County Clerk: Marriage Licenses

Applying Online

After applying online for a marriage license, to complete the transaction both parties must appear together in our office within 10 calendar days from the date the application is submitted. If necessary, you may reapply in our office.

Identification Requirements

Both persons must be present and provide:

1. Valid government issued photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID include: driver's license, passport, military ID or an identification card issued by Texas or another state, the United States or a foreign government.
2. Social Security number. You are not required to show your social security card.

PLEASE NOTE: The name listed on your marriage license MUST match the name on your identification.

Using Maiden name on your Marriage License

If you have been divorced and reverted back to your maiden name after the divorce, but your identification has your married name, you must provide a certified copy of the divorce decree that states your name was changed back to your maiden name.

Where Do I Go to Get My Marriage License?

After completing the online application, please visit one of our two locations listed below to complete the purchase of your formal marriage license or informal marriage license.

McKinney Office: 2300 Bloomdale Road Suite 2106 McKinney TX 75071 Map (972) 548-4185

Plano Office: 900 E. Park Blvd. Suite 140-A Plano, TX 75074 Map (972) 881-3025

Residency Requirements

None.

If Previously Married

If your divorce was finalized within the last 30 days, you must provide a certified copy of the divorce decree stating the judge has waived the 30-day waiting period. If you do not have that waiver, you will have to wait 30 days before you can apply for another marriage license. If you have any questions, please call (972) 548-4185.

Application Requirements

Both parties must appear before the clerk and provide their valid government issued photo ID and their social security number (your social security card is not required).

Blood Tests

There are no blood test requirements.

Marriage License Fees

The cost of your license will vary depending on whether you have participated in a state approved premarital training program. The premarital course is an eight (8) hour training both you and your spouse-to-be may attend to learn conflict management, communication skills, and the key elements needed to create a lasting and healthy marriage. Courses may be obtained through individuals and organizations such as marriage educators; clergy; licensed mental health professionals; faith based organizations and community based organizations. (Texas Family Code 2.013(c))

Once the course has been completed you will receive a certificate of completion, which will be valid one (1) year from the completion date. The certificate must be signed and dated by the provider and include the name of the course, the name of the course provider and the completion date. (Texas Family Code 2.013(f))

Certificate MUST be presented at the time of application. Refunds will not be issued for certificates brought in after the application is completed. Upon receipt of the certificate, the County Clerk will deduct $60.00 from the license fee and waive the state required 72-hour waiting period. For more information on participating in the premarital training course please visit the Twogether In Texas website.

• Marriage License without the certificate - $80.00 (No checks accepted)
• Marriage License with the certificate - $20.00 (No checks accepted)
• Informal Marriage License - $36.00 (No checks accepted)
• Duplicate Formal Marriage License - $30.00
• Certified Copy of Marriage License - $6.00

PLEASE NOTE: A convenience fee will be charged for all credit/debit card transactions.

Waiting Period and Expiration of License

Pursuant to Texas Family Code, Chapter 2 Sec. 2.204 of the Texas Family Code, the marriage ceremony may not take place during the 72-hour period immediately following the issuance of the marriage license unless: (a) an applicant is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and is on active duty, (b) an applicant obtains a waiver from District Court, or (c) an applicant completes a premarital education course and provides the County Clerk with the completion certificate.

EXPIRATION OF LICENSE: Pursuant to Chapter 2 Sec. 2.201 of the Texas Family Code, if a marriage ceremony has not been conducted before the 90th day after the date the license is issued, the marriage license expires.

Marriage of Persons Under 18 Years Of Age

Pursuant to Texas Family Code Chapter 2 §2.101 the County Clerk may not issue a marriage license to persons under the age of 18. For any questions pertaining to the marriage of persons under 18 years of age, please contact our office at (972) 548-4185.

Persons Authorized to Conduct Ceremony

Licensed or ordained Christian Ministers and Priests, Jewish Rabbis, or persons who are officers of religious organizations; and who are duly authorized by the organization to conduct marriage ceremonies; Justices of the Supreme Court, Judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals, Justices of the Courts of Civil Appeals, Judges of the District, County and Probate Courts, Judges of the County Courts at Law, Courts of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Courts, Justices of the Peace, Judges and Retired Judges of a Municipal Court and Judges and Retired Judges or Magistrates of the Federal Courts of this State.

If interested in having a Justice of the Peace conduct your wedding ceremony, contact the Justice of the Peace for more information.

Absent Applicant

Any party unable to appear in person must complete, sign and have notarized an Affidavit of Absent Applicant for Marriage License form in order to obtain the license, [Texas Family Code, Section 2.007]. The other party must present the affidavit in person to the County Clerk's Office within 90 days from the date of signature.

Resources

Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit Issues certified copies of Birth and Death Records for events which occurred within the state of Texas. For Marriage and Divorce records they provide verifications only. Certified copies of Marriage records are issued only by the County Clerk's office where the marriage license was purchased. Certified copies of a divorce decree are issued from the District Clerk's office in the county where the divorce was granted.

The Marriage Relationship, Family Code

Apostille for Document Certified by the State Registrar or County To obtain the apostille for a document certified by the State Registrar, send the document with the $15.00 directly to:

Secretary of State, Statutory Documents Attention Authentications Unit P.O. Box 13550 Austin, TX 78711-3550

For additional information, please call (512) 463-5705.

In addition to the above requirements, for all certifications or authentications you will also need to provide the following:

1. The name of the country where the document will be recorded.
2. The statutory fee of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) per certificate or apostille unless the certificate or apostille is requested for use in adoption proceedings. * A check or money order drawn on a U.S. Bank and made payable to the Secretary of State of Texas must be submitted with the documents. American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa cards are also accepted (subject to a $2 minimum fee).
3. A self-addressed, stamped envelope or pre-paid overnight air bill/envelope.

If the Certificate/Apostille is requested for use in proceedings related to an adoption, the fee is $10.00 per Certificate/Apostille, and the total fees may not exceed $100.00 for the adoption of each child.

Wedding Anniversary Gifts