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Marriage license · U.S.

Texas marriage license: cost and requirements

If you take the Twogether in Texas course, you save on the license and can marry without waiting 72 hours. The license expires after 90 days.

Trees along a river under a blue sky in TexasTexas

Texas summary

Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.

Cost
Varies by county; e.g., Bexar and Travis $80.
Waiting period
72 hours after the license is issued. Does not apply to active-duty military, people who complete the Twogether in Texas course, or anyone who gets a written waiver from a judge.
Validity
It expires if the ceremony is not held before the 90th day after issuance.
Witnesses
Varies by county: check yours. Bexar County, Harris County, Tarrant County

How much is a marriage license in Texas?

Varies by county; e.g., Bexar and Travis $80.

Premarital course discount: With the Twogether in Texas course the license drops about $60 (Travis: $20) and the 72-hour wait is eliminated; the certificate is presented when the license is issued.

What do you need to get the license?

  • ID: Driver's license or state ID (current or expired less than 2 years), original or certified birth certificate, passport or other government document (Family Code § 2.005); Social Security number if you have one.
  • Minimum age: 18; minors only if a court removed the disabilities of minority (emancipation), with a certified copy of the order.
  • Other requirements: No blood test is required. It is not issued if either person was divorced in the last 30 days, unless they divorced each other or a judge waives it (§ 2.009).

Where do you get it, and who issues it?

County Clerk of any county.

Where it is valid: Anywhere in Texas.

Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?

  • Waiting period: 72 hours after the license is issued. Does not apply to active-duty military, people who complete the Twogether in Texas course, or anyone who gets a written waiver from a judge.
  • Validity: It expires if the ceremony is not held before the 90th day after issuance.

How many witnesses, and who can marry you?

Can you marry by proxy?

Only for U.S. military members stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation: they can name a proxy for the ceremony using the absent applicant's sworn statement.

Texas counties with an AltarPlan guide

These Texas counties have their own guide: fee, office, documents and official link, with a verification date.

Other counties couples often look up

We haven't verified these counties yet. The Texas rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.

  • Cameron County (Brownsville)State rule No guide of its own yet.
  • Collin County (Plano)State rule No guide of its own yet.
  • Dallas CountyState rule We're verifying this county's data.
  • Denton CountyState rule No guide of its own yet.
  • Ector County (Odessa)State rule No guide of its own yet.
  • Fort Bend County (Sugar Land)State rule No guide of its own yet.
  • Montgomery County (Conroe)State rule No guide of its own yet.
  • Nueces County (Corpus Christi)State rule No guide of its own yet.
  • Webb County (Laredo)State rule No guide of its own yet.
  • Williamson County (Round Rock)State rule No guide of its own yet.

How to get a marriage license in Texas

  1. Confirm where to apply: County Clerk of any county.
  2. Gather your ID: Driver's license or state ID (current or expired less than 2 years), original or certified birth certificate, passport or other government document (Family Code § 2.005); Social Security number if you have one.
  3. Get your payment ready: Varies by county; e.g., Bexar and Travis $80.
  4. Count the waiting period: 72 hours after the license is issued. Does not apply to active-duty military, people who complete the Twogether in Texas course, or anyone who gets a written waiver from a judge.
  5. Marry within the validity period: It expires if the ceremony is not held before the 90th day after issuance.
  6. Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Texas marriage license valid anywhere in the state?

Anywhere in Texas.

What is the minimum age to marry in Texas?

18; minors only if a court removed the disabilities of minority (emancipation), with a certified copy of the order.

Is there a discount if we take a premarital course?

With the Twogether in Texas course the license drops about $60 (Travis: $20) and the 72-hour wait is eliminated; the certificate is presented when the license is issued.

Does AltarPlan issue the license?

No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.

Sources and review date

  1. Bexar County Clerk (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
  2. Travis County Clerk (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
  3. Travis County Clerk, absent applicant affidavit (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.

Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.

AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.

Next steps for your license