Marriage License Requirements in Texas
Texas requires both applicants to appear together in person at a County Clerk’s office — there is no fully online application. Requirements below apply statewide; fees and office locations are set by each county.
| Minimum age to marry | 18 without restriction. Under 18 requires a court order removing the disabilities of minority (Texas Family Code Ch. 31). |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 72 hours after the license is issued, waivable for active-duty military, by court order, or by completing a state-approved premarital education course. |
| License validity | 90 days from the date of issuance (the 72-hour wait counts against this window). |
| Blood test required | No |
| Where to apply | Any Texas county — there’s no residency requirement at all. You don’t need to live in Texas or in the county you apply in, and the license is valid for a ceremony anywhere in the state. |
| Documents you’ll need | Valid photo ID showing proof of age and identity for both applicants (driver’s license or state ID, current or expired no more than two years; or a birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID). |
What a Texas marriage license typically costs
In our researched counties, the standard fee for Texas residents runs $72 to $82. Nearly every county offers a large discount — typically bringing the fee down to around $12 to $22 — for couples who complete the state-approved “Twogether in Texas” premarital education course, which also waives the 72-hour waiting period. A few counties charge a much higher fee (up to $181) when neither applicant can show proof of Texas residency. Select your county below for its exact figures.
Counties we cover in Texas
Requirements above are set by Texas state law and apply the same way in every county. The fee, hours, and exact application process are set locally — select your county above for those specifics.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Texas marriage license cost?
Typically $72–$82 for Texas residents. Most counties cut that to roughly $12–$22 if you complete the state-approved “Twogether in Texas” premarital course beforehand — which also waives the 72-hour waiting period. Some counties charge significantly more (up to $181) if neither applicant can show proof of Texas residency. Check your specific county’s guide for the exact current fee.
Do we have to be Texas residents or apply in our home county?
No. Texas has no residency requirement at all — you can apply in any county in the state regardless of where you or your partner live, and the license is valid for a ceremony anywhere in Texas.
Can we skip the 72-hour waiting period?
Yes, in three situations: if either applicant is active-duty military, with a court order, or by completing a state-approved premarital education course (such as “Twogether in Texas”) before applying.
Is a blood test required to get married in Texas?
No. Texas does not require a blood test or medical exam to obtain a marriage license.
See how Texas’s fees compare to other states → Getting married in a different county than you live in →