
Hi Darling. A driver's license should work fine.
So can a 16-year-old female who is not emancipated get married if she has parental consent.
And if so what document does she have to provide or how does she prove she has parental consent?
No, not anymore.
Hi my fiance and I are from Scotland, UK and want to get married in Texas whilst on Vacation there. Is this possible? If so, do we have to be there for a certain length of time beforehand or just technically the 72 hours 🤔
Also, we would like our friend to marry us, is this possible as long as we have an officiant there to do the legal stuff by any chance?
You'll get your marriage license immediately after applying. You must wait 72 hours to use.
Yes, if your friend is an official designee of a religious body.
Hi, my friend isn't legally allowed to marry us, he is literally just a friend but I wondered if he would be able to say all the stuff as long as we also have an official person there too to oversee it?
Also, can you get married in a public outside space, ie Barton Springs pool?
That should work as long as your official officiant goes along with the program.
Yes, that's fine.
Perfect, thank you for confirming 👍
My fiance only has his Mexican birth certificate; no ID. He MAY be able to get the INE but would his birth certificate from Mexico be okay?
Hi Priscilla. The county clerk has the authority to allow this. You will have to get in touch with them in advance to make sure this will pass.
My fiancé ONLY has a visa for visiting a specific city in Texas and can not travel any where else. Can we use that Visa to get married in Texas. Same Sex marriage?
Yes, a visa alone would work fine.
Hello. My fiance and I live in Texas, but we are getting legally married in Mexico. Is there anything we need to do to ensure that our marriage is recognized in Texas or is a Mexican wedding certificate enough?
Your Mexican marriage certificate is enough.
My fiancé and I are both Arizona residents living in Texas. We plan to get married in Texas; how do we go about this?
Hi Cord. There's no difference in the applicant process between residents and nonresidents.
Hello, I was wondering what exactly an informal fee is? And what the course fee is.
Hi Ruth. You may use the office locator dropdown box to look up county-specific fees.
Hi, my boyfriend is a UK resident and we want to get married, but he won't be able to travel here until January 2024.
Can we get married while he is still in the UK with the absentee form? I don't have any of his documents, so I didn't know if it was possible. Thanks!
Hi Paige. Since your marriage must take place in Texas and your marriage license expires 90 days after issuance, you'll have to wait until three months before January 2024 to even apply. This is the case even if you apply absentee.
Hi. Can just one person go get the certificate or does it have to be the two people present?
Yes, just one person may get the certificate.
My boyfriend is a US citizen (living in Texas) and I'm an Irish citizen (living in Ireland) I have a few questions.
Can he register for the marriage license before I come over?
Will the marriage be recognized in Ireland, I seen that some country's might need a "freedom to marriage" will I?
Can I get married with a ESTA, We want to get married in America then move to Ireland
Hi Sarah. Your boyfriend may apply absentee for you, but he'll need your ID. Your marriage will be recognized in Ireland with a certified copy of your Texas marriage certificate. And ESTA is fine to get married.
My boyfriend is from Mexico can we get married with a Mexico birth certificate or passport?
Hi Meagan. Yes, the passport for ID is fine, but the county clerk may ask for a USCIS-issued document as well.
Hello. I have a question. I'm foreigner. Do I need to make SSN before get a marriage license? I think I'll make my SSN after marriage and changed my name.
Hi Sayaka. No, non-citizens to not need a SSN to get a marriage license.
My husband and I want to renew our vows. Do we need to purchase a marriage certificate or do we bring are current one from NJ?
Hi Sharon. You need to purchase a new Texas marriage license to renew your vows. You cannot use the one from NJ.
I’m a UK Citizen and my fiancée is a US Citizen living in Texas. We want to marry in San Antonio (Bexar County) and I just have a couple questions.
1: Can we marry if I come over on an ESTA but plan to return to the UK after the wedding and then file the I-130 petition?
2: Will a Texas Marriage License be valid in the UK?
3: Should I use my UK address when applying for the Marriage License or use my fiancées?
4: I don’t have a Social Security Number, will that be an Issue?
Yes, you can get married on an ESTA if you don't plan to live in the U.S.
Yes, a Texas/U.S. marriage license (actually certificate) will be recognized in the U.K.
Use your U.K. address.
No, non-U.S. citizens do not need a social security number to get married in Texas.