Elope in Austin · Austin, Texas
How to Get a Marriage License in Texas
Step-by-step information on where to go, what to bring, and when to apply before your ceremony in Austin, Texas.
Texas State Requirements
Texas Marriage License — General Info
If you wish to apply for a marriage license in any Texas County, both applicants should be present. They will need proper identification such as a driver's license, a certified copy of the birth certificate (not a hospital record), or a passport. They will also ask for social security numbers.
You can purchase your license in any county in Texas and get married in any other county in Texas.
If you are 16 years or older but under 18 years of age, a parent will have to sign the consent form. The parent will also need to bring a driver's license or I.D. card for proper identification. If the natural parents are divorced, the parent given custody must give the written consent. The parent will need to bring the custody papers and proper identification.
In the state of Texas, there is a 30-day waiting period after a divorce is final. They can issue the license on the 31st day from the final date. If the applicants are remarrying each other then it does not apply. Once a marriage license has been issued by the County Clerk's office, it is valid for 90 days from the issue date and is valid in any other county in the state of Texas (Texas Family Code 2.001).
72-Hour Waiting Period
Per Texas law, there is a 72-hour waiting period before the marriage ceremony may take place, except in the following instances:
- If the applicants obtain a written waiver from a judge.
- If one of the applicants is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States (the active-duty military person must show identification).
- If the applicants submit the premarital education course certificate from Twogether in Texas.
- If applicants are remarrying each other.
Both parties must be present for the marriage ceremony, except in the instance where one party is a member of the armed forces stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation and unable to attend the ceremony. In that case, an adult representative may be appointed to act as a proxy. The ceremony may be performed by the parties' officiant of choice.
County-Specific Information
Requirements by County
Travis County
Requirements:
- Complete a marriage license application online.
- Both parties appear together at the county clerk's office located at 5501 Airport Boulevard, Austin, TX 78751 once an appointment is scheduled.
- Provide proof of identity using documents approved by state law.
- Not be divorced within the last 30 days (or provide a waiver).
- Not presently married to someone other than the other applicant.
- Not related to the other applicant.
- Be 18 years or older to obtain a marriage license. Effective September 1, 2017, Texas Family Code 2.003 states a person under the age of 18 may not marry unless granted a court order removing the disabilities of minority for general purposes.
License Expiration
- Valid for 89 days from the date issued
- Expires if not used before the 90th day
- A new license must be purchased after expiration
After the Ceremony
The marriage license must be returned to the Travis County Clerk's Office within 30 days from the ceremony date. It will be recorded into public records and returned to you.
Return Address
Recording Division, Travis County Clerk
P.O. Box 149325, Austin, TX 78714
Fee(s) - Cash Only
- $81.00— standard license fee
- $21.00— with completed premarital education course (Texas Twogether Program). Must present certificate at time of issuance.
Questions? Contact the office at (512) 854-9188.
Bexar County
For full details on the requirements to receive a license, please review the requirements for a marriage license application in Bexar County.
Fee — Cash or Credit Card
- $81.00— Marriage License
- $46.00— Informal Marriage License
For additional information, call 210-335-2223. To access a recorded message, call 210-335-2221.
Williamson County
Marriage License Fees
- $82.00— without Premarital Course Certificate
- $22.00— with Premarital Course Certificate
- $47.00— Informal Marriage (Common Law)
Location & Hours
405 Martin Luther King Blvd
Georgetown, TX 78613
512-943-15268:00 am - 5:00 pm / Mon - Fri
(except Court Approved Holidays)
Important: Marriage License Required 3 Days Before Your Ceremony
Per Texas Family Code, Chapter 2, Section 2.204, there is a required 3-day waiting period between the time a marriage license is obtained and the ceremony. Plan ahead and get your license at least 3 days before your wedding date.
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