Marriage License
A marriage license is an official document issued by the Tarrant County Clerk that allows a couple to legally marry in Texas. This article explains how the marriage license process works, including application options, identification requirements, fees, waiting periods, marriage license types, record copies, and where to find the correct County Clerk services.
Marriage License Office
The Tarrant County Clerk’s Office is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining marriage records. Applicants can complete parts of the process online, but the requirements for appearing before the County Clerk depend on the type of application and the circumstances of the applicants.
The official Marriage Licenses page provides current information about formal marriage licenses, informal marriage registrations, application requirements, fees, and related procedures.
Marriage licenses are available through Tarrant County Vital Records locations. These locations provide marriage license services during regular operating hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Types of Marriage Licenses
Tarrant County recognizes two types of marriage licenses: a formal marriage license and a Declaration and Registration of an Informal Marriage, also known as a common law marriage registration.
Formal Marriage License
A formal marriage license is the standard option for couples planning a marriage ceremony. A license issued by any county in Texas may be used for a marriage ceremony anywhere in Texas.
Both applicants must meet the basic requirements for obtaining the license. The marriage ceremony cannot take place until the required waiting period has passed unless an approved exception applies.
Informal Marriage Registration
An informal marriage license is available for couples who meet the requirements for an informal marriage under Texas law. Both parties must appear in person to complete this type of application.
An absentee affidavit cannot be used for an informal marriage license. A person under 18 years of age may not obtain an informal marriage license, and a person who is currently married to someone else may not obtain one.
Application Requirements
Applicants must provide specific information and identification before a marriage license can be issued. Both parties must appear in person or, for formal marriage license applicants, may complete the process through a video conference option if they meet the requirements.
The basic requirements include:
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Both applicants must provide valid, government-issued picture identification.
Applicants must know their Social Security numbers.
Names on the marriage license will appear exactly as shown on the identification documents.
The County Clerk’s Office cannot change the spelling or name information shown on an applicant’s identification document. Applicants should review their identification before completing the application.
Accepted Identification Documents
A valid government-issued picture ID is required when applying for a marriage license. Examples of acceptable identification include:
Driver’s license
State identification card
Passport
Military identification
Visa
The County Clerk also provides a detailed list of acceptable identification documents through the acceptable identification information for a marriage license.
Applicants should bring identification that meets the requirements because an acceptable form of ID is needed to complete the marriage license process.
Online Application Process
Marriage license applications may be completed and saved online through Tarrant County’s online services. Completing the online application does not replace the final steps required to receive the marriage license.
After the application is completed, applicants must appear in person to sign and purchase the marriage license. The process may be completed at the downtown location or at a Tarrant County subcourthouse location.
The Tarrant County Clerk’s online system allows customers to complete marriage license applications without registering for an account. After submitting the application, applicants must continue the process at one of the available locations.
Video Conference Option
Formal marriage license applicants who cannot come to the office in person may use the County Clerk’s video conference option. The same basic marriage license requirements apply, but applicants complete the process from their location using a computer or laptop.
The technical requirements include:
Access to a computer or laptop
Reliable high-speed internet access
Audio and visual capabilities, including a microphone, speakers, and webcam
Applicants using the video conference option must complete an Affidavit of Age and Identity. The Affidavit of Age and Identity form is required for this process.
Marriage License Fees
The fee for a formal marriage license is $76. Payment may be made by cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Credit card payments include an additional 1.73% fee.
Couples who complete a State of Texas approved Marriage Education Class and provide a printed, valid Twogether in Texas Certificate or similar premarital counseling certificate may qualify for a reduced fee of $16.
The fee for an informal marriage license is $41. Payment may be made by cash or accepted credit card payment types, with a 1.73% fee added for credit card use.
Residency Fee Rules
Applicants do not have to prove Texas residency to apply for a marriage license. However, an additional out-of-state applicant fee applies when neither applicant can prove Texas residency.
The out-of-state applicant fee is $100 when neither applicant can provide proof of Texas residency.
Acceptable proof of Texas residency includes documents such as:
Driver’s license
State identification card
Vehicle registration
Property tax statement or homestead exemption
Voter registration card
Military orders showing Texas as the home of record
Income tax documents
Paycheck stub or letter of employment on company letterhead
Utility bills showing 12 months of history
Waiting Period Rules
After a formal marriage license is issued, there is a 72-hour waiting period before the marriage ceremony can take place. Certain exceptions may allow the waiting period to be waived.
The waiting period does not apply when:
An applicant is an active-duty member of the United States armed forces and provides a military ID to the person performing the ceremony.
An applicant receives a 72-hour waiver signed by a District Judge.
The applicants provide a valid Twogether in Texas certificate or approved premarital counseling certificate.
The marriage ceremony must take place within 90 days from the date the marriage license is issued. The County Clerk cannot extend this period.
Divorce and Remarriage Rules
Applicants who have recently completed a divorce may need to wait before obtaining a new marriage license. A 30-day waiting period applies after a divorce becomes final before remarriage unless the waiting period is waived.
If the 30-day waiting period is waived, a certified copy of the waiver must be presented when purchasing the marriage license.
Special Application Situations
Absent Applicant Requests
If one applicant cannot appear personally before the County Clerk, an absentee affidavit may be completed. The available procedures depend on the circumstances of the applicant who cannot appear.
The County Clerk may not issue a marriage license when both applicants are absent unless both applicants meet specific military-related requirements involving service in another country.
Applicants Under 18
If either applicant is under 18 years of age, additional requirements apply. A court order granted under Texas Family Code Chapter 31 removing the disabilities of minority is required.
Minor applicants must also provide a certified copy of their birth certificate along with current school identification, driver’s license, or state identification.
Marriage Ceremony Requirements
After the marriage license is issued and the waiting period requirements are satisfied, the marriage ceremony must be conducted by an authorized person.
Persons authorized to conduct marriage ceremonies include certain religious officials, judges, justices, and other officials recognized under Texas law.
The person who performs the ceremony is responsible for returning the completed marriage license to the County Clerk’s Office within 30 days from the date of marriage.
Marriage License Copies
After a marriage license has been recorded, certified copies may be requested from the Tarrant County Clerk. Certified copies of marriage licenses issued and filed in Tarrant County are available by mail, in person, or online.
Requests require information including the names of the parties and the date of marriage. The certified copy of a marriage license information page explains available request methods and copy fees.
The fee for a certified copy is $21 for the first copy and $11 for each additional copy purchased at the same time.
Electronic copies may also be requested through the County Clerk’s official records system. Users can search for marriage licenses by selecting the marriage record option and entering the required search information.
Common Application Mistakes
Applicants can avoid delays by preparing the required information before applying. Common issues include bringing identification that does not meet requirements, entering names differently from identification documents, or misunderstanding the difference between completing an online application and receiving the actual license.
Applicants should also remember the following:
The online application does not complete the entire process.
Both applicants generally must appear together unless an approved exception applies.
The marriage ceremony must occur within 90 days of license issuance.
The completed license must be returned by the person performing the ceremony within 30 days.
Vital Records Locations
Marriage license services are available at Tarrant County Vital Records locations. The County Clerk provides multiple locations where applicants can complete marriage license services during regular business hours.
The Vital Records locations page provides the current office locations and hours.
Marriage License Offices
Tarrant County Plaza Building
200 Taylor Street, Suite 301
Fort Worth, TX 76196
817-884-1550
Arlington Subcourthouse
700 E. Abram St.
Arlington, TX 76010
817-884-1550
Charles F. Griffin Building
3212 Miller Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76105
817-884-1550
Gary Fickes Northeast Subcourthouse
645 Grapevine Hwy, Suite 120
Hurst, TX 76054
817-884-1550
Mansfield Subcourthouse
1100 E Broad Street, Suite 102
Mansfield, TX 76063
817-884-1550
Southlake Town Hall
1400 Main, Suite 140
Southlake, TX 76092
817-884-1550
J.D. Johnson Northwest Subcourthouse
6713 Telephone Road, Suite 202
Lake Worth, TX 76135
817-884-1550
Dionne Phillips Bagsby Southwest Subcourthouse
6551 Granbury Road, Suite 110
Fort Worth, TX 76133
817-884-1550
Marriage License FAQs
Can I apply for a marriage license online in Tarrant County?
Applicants can complete and save a marriage license application online through the Tarrant County Clerk’s online services. Completing the online application does not finish the entire process. Applicants must still complete the required steps to sign and purchase the license. The County Clerk also provides a video conference option for formal marriage license applicants who cannot come to the office in person. More details are available on the Marriage Licenses page.
What happens if one person cannot appear for the marriage license application?
If one applicant cannot appear personally, an absentee affidavit may be completed so the other applicant may apply on behalf of the absent applicant. Additional rules apply depending on the reason for the absence. The County Clerk does not issue a license when both applicants are absent unless specific military service requirements are met.
How can I get a copy of a Tarrant County marriage license?
Certified copies of marriage licenses issued and filed in Tarrant County can be requested by mail, in person, or online. Requests require information such as the names of both applicants and the date of marriage. Certified copies are available through the County Clerk after the marriage license has been recorded. Visit the Certified Copy of a Marriage License information page for request details.
Can I get a marriage license if I am not a Texas resident?
Non-residents may apply for a Tarrant County marriage license. Both applicants must meet the standard requirements, including appearing in person and providing acceptable identification. When neither applicant can prove Texas residency, an additional out-of-state applicant fee applies.
What should I check before applying for a marriage license?
Applicants should make sure their identification is valid and that names are entered exactly as shown on their IDs. The County Clerk cannot change the name or spelling information shown on identification documents. A complete list of accepted identification documents is available through the acceptable identification information.