Remote marriage license appointments on the horizon in Texas

In the not-too-distant future, couples in Texas will be able to apply for their marriage license without ever leaving home -- thanks to a new law allowing specially-certified county clerks to issue licenses remotely using online video-conferencing technologies. 

 

Under the new law (SB 907), effective Sept 1, 2021, county clerks can: 

 

“voluntarily become certified to issue marriage licenses to applicants through the use of remote technology. If a county clerk becomes certified, couples will be able to apply for a marriage license using remote technology and they will be considered to have appeared before the county clerk as required by statute. 

 

This bill will also allow the certified county clerk to issue marriage licenses to couples through the use of remote technology after they have applied.” 
(from SB 907 Author’s/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)

 

 

 

When will couples be able to schedule remote marriage license appointments in Texas? 

 

This unique certification process for county clerks doesn’t yet exist, so remote appointments won’t be available immediately. 

 

According to provisions outlined in SB 907, the Texas Judicial Council and the Department of State Health Services have until January 1, 2022 to create the procedure for the county clerk’s special certification process. 

 

Currently, some Texas counties already require couples to start their application form online, but couples must make appointments to appear in person in order to complete the process and receive their license. 

 

This in-person requirement has been increasingly difficult for applicants during the ongoing shutdowns and reduced operating hours caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as restrictions ease and county offices reopen around the state, appointments are still difficult to secure in some areas.

 

Once the clerk certification process is up and running, the amended statute should make things easier for couples -- now and well into the future. 
 
We’ll continue to update our site with new information as more clerks become certified. 

 

 

 

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• Get Ordained In Texas (Who Can Officiate Weddings in Texas?) 

 

Friends and family members can perform wedding ceremonies in Texas, as long as they're ordained. Online ordination is simple and free. 

 

...

 

 

Read: 

 

• How to Get Married in Texas - Planning a Wedding Ceremony in the Lone Star State

 

 

 

Updated September 2, 2021

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