How to Fill out a Texas Marriage License with Examples & FAQs

 

Asked to officiate a Texas wedding? Getting married in Texas? Whether you're a new wedding officiant or soon to be newlyweds, here’s everything you need to know about the marriage license process, including cost, waiting period, and – most importantly – how to fill out a Texas marriage license correctly the first time!

 

We hear those wedding bells ringing, so let’s dig in! 

 

Disclaimer: These marriage license tips are for educational purposes and are not legal advice. We always recommend contacting your local clerk's office / marriage license issuing office with specific questions. 
 

How to Fill Out Texas Marriage License: Example & FAQs

 

1. How to Fill Out an Texas Marriage License (for the Officiant)

 

The wedding officiant must fill out the marriage license following the wedding ceremony, and ensure it’s returned to the county clerk’s office where it was issued. The license should be completed immediately following the ceremony and returned promptly to avoid complications (within 30 days of the ceremony). In Texas, the wedding officiant must return the license themselves, or must formally authorize the couple to return their own license. 

 

Related: Officiant Training: Understanding the Wedding License Process

Here are a few tips from the Dallas and Harris County Clerk’s Offices get you started:

 

• Use dark blue or black ink and print legibly – avoid cursive (except when signing your name). 

 

• The officiant must date and sign the required section of the license. This section will be clearly labeled as “official performing ceremony,” “officer’s return,” or similar wording. Marriage license designs vary by county, so this section might appear on the front or back of your license. (See examples below.)

 

• If the license asks for your "Title" and you are ordained with AMM, write "Minister."

 

More Info: Officiant Title on Marriage License

 

• Witness signatures are not required on a marriage license in Texas. Because each county designs their own marriage license certificate, you might see witness signature lines included on the license, but these signatures are optional. You do not need a witness to sign, and can safely leave these spaces blank if you wish.

 

• The signed license must be returned within 30 days of the ceremony to any clerk’s office located in the same county where it was issued. 

 

• The officiant must ensure that the license is returned – either by returning it yourself, or by authorizing the newlyweds to return their own marriage license. 

 

• To clarify: In most cases, the couple does not sign a TX marriage license following the wedding ceremony. Instead, couples sign the license application when they first apply. 

 

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2. Texas Marriage License Examples

 

We researched several examples of Texas marriage licenses and how to fill them out, including the sample Bexar County and Harris County marriage licenses shown below. 
 
These TX marriage license examples show where the officiant will sign and date the license after the wedding ceremony. Each county designs their own marriage licenses, so yours might look different. If you have specific questions about signing the document, contact the county clerk's office. 

 

Sample One:

 

 

This Bexar County marriage license example shown above is well loved for it's colorful design. It includes two optional witness signature lines (bottom left portion, labeled ",Two witnesses sign here") and a space for the wedding officiant to sign and date the license following the wedding (bottom right portion, labeled "Official Performing Ceremony"). 

 

Sample Two:

 

This Harris County marriage license example shows the front and back portions of the certificate, which was redesigned in 2019. The back of the marriage license certificate includes the "Officer's Return" portion, which must be filled in by the wedding officiant after the ceremony. 
 

 

3. How to Fix a Mistake on a Texas Marriage License

 

If you make a mistake while filling out a marriage license (before it’s been returned to the clerk) – such as an incorrect date or wrong color ink – the couple may need to purchase a replacement license for you to fill out with the accurate information before it can be filed with the clerk.
 
Since each county may have different steps to take to correct different types of errors, we recommend you contact the issuing county clerk’s office directly with your questions. This will be the simplest way to handle any issues that come up.

 

How to amend a marriage license in Texas

If you need to amend a Texas marriage license after it's filed, contact the county clerk’s office where it was returned. They’ll help you complete an affidavit to correct your marriage record and charge you a small fee. 

 

 

4. Is Online Ordination Legal in Texas? (To Officiate a Wedding)

 

Yes, ministers who are ordained online through a reputable and recognized church, including American Marriage Ministries, can officiate weddings in Texas and sign your marriage license. 

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However, not all online-ordained ministers are legally qualified to perform marriages in all states. If your officiant is ordained online with a church other than American Marriage Ministries, it’s important to verify their minister credentials before they perform your wedding ceremony: 
 

• How to Tell if Your Officiant Can Perform a Legal Wedding
• Cómo Saber si su Oficiante Puede Realizar una Boda Legal

 

 

5. How Much is a Marriage License in Texas? (Cost)

 

Marriage license prices may vary slightly by county, and sometimes increase to keep up with state budget costs. In general, your license will cost around $80. Discounted marriage licenses are available to couples who complete an approved premarital education course through the "Twogether in Texas" program. For the most-current Texas marriage license cost, click the link below, or contact your local recorder's office: 
 

• How Much Does a Marriage License Cost?

 

 

6. How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage License in Texas? (Waiting Period)

 

The amount of time you spend in the county clerk’s office will vary depending on where you apply for your license. After your application is approved, you must wait 72 hours before using your marriage license. This is called the “marriage license waiting period.” 

 

• Learn more about the marriage waiting period and waivers: State-by-state marriage waiting periods should be part of your wedding plan

 

 

7. How Long is a Marriage License Good in Texas?

 

How long a marriage license is valid in each state is called the “expiration period.” This is the number of days or months you have to use your license after it’s issued – your ceremony must take place within this timeframe. To see the current Texas marriage license expiration period, click the link below: 
 

• Marriage License Waiting Period, Expiration, and Return
• Confirm that the Marriage License is Valid

 

 

8. How Do I Get a Copy of My Marriage License in Texas?

 

Certified copies of marriage licenses are only available locally from the county clerk’s office, and must be requested in the same county where the license was originally filed. 

 

If you don’t need an official, certified copy of your marriage record, you can obtain a “marriage verification letter” instead, which includes details confirming your marriage. A verification letter isn’t a legal substitute for a certified copy, but can be used in some cases to confirm you’re married in the State of Texas. Letters are available for most marriages filed between 1966 and 2021, and can be requested online through the Texas Department of State Health Services: Order Records portal.

 

If you need a replacement copy of a marriage license before it’s been filed, contact the issuing clerk’s office directly for next steps. 

 

 

9. Less Common Texas Marriage License Q&As

 

Now that we’ve covered the frequent questions about filling out a Texas marriage license, let’s take a brief look at some less common concerns.

 

• What happens if my marriage license was never turned in in the State of Texas?

 

If you discover your Texas marriage license was never returned after the wedding, or if your officiant loses your marriage license following the ceremony, don’t panic! While your marriage is not yet officially recorded, there are steps you can take to make sure it’s legally recognized. Because Texas recognizes Common Law marriages (informal marriages), you have a few unique options, and we recommend you contact the county clerk directly – they’ll have the best advice for your specific situation! 

If you still have the license, make sure it’s been properly signed by the officiant and take it to the clerk’s office. They may accept it even if it’s late, and if not, they can tell you the next steps to take. 

 

If you no longer have the license or never applied for one, contact your local clerk’s office to ask about a ‘Declaration of Informal Marriage,’ and whether filing this document is the right next step for you. 

 

• How to cancel a marriage license in Texas

 

A Texas marriage license can't be "canceled," but it can expire if it's not used within 90 days of being issued. If you decided not to get married before the ceremony, contact the county clerk's office for instructions on what to do with your unused license. They may require you to return it so that it can be properly destroyed. 

 

If the ceremony has already taken place, you and your officiant are legally required to return the license to the clerk's office. If you no longer want to be married, your options may include annulment, voiding the marriage, or divorce. Contact your clerk for the best advice in your unique situation. 

 

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Explore More Texas Wedding Tips & News From AMM

 

• How to Get Married in Texas - Planning a Wedding Ceremony in the Lone Star State
   
• How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained Online in Texas?
   
• Dripping Springs Will Continue Reign as ‘Wedding Capital of Texas’
   

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