Would you like to get married in Texas?It's not very difficult to get married in Texas, but you need to know and follow the rules.You will need to prove your identity and follow time limits.
Step 1: Appear before the clerk.
You need to show up at the Texas county clerk's office to get a marriage license.All Texas counties issue licenses.Sometimes these offices are called marriage license bureaus.The official from the clerk's office will give you a formal application.You have to be at least 16.A certified copy of a long-form birth certificate is required for applicants under the age of 18.You need to sign the oath that is printed on the application before the county clerk.You don't have to get married in the county where you obtained the license.
Step 2: Do you know your age and identity?
To get a marriage license, the county clerk will want to know your ages and identities.There are many ways to do this.Texas or another American state may have issued a driver's license or identification card.The identification card can't be damaged.Expired documents are not accepted.Bring a current passport from the United States or another country.A certified copy of your birth certificate is required.A valid government or military ID is required.
Step 3: You have to pay the fee.
You will need to pay a fee to get a marriage license in Texas.The fee varies by county.If you go through the State of Texas approved marriage education class as a couple and have a completion certificate, you won't have to pay the state portion of the fee.The county portion varies by county.Every state has valid Texas marriage licenses.
Step 4: You can find someone appropriate to marry.
Texas law requires who can marry who in the state.Those who qualify are a retired judge of a municipal court, a justice of the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court, or a judge in the Criminal appeals court.A person who is an officer in a religious organization authorized by the organization to conduct the marriage ceremony is qualified to marry people in Texas.
Step 5: You have to attend the ceremony if you meet the military exemption.
It's obvious that you have to attend the ceremony in order to get married in Texas.If you or your future spouse is a member of the United States military who is stationed in another country in combat or another military operation, there is an exception.The person who conducts the marriage should return the license to the County Clerk no later than the 30th day after the ceremony.
Step 6: Follow the time limits.
You need to have a marriage ceremony before the 90th day after your marriage license is issued if you want to be married in Texas.If you try to get married after that, you won't be able to because the marriage license will be expired.You have to wait 72 hours after getting the license to have the ceremony.The exception is for military personnel.If you go through the State of Texas approved marriage education class as a couple, the 72 hours are not required.
Step 7: Absentee licenses are available.
If you or your spouse are serving in combat or a military operation overseas and can't attend the ceremony, you can apply for an absent application affidavit.The information on the form must be completed by the absent person.The application lasts 30 days after issuance.Don't use white out or mark outs when printing or typing in blue or black ink.When purchasing a license, you need to appoint a person as a proxy.People in jail can get an absent application form, but they can't use a proxy and must be present to get married.
Step 8: Informal marriage licenses can be applied for.
A common law marriage is based on living together and mutual understanding and is granted by this license.The case of a common law union does not include a civil or religious ceremony.Common law marriages are not allowed in most states.You need a valid driver's license, passport, state-issued ID card, or certified copy of your birth certificate or valid photo ID to prove your identity.