Dallas County requires an online application first, followed by an in-person visit to the County Clerk’s office to finalize and pay for the license.
| License fee | $81 without a premarital course certificate; $21 with a completed course certificate. Informal (common-law) marriage declaration: $46. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 72 hours after issuance (Texas statewide rule), waived with a completed premarital course. |
| Documents / ID required | Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. |
| License validity | 90 days from the date of issuance (Texas statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Complete the online application to receive an order number, then visit the County Clerk’s office (Records Building, 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100, Dallas) in person to finalize. |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (excluding court-approved holidays). |
Special notes
Frequently asked questions
Do we still need to visit the office in person if we apply online?
Yes. The online step generates an order number, but both applicants must still appear in person at the County Clerk’s office to sign and finalize the license.
How to get a marriage license in Dallas County, step by step
- Complete the online application to receive an order number. This is the first step for every couple.
- Both applicants visit the County Clerk’s office at the Records Building, 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100, Dallas — Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., excluding court holidays.
- Present valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants, and give your order number.
- Pay $81, or $21 if you hold a completed premarital course certificate.
- Wait 72 hours unless the course waives it, then marry within 90 days.
What to bring to the Dallas County office
- Government-issued photo ID for both applicants
- Your online order number
- $81, or $21 with a premarital course certificate
- The certificate itself, if you completed the course
When to apply for your Dallas County license
Texas requires a 72-hour wait after the license is issued, and the license is valid for 90 days, leaving roughly 87 days for the ceremony. Finishing an approved premarital course before you apply waives the wait entirely, which matters if your ceremony is within a few days of your visit. Courthouse hours end at 4:30 p.m., so schedule your visit for morning if you can.
After the ceremony: filing your Dallas County license and getting certified copies
The completed license must be returned to the county clerk within 30 days of the ceremony. Certified copies can only be issued after the clerk records the marriage, so a late return delays everything that depends on a certificate. (Filing rules checked September 2026.)
You will need a certified copy for name changes and other paperwork — see our guide to what to do after the wedding.
Certified copies in Dallas County
$10 for the first certified copy (same price for each copy)
| Issued by | Dallas County Clerk, Vital Records |
|---|---|
| Fee details | $10 per certified copy. A separate $10 search fee applies to unsuccessful searches. In-person card payments carry a $3.95 surcharge. |
| How to order | In person at the downtown office only, or by mail to 500 Elm St., Ste 2100, Dallas (money order only, no cash). |
| Timing | The county says to allow 6 to 8 weeks for mail requests; in person you receive the copy when the request is completed. |
| Heads up | The county FAQ says it is not currently accepting online or email requests; one page describes submitting an application online and giving the order number at the counter. |
Source: Dallas County Clerk - Vital Records FAQ · checked October 2026 · How many copies do you need?
Local tips for Dallas County
- The $60 course discount is one of the largest percentage discounts among the counties we’ve reviewed, and the course is short.
- An informal (common-law) marriage declaration is a different document at $46 — make sure you request the formal license if that is what you want.
- You must still visit the office in person even after the online step.
More questions about getting married in Dallas County
Do we still need to visit the office if we apply online?
Yes. The online step generates an order number, but both applicants must appear in person to sign and finalize the license.
How much does a Dallas County license cost?
$81 without a premarital course certificate and $21 with one.
Can we skip the 72-hour wait?
Yes, with a completed premarital course, and in other cases such as active-duty military or a court order.
Waiting periods by state → What licenses cost by state →
Last verified: August 2026
Read our general step-by-step guide →
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