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Guide · Dallas–Fort Worth
How to get a marriage license in Texas
You can get a Texas marriage license from any county clerk, and it works anywhere in the state. Here is what changes your timeline and your cost.
The 72-hour wait
A Texas license can't be used for 72 hours after it's issued. The clock starts when the clerk issues it, not when you fill out the online application. Couples who finish the state's premarital course, Twogether in Texas, and bring the certificate skip the wait.
The 90-day window
The license expires if the ceremony doesn't happen within 90 days of the issue date. After the ceremony, your officiant returns the signed license to the county clerk. Collin County asks for it within 30 days.
What to bring
- Both of you, in person, in most cases. An absent applicant needs a notarized affidavit and has to meet narrow conditions.
- A valid government photo ID for each of you, such as a driver's license, passport or military ID.
- Your Social Security numbers.
- Your Twogether in Texas certificate, if you have one.
Fees in Dallas–Fort Worth counties
| County | Standard fee | With course certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas | $80 | $21 |
| Tarrant | $76 | Ask the clerk |
| Collin | $80 | $20 |
| Denton | $81 | $21 |
Fees from each county clerk's website, checked October 2026. Card payments may add a processing fee.