NOTICE: Effective September 1, 2008 the
state marriage license fee has increased to $71.00.
The following is the list of requirements for obtaining
a marriage license in the state of Texas:
IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Both persons must be present and provide:
- Valid government issued photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID include: driver’s license, passport, military ID or an identification card issued by Texas or another state, the United States or a foreign government.
- Social Security number. You are not required to show your social security card.
PLEASE NOTE: The name listed on your marriage license MUST match the name on your identification.
USING MAIDEN NAME ON MARRIAGE LICENSE
If you have been divorced and retained your maiden name
in the divorce, but your identification has your married name, you must provide
a certified copy of the divorce decree that states your name was changed
back to your maiden name.
WHERE DO I GO TO GET MY MARRIAGE LICENSE?
The County Clerk provides two locations at which you can obtain your marriage license:
Main Office:
2300 Bloomdale Road
Suite 2104
McKinney TX 75071 map
972-548-4185
Satellite Office:
900 E. Park Blvd.
Suite 140
Plano, TX 75074 map
972-881-3025
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
None.
IF PREVIOUSLY MARRIED
If your divorce was finalized within the
last 30 days, you must provide a certified copy of the divorce
decree stating the judge has waived the 30-day waiting period.
If you do not have that waiver, you will have to wait 30 days
before you can apply for another marriage license. If you
have any questions, please call 972-548-4185.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Both parties must appear before the clerk and provide their valid government issued photo ID and their social security number (your social security card is not required).
BLOOD TESTS
There are no blood test requirements.
MARRIAGE LICENSE FEES
The cost of your license will vary depending on whether you have particpated in a state approved premarital training program (Texas Family Code Chapter 2 §2.013). The premarital course is an eight (8) hour training both you and your spouse to be may attend to learn conflict management, communication skills and key elements for building a healthy marriage.
Once the course has been completed you will receive a certificate of completion which will include the name of the course, the name of the provider and the date the course was completed. The certificate will be valid for one (1) year. Bring the certificate with you when you apply for your license. Upon receipt of the certificate, the County Clerk will deduct $60.00 from the license fee and waive the state required 72 hour waiting period. For more information on participating in the pre-marital training course please visit the Twogether In Texas website.
Marriage License without the certificate - $71.00
Marriage License with the certificate - $11.00
Informal Marriage License - $31.00
PLEASE NOTE: All fees for marriage licenses are cash only. Check and credit/debit cards are not accepted as payment of marriage licenses.
WAITING PERIOD AND EXPIRATION OF LICENSE
Pursuant to Texas Family Code, Chapter
2 Sec. 2.204 of the Texas Family Code, the marriage ceremony may not
take place during a 72 hour period immediately following the issuance
of the marriage license unless: (a) an applicant is a member of the Armed
Forces of the United States and is on active duty, (b) an applicant
obtains a waiver from District Court, or (c) an applicant completes a premarital education course and provides the County Clerk with the completion certificate.
In accordance with 2.201
of Texas Family Code, Expiration of License, effective April 17, 1997,
the Marriage License will expire the 31st day following the date of issuance.
MARRIAGE OF PERSONS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE
Pursuant to Texas Family Code Chapter 2 §2.101 the County Clerk may not issue a marriage license to persons under the age of 18 without the consent of an adult. To obtain a marriage license as a minor the requirements are as follows:
- The minor must provide a Certified Copy of his/her Birth Certificate
- The minor must provide his/her Social Security Card
- The parent (s) or guardian of the minor must be present
- The parent (s) or guardian must complete an Affidavit of Consent of Parent or Guardian for The Marriage of a Minor
- The affidavit must be signed in the presence of the County Clerk or Deputy
- Proof of parentage or guardianship must be provided to the County Clerk or Deputy
- Parent or guardian must provide a valid government issued photo ID
IMPORTANT NOTICE: THE AFFIDAVIT OF CONSENT MUST BE SIGNED IN FRONT OF THE COUNTY CLERK OR DEPUTY. A NOTARIZED AFFIDAVIT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT CEREMONY
Licensed or ordained Christian Ministers and Priests,
Jewish Rabbis, or persons who are officers of religious organizations;
and who are duly authorized by the organization to conduct marriage ceremonies;
Justices of the Supreme Court, Judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals,
Justices of the Courts of Civil Appeals, Judges of the District, County
and Probate Courts, Judges of the County Courts at Law, Courts of Domestic
Relations and Juvenile Courts, Justices of the Peace, and Judges of the
Federal Courts of this State.
If interested in having a Justice of the Peace conduct
your wedding ceremony, contact the Justice
of the Peace for more information.
LICENSE PERIOD
The license is only valid for 30 days within the State
of Texas from date of issuance. |
