Marriage License

Getting legally married in Tarrant County, Texas starts with the right marriage license. This article explains—in the same straightforward way local clerks would—how to qualify, what to bring, where to apply, how much it costs, the 72-hour and 90-day timing rules, who can officiate, when waivers apply, how to handle special cases like an absent applicant or common-law (informal) marriage, and how to order certified copies after the ceremony. Everything here focuses on the official process run by the Tarrant County Clerk and relevant state rules, so you can move from “We’re engaged!” to “It’s official!” without confusion.

Understand Exactly What a “Tarrant County TX Marriage License” Is—and What It Isn’t

A marriage license is a legal authorization that lets you get married anywhere in Texas (or beyond, depending on the other jurisdiction’s rules) once you’ve met statutory requirements. In Tarrant County, licenses are issued by the County Clerk’s Vital Records Division. Key points you should keep in mind from the outset:

Two license types exist in Tarrant County: a Formal Marriage License and a Declaration and Registration of an Informal Marriage (Common Law).

Both applicants must appear together—either in person or, for the formal license only, via video conference—with valid government-issued photo ID.

The names on your license will appear exactly as they appear on your IDs. Spelling on IDs can’t be changed by the Clerk when issuing your license.

A Social Security number is required (you don’t need to show the card, but you must know the number).

There’s a 72-hour waiting period between issuance and ceremony for formal licenses, with narrow exceptions.

Your ceremony must occur within 90 days of the license’s issuance date.

No blood test is required.

To see the County Clerk’s official policy language, read the County’s Marriage Licenses page on the Tarrant County website (linked later in this guide).

Who’s Eligible to Apply for a Tarrant County Marriage License

Age and identity rules you must satisfy

Both parties must be at least 18 years old.

You’ll each need a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver license, state ID, passport, military ID, or visa). Names print on the license exactly as shown on the ID presented.

You must know your Social Security number.

If you plan to use the virtual option (formal license only)

For a video conference appointment, you’ll also need to meet technical requirements and, when directed, complete an Affidavit of Age and Identity. (This affidavit is only for video applicants.)

The Two Tarrant County Marriage License Paths—Choose the One That Fits Your Situation

1) Formal Marriage License (the traditional route)

This is the standard license used by most couples. It’s issued by the Tarrant County Clerk and can be used for a ceremony anywhere in Texas (and sometimes outside Texas, but check that jurisdiction’s rules). What to remember:

Waiting period: 72 hours after issuance before the ceremony can happen (unless you qualify for a waiver—see below).

Expiration: The ceremony must take place within 90 days of issuance.

If divorced: You must wait 30 days after your divorce becomes final before remarrying, unless a court has waived that waiting period. If it’s waived, bring the certified copy of the court order when purchasing the license.

Fee: $76 (cash or major credit cards accepted; a credit card adds an additional 1.73% fee).

Residency: There’s a $100 Out-of-State Applicant fee if neither applicant can prove Texas residency. You can show Texas residency with items such as a Texas driver license or state ID, voter registration, vehicle registration, property tax statement or homestead exemption, handgun license, certain military orders listing Texas as home of record, paycheck stubs or employment letters, certain state benefit documentation, or 12 months of utility bills (no P.O. boxes accepted).

Return of the license: The officiant must return the completed license within 30 days of the ceremony to the Tarrant County Clerk.

2) Declaration and Registration of an Informal Marriage (Common-Law)

Texas recognizes informal marriage when a couple agrees to be married, lives together in Texas, and represents to others that they are married. In Tarrant County you can formalize that status by filing a Declaration and Registration of Informal Marriage.

Both parties must be present; no absentee/proxy processing is allowed.

Not available to anyone under 18 or anyone currently married to someone else.

Fee: $41 (same credit-card fee applies if paying by card).

Once recorded, this declaration carries the same legal effect as a formal marriage for most purposes.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply in Tarrant County

Step 1 — Decide your application method

You have three practical ways to start the process for a formal license:

Apply in person at any Vital Records office during business hours.

Start the application online and then appear in person to sign and purchase the license.

Use the County’s video conference option (formal license only), where you join remotely and complete the same steps with the clerk.

Use these official touchpoints as appropriate:

Review the County’s Marriage Licenses overview and requirements on the Tarrant County Clerk’s site to confirm what to bring and which license type fits your situation.

If you prefer to pre-fill your information to save time, start with the County’s Online Application. You’ll still need to physically appear to sign and pay unless you complete the video conference process for a formal license.

To apply via video conference for a formal license, use the County’s virtual video conference application to book and complete the session requirements from a computer with a webcam, microphone, and reliable internet.

Step 2 — Gather acceptable identification and proof of Texas residency (if applicable)

Bring valid government-issued photo ID for each applicant. The Clerk will capture your names exactly as they appear on the ID.

If neither applicant can prove Texas residency, be prepared to pay the $100 Out-of-State Applicant fee and understand what documents count as proof if you claim residency (see the examples above).

Step 3 — Address waiting periods and any waivers you plan to use

For formal licenses:

72-hour waiting period after issuance is the default.

The 72-hour wait can be waived in any one of these scenarios:
An applicant is on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (show military ID to the officiant).
You obtain a 72-hour waiver signed by a Texas District Judge (present it to the person issuing the license and the officiant).
You present a valid “Twogether in Texas” certificate or a premarital counseling certificate from a known counselor (bring the printed certificate when the license is issued and show it to your officiant).

90-day deadline to marry: Your ceremony must occur within 90 days of issuance—no exceptions.

Step 4 — Complete issuance and pay fees

In person: Appear at a Vital Records location, review your details with the clerk, sign, and pay ($76 for formal, $41 for informal/common-law; additional 1.73% if paying by credit card).

Video conference (formal only): Join with your partner and the clerk, follow the ID and affidavit steps, and complete payment as directed.

Step 5 — Have your ceremony with an authorized officiant

Texas law recognizes a broad list of officiants, including licensed or ordained ministers and priests; rabbis; officers of religious organizations authorized to conduct marriages; justices and judges (retired and sitting across several courts), justices of the peace (retired or sitting), municipal judges, and federal judges and magistrates in Texas. Ensure your officiant understands the return deadline for the completed license.

Step 6 — Ensure timely return and recording of your license

The officiant must return the completed marriage license to the Tarrant County Clerk within 30 days of the ceremony.

Hand-delivery to one of the Vital Records locations can expedite recording; if one of the named persons on the license delivers it, recording can be completed while you wait at County offices. Otherwise, the recorded license will be mailed.

Timing Rules That Matter: 72-Hour Wait, 90-Day Use Window, and 30-Day Post-Divorce Rule

The 72-hour waiting period (formal licenses)

Think of this as a built-in cooling-off period. It starts the moment your license is issued and runs for 72 consecutive hours. The ceremony can be held after that period elapses—unless you qualify for a waiver via active-duty military status, a judge-signed waiver, or a Twogether in Texas/premarital counseling certificate presented at issuance.

The 90-day ceremony deadline

Your marriage ceremony must be performed within 90 days of the issuance date printed on the license. If Day 90 passes without a ceremony, you’ll need to apply for a new license and repay the applicable fee.

The 30-day waiting period after divorce (formal licenses)

If you or your future spouse were divorced within the last 30 days, Texas law imposes a 30-day waiting period before you can marry again—unless waived by the divorce court. If you have a waiver, bring the certified copy of the order when buying your license.

Special Cases: Minors, Absent Applicant, and Proxy Appearances

Applicants under 18

Effective September 1, 2017, if either applicant is under 18, a court order under Texas Family Code Chapter 31 removing the disabilities of minority for general purposes is required. A minor must also show a certified copy of the birth certificate and current school ID, driver license, or state ID.

Absent applicant (formal license framework)

If one applicant truly cannot appear in person, Tarrant County allows the other applicant to apply with an Absentee Affidavit. This affidavit supplies the absent person’s sworn information so the Clerk can issue the license. However:

The Clerk cannot issue a marriage license where both applicants are absent unless both applicants are:
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and
Stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation.

For the ceremony itself, proxy consent is only permitted if:

The person is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed abroad in support of combat/another military operation, and

Unable to attend the ceremony, and

Has appointed the proxy as authorized by statute.

No absentee route for informal (common-law) declarations

The Declaration and Registration of Informal Marriage requires both parties in person; absentee affidavits cannot be used.

Fees You Should Budget For (and How to Reduce Them)

License issuance fees

Formal Marriage License: $76.
Informal Marriage (Common-Law) Declaration: $41.
Out-of-State Applicant fee (if neither applicant can prove Texas residency): $100.
Credit card convenience fee: 1.73% applied to the transaction if you pay by card.

How couples sometimes reduce the cost

If you complete a State of Texas approved premarital education course and present a valid “Twogether in Texas” certificate (or similar counselor certificate) at issuance, your formal license cost drops to $16. Bring a printed certificate for the Clerk and show it to your officiant at the ceremony.

Where—and How—to Start the Application

You can approach the County through multiple official channels based on your preference:

To review the current rules and license types, visit the County Clerk’s Marriage Licenses page on the county website: Marriage Licenses.

To pre-fill information before you appear in person, use the County’s Online Application. You’ll still appear in person to sign and pay unless you’re completing the video option.

If you plan to meet by video for a formal license, initiate the process through the County’s virtual video conference application and follow the technical and affidavit steps provided by the Clerk.

If you prefer appointments at Vital Records locations, the County provides an online booking portal from time to time; however, walk-in service is available during standard hours at all listed offices unless otherwise posted.

Business Hours, Recording Deadlines, and Practical Tips That Prevent Delays

Regular office hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (County business days).
Arrive with time to spare, especially before long weekends or popular wedding dates.

Recording and return logistics

Officiants are responsible for returning the completed license within 30 days after the ceremony.

Hand-deliver the license to any of the County’s eight Vital Records locations to speed up recording—if one of the people named on the license delivers it, the County can record while you wait. Otherwise, the recorded license is mailed to the newlyweds.

Practical tips

Check names against IDs carefully before the Clerk prints the license; the Clerk must print exactly what’s on the ID, and typos or spelling variations on your ID cannot be corrected at issuance.

Map your timeline backward from your wedding day: build in the 72-hour wait (unless waived), the 90-day expiration, and mailing/return time for the officiant.

If you’re recently divorced, secure proof of the 30-day waiver (if applicable) and bring the certified copy.

If neither partner is currently a Texas resident, plan for the Out-of-State Applicant fee and decide if residency documentation is worth obtaining before you apply.

Who Can Officiate Your Ceremony in Texas (Including the Tarrant County Area)

Authorized officiants in Texas include:

Licensed or ordained Christian ministers and priests

Jewish rabbis

Persons who are officers of religious organizations and are duly authorized by the organization to conduct marriage ceremonies

Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, District, County, and Probate Courts

Judges of County Courts at Law, Courts of Domestic Relations, and Juvenile Courts

Retired judges and justices from the courts listed above

Justices of the peace (and retired justices of the peace)

A Municipal Court Judge

Federal judges and magistrate judges of this state

Remind your officiant that the completed license must be returned within 30 days. If you’re using a waiver, show the document to the officiant as well as to the Clerk at issuance.

Certified Copies After the Ceremony: How to Order and What It Costs

Once your license is returned and recorded, you can purchase certified copies—often needed for name changes, benefits, and other official transactions.

You can order in person, by mail, or online through official County channels.

Effective September 1, 2024, certified copy fees are $21 for the first copy and $11 for each additional copy purchased at the same time.

If no record is found, state rules allow the County to retain a $20 search/verification fee.

To reduce the chance of paying for a search that turns up nothing, consider checking the County’s index before ordering.

Use these official County resources:

For full instructions and options, visit Marriage License Copies on the Tarrant County website.

For an electronic certified copy, use the County’s Official Records Search online site and select MARRIAGE from the dropdown before entering your details.

To verify a record exists before ordering, you can also consult the State of Texas index maintained by the Texas Department of State Health Services: State of Texas index.

If you prefer to appear in person, you can visit any Vital Records location during business hours (listed at the end of this article).

Searching the Marriage Index and Confirming a Record Exists

Before submitting a mail request or paying a verification fee, it’s smart to confirm the record you want is actually on file. Two official options exist:

County index: Use the County’s Official Records Search online site, select MARRIAGE, and search by names and date.

State index: If you’re unsure where the license was recorded in Texas, consult the State of Texas index for broader coverage.

These tools help you verify you’re ordering the right document and avoid the nonrefundable search fee if no record is found.

Common Situations—and How Tarrant County Handles Them

You need your license fast but can’t get to an office together

If you’re applying for a formal license and can’t appear in person together, consider the video conference option. Both applicants appear together via video; you’ll need a computer, reliable internet, and audio/video capability. Follow all County instructions, complete any required affidavit, and have your IDs ready on camera.

You’re marrying this weekend and forgot about the 72-hour wait

If your ceremony is less than 72 hours away, see whether you qualify for a waiver:

Active-duty military? Show military ID to your officiant.

Able to obtain a District Judge waiver? Present the judge’s signed waiver to the Clerk and to your officiant.

Completed a premarital education course? Present the valid certificate to the Clerk when the license is issued.

If none of those apply, you must reschedule the ceremony after the 72-hour period elapses.

You want to formalize a long-standing common-law marriage

If you already agree you’re married, live together in Texas, and hold yourselves out as married, the Declaration and Registration of Informal Marriage lets you record that status with the County. Both of you must appear in person; no absentee or proxy is allowed for the informal declaration. The fee is $41.

Your officiant misplaced the envelope

The officiant must return the license within 30 days. If the provided envelope is lost, the officiant (or you) can hand-deliver the license to any Vital Records location to speed recording, or mail it to the County Clerk’s address listed on the official County site. When in doubt, deliver it in person.

Where to Go: All Official Tarrant County Vital Records Locations (Hours and Service Notes)

All locations below maintain Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. hours for Vital Records services unless otherwise announced by the County. You can purchase a formal or informal license, ask questions about waivers and fees, hand-deliver your completed license for faster recording, or order certified copies after recording. If you prefer to confirm the nearest office or check for appointment availability, see Vital Records Locations on the County’s official website.

Quick Reference: What to Bring on Application Day

Valid government-issued photo ID for each applicant (driver license, state ID, passport, military ID, or visa).

Social Security numbers for both applicants.

Residency proof if you intend to avoid the Out-of-State Applicant fee (Texas DL/ID, voter card, vehicle registration, property tax statement or homestead exemption, handgun license, certain military orders listing Texas as home of record, paycheck stub or employer letter, state benefit receipt, or 12 months of utility bills; no P.O. boxes).

If divorce within 30 days and a waiver was granted: certified copy of the order.

If using a 72-hour waiver: bring the District Judge’s waiver or your premarital education certificate (printed), or have active-duty military ID for the officiant to view.

Payment method (cash or card; card adds 1.73%).

Marriage License–Relevant Departments and Offices (Addresses and Phone Numbers)

Tarrant County Clerk – Vital Records Division — 200 Taylor St, 3rd Floor, Fort Worth, Texas 76196 — 817-884-1550

J.D. Johnson Northwest Subcourthouse — 6713 Telephone Road, Suite 202, Lake Worth, Texas 76135 — 817-884-1550

Southlake Town Hall — 1400 Main, Suite 140, Southlake, Texas 76092 — 817-884-1550

Charles F. Griffin Building — 3212 Miller Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76105 — 817-884-1550

Dionne Phillips Bagsby Southwest Subcourthouse — 6551 Granbury Road, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas 76133 — 817-884-1550

Arlington Subcourthouse — 700 E. Abram St, Suite 101, Arlington, Texas 76010 — 817-884-1550

Gary Fickes Northeast Subcourthouse — 645 Grapevine Hwy, Suite 120, Hurst, Texas 76054 — 817-884-1550

Mansfield Subcourthouse — 1100 E. Broad Street, Suite 102, Mansfield, Texas 76063 — 817-884-1550

Tarrant County Marriage License FAQs

Can we apply online or by video conference?

Yes. You can prefill details with the Online Application and finish issuance in person, or complete a same-requirements remote appointment for a formal license via the County’s virtual option (both applicants must appear together on video with proper ID and an Affidavit of Age and Identity). See eligibility, steps, and the latest rules on Marriage Licenses.

What IDs, names, age, and Social Security rules should we expect?

Both applicants must be at least 18 and present valid government-issued photo ID (driver license, state ID, passport, military ID, or visa). The clerk prints names exactly as shown on those IDs—spelling cannot be altered at issuance. You must also know your Social Security numbers. Full requirements and acceptable IDs are listed under Marriage Licenses.

How do the timing rules and fees work (72-hour wait, 90-day limit, divorce, and residency)?

A 72-hour wait applies after issuance before a ceremony; it can be waived if you’re active-duty military, have a district judge’s waiver, or present an approved premarital education certificate. The ceremony must occur within 90 days of issuance. If divorced, Texas imposes a 30-day remarriage wait unless waived by the divorce court (bring the certified order). Standard fees apply, and if neither applicant can prove Texas residency, a $100 Out-of-State Applicant fee is added; acceptable proof examples are listed on Marriage Licenses.

Can one applicant be absent, or can we use a proxy at the ceremony?

For a formal license, one person may apply on behalf of the other with an Absentee Affidavit. The clerk cannot issue a license when both applicants are absent except for limited active-duty military scenarios. Proxy ceremonies are restricted to service members stationed abroad who meet statutory criteria. See the Absentee and proxy rules under Marriage Licenses.

How is an informal (common-law) marriage recorded in Tarrant County?

Couples who agree to be married, lived together in Texas after the agreement, and held out as married can file a Declaration and Registration of Informal Marriage. Both must appear in person (no absentee option), applicants must be 18 or older, and the fee is listed on Marriage Licenses. Office hours and locations for walk-in service are shown at Vital Records.

Who can officiate and who returns the license?

Authorized officiants include ordained or licensed clergy, officers of religious organizations, Texas judges and justices (including retired), justices of the peace (including retired), and certain federal judges and magistrates in Texas. The officiant must return the completed license to the County Clerk within 30 days. Details and recording tips are provided on Marriage Licenses.