So you live in Travis County and you have plans to get married. Congratulations! A very important part of wedding planning is securing your marriage license. While there are some tough rules, getting the license is a lot easier than choosing the dress. Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions related to obtaining your marriage license in Austin.
Where do I get my marriage license?
You will get it from the county clerk’s office. Most of Austin is in Travis County, and the county clerk’s office is located at 5501 Airport Boulevard. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm However, to get married in Texas, you can get the license at any county court in the state.
What are the steps to acquire my marriage license?
- Go to the Texas county clerk’s office
- Prove your identity and age with supporting documents
- Complete the application for a marriage license
- Take an oath on the application
- Sign the application in the presence of the county clerk
What documentation do I need to bring to obtain my marriage license?
- The bride and groom must bring personal identification; This can be a certified copy of a birth certificate or a certificate, license, or document issued by Texas, another state, the United States, or even a foreign government.
- You should also have your Social Security number available, although you do not need to bring the card if you have the number memorized.
- You must also bring $ 81 in cash to pay the fee; Checks are not accepted.
Does the marriage license ever expire?
Yes, if the marriage ceremony was not performed 89 days after the marriage license was issued, it will expire on the 90th day. After that period passes, the couple will have to purchase a new license if they still want to get married.
What about gay marriage?
With the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that made same-sex marriages equal to all other marriages across the United States, Texas has lined up and began issuing same-sex marriage licenses. You won’t find any roadblocks in Travis County, but according to the Texas Tribune, some county employees in other Texas counties are still trying to find ways to get around the law.
Is there a waiting period after obtaining the license?
Yes, a marriage ceremony cannot take place in the 72 hour period after the issuance of a marriage license. There are exceptions to this rule if you are an active member of the armed forces of the United States, if you perform work for the Department of Defense as an employee or under a contract, if you obtain a written exemption, or if you can provide proof that you took a qualifying premarital education course within one year of applying for the marriage license.
Are there marriage license rules related to divorce?
Yes. If you were recently divorced and want to get married, you must wait until 30 days after the divorce decree is filed to get a new marriage license. If you want to get married before the 30-day period ends, you need a waiver from the court. If a woman wants to use her maiden name on the marriage license, she must provide a certified copy of her birth certificate or a certified copy of the divorce decree showing the restored maiden name.
Do I have to be a Texas resident to get married here?
No, you do not have to be a Texas resident.
Can someone under 18 get married in Austin?
This got a bit more complicated as of September 1, 2017. Previously, the person only needed to provide documents proving parental consent. Other required documents included those that established that the person’s previous marriage had been dissolved or a court order authorizing the marriage. Now, Texas Family Code 2.003 has been modified to say that:
“A person under the age of 18 cannot marry unless this state or another state has issued a court order that removes the person’s minority disabilities for general purposes.”
Is a blood test required to get married?
No, but the county clerk is required to provide you with printed information about AIDS and HIV. Be sure to discuss your health and other issues before making the big commitment.
Is premarital education required to get married?
No, but the county and state strongly recommend a premarital education course of at least eight hours during the year before applying for a marriage license. Twogether offers several classes in Texas.
What is an informal marriage license?
If you are looking for almost the same documentation but a little less commitment, the county also offers an informal marriage license. The couple still has to provide proof of identity (social security numbers, birth certificates) and pay a $ 46 fee. The Informal Marriage Declaration will indicate the date the couple agreed to marry.
Edited by Robert Macias
