|
Obtaining A Marriage License in Texas
Passed by the 80th Texas
Legislature, since September 2008, the cost for a marriage license
doubled from $30 to $60, plus local fees which range from $6
to $12.
However, now couples taking a state-approved, 8-hour premarital
course will have the $60 license fee waived.
The course must
be completed within one year before the wedding to qualify.
Courses will cover topics such as conflict management,
communications skills and other key components of a
successful marriage.
The goal of the new law is to hopefully reduce the number of
divorces in Texas. Couples who do not
take a course will still be able to get a license, but will
have to pay the full $60 plus local fees.
Marriage licenses will continue to be issued by each of the
county courthouses and be valid throughout the state of
Texas.
To receive your license you must...
-
Both apply in person with proper I.D. (i.e. Driver’s
License, Birth Certificate, passport)
-
Pay cash only
-
Legal age is 18; if under 18 bring a certified copy of
your birth certificate and a parent or legal guardian
with their proof of I.D.
-
You must wait 30 days until after your divorce is final
but do not need to bring your divorce decree.
-
Your marriage license is valid for 30 days
-
There is a 72-hour waiting period after your license is
issued before you may be married. Exceptions are if you are
an active duty military person, have completed the
premarital course, or for any one who receives a waiver from
any district judge.
Most couples who work with me on marriage skills are not doing it to save $60 on a marriage license but rather because they have the foresight to understand the importance of learning these skills from a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Click here to register for the premarital class.
|