Getting married is a big milestone in anyone’s life. Before you can say “I do,” however, there are certain legal formalities that must be completed. One of these formalities is obtaining a marriage license, which is a legal document that permits you to marry. If you are planning to get married in Texas, here are the requirements you need to fulfill to get a marriage license.
Age Requirements
To get married in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are under 18 years old, you will need to obtain parental consent. If you are under 16 years old, you will need to obtain a court order.
Identification Requirements
Both the bride and the groom must provide a valid form of identification when applying for a marriage license. Acceptable forms of identification include driver’s licenses, certified copies of birth certificates, passports, or military identification cards. Furthermore, you will also be required to provide your Social Security card. If you are unable to provide a Social Security card, you must provide a document that verifies your Social Security Number.
Residency Requirements
There are no residency requirements to get married in Texas. You do not have to be a resident of Texas to get married in the state. However, you must apply for your marriage license in the county where you or your prospective spouse reside.
Waiting Period and Expiration of License
In Texas, there is a 72-hour waiting period after the marriage license is issued before you can get married. This means that you cannot get married until three days after your marriage license application has been accepted. The marriage license is valid for 90 days after it has been issued. If you do not get married within 90 days, you will need to apply for a new marriage license.
Cost of Marriage License
The cost of a marriage license in Texas varies depending on the county in which you apply. The cost generally ranges from $70 to $85. Some counties may offer a discount if you have completed a premarital education course.
Conclusion
Getting a marriage license in Texas requires a few legal formalities to be completed. However, with the right identification documents and matching requirements, the process can be smooth and enjoyable. Make sure to carefully consider your options before taking this important step toward your future together.
FAQ
Do you have to take a class to get married in Texas?
When it comes to getting married in Texas, there is no legal requirement for couples to attend a premarital education course or any other classes. However, the state does provide an option for couples who wish to attend a premarital education course of at least eight hours. Section 2.013 of the Texas Family Code encourages those applying for a marriage license to attend such a course in the year preceding the date of the application for the license.
Couples who attend the premarital education course are eligible for a discount on their marriage license fee, which may be a motivating factor for some. In addition, attending such a course may help couples prepare for a successful marriage by covering topics such as communication skills, conflict resolution, financial planning, and the legal rights and responsibilities of marriage.
It’s worth noting that even if a couple chooses to attend a premarital education course, it does not guarantee a successful marriage, nor is it a legal requirement for getting married in Texas. The decision to attend a premarital education course is entirely up to the couple, and those who choose not to attend are still free to apply for and receive a marriage license in the state.
Does Texas marriage license require witnesses?
In Texas, witnesses are not required for marriage licenses as of now. However, it is important to clarify that this information may be subject to change in the future as marriage laws can vary across states and may be amended by governing bodies. Currently, the Texas marriage license application only requests basic information about the couple, such as their names, addresses, and social security numbers. Blood tests and medical exams are also not required in Texas, which makes it easier and more affordable for couples to obtain a marriage certificate in the state.
It is important to note that although witnesses are not required for a marriage license itself, they may be required for the actual ceremony if you choose to have one. This is because in Texas, the person who officiates the ceremony is responsible for completing and filing the marriage license with the county clerk’s office. The officiant must sign the license and have it signed by two witnesses who are present at the ceremony. Therefore, it is ultimately up to the couple to decide whether or not to have witnesses present at the ceremony.
Texas does not require witnesses for obtaining a marriage license, but it is always a good idea to confirm with the county clerk’s office or a knowledgeable lawyer to ensure that you are following the state’s regulations correctly.
What makes a marriage invalid in Texas?
In Texas, a marriage can be declared invalid under certain circumstances. According to state law, marriages can be categorized as either void or voidable. Void marriages are those that were never legally valid in the first place, while voidable marriages are those that may be declared invalid under certain conditions.
Void marriages, which are considered to be completely legally invalid in Texas, include the following:
1. Incest: If the spouses are related to one another by blood or adoption, the marriage is considered void. Prohibited relationships include a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew.
2. Bigamy: If one spouse is already married to someone else, the subsequent marriage is considered void. The law is intended to prevent an individual from marrying multiple partners and potentially neglecting their responsibilities to each of them.
On the other hand, a voidable marriage in Texas is one that, while initially considered valid, may be declared invalid under certain circumstances. Such circumstances include:
1. Age: If either spouse was under the age of 18 at the time of the marriage, they may seek to have the marriage voidable. However, if the underage spouse was 16 or 17 and was married with parental consent, they must also seek to have the marriage voided within 90 days of the ceremony.
2. Mental incapacity: If one or both spouses didn’t have the capacity to understand the nature of the marriage contract, the marriage may be declared invalid.
3. Fraud or duress: If a spouse entered into the marriage under false pretenses or was coerced into the marriage against their will, they may have grounds for a voidable marriage.
4. Impotence or sterility: If one spouse is unable to consummate the marriage due to impotence or is incapable of having a child, the other spouse may seek to have the marriage declared voidable.
5. Concealment of divorce: If one spouse had been previously divorced and failed to disclose that information to their current spouse before the marriage, the latter spouse may seek to have the marriage voided.
It’s important to note that there are time limits for a spouse to file for a voidable marriage. In most cases, it must be filed within two years of the date of the wedding. Otherwise, the marriage will likely be considered valid.