Get Your Certified Texas Marriage Certificate
Get your official Texas marriage certificate quickly and securely through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Order online in minutes or by mail with clear, guided steps for fast processing. Start your request today and receive your marriage record by mail without delays.
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Vital Records Online (VRO) is an officially approved third-party vendor for some state health departments, offering vital record services such as birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates. VRO is an independent, SOC 2 compliant document filing service and is not a government agency.
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Texas Marriage Certificate Overview
Learn how to order Texas marriage records through the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section (DSHS-VSS). Processing times vary depending on the method of request, and fees are set by the state. Eligible individuals can request a Texas marriage verification letter, while certified copies of marriage licenses must be obtained directly from the county clerk where the marriage was filed.
Where to Get a Texas Marriage Certificate
In Texas, certified copies of marriage certificate can be obtained from two sources: the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Vital Statistics Unit and the county clerk in the county where the marriage license was issued.
Texas DSHS Vital Statistics - The state office maintains marriage records from 1966 to the present. You can request copies by mail or through an authorized online provider. The fee is $20 for a certified copy. Visit the TX Vital Records website for applications and details.
County Clerk - The county clerk's office where the marriage license was issued maintains records from the county's inception. Texas has 254 counties - the most of any state - each with its own clerk's office. County offices are typically the fastest option for in-person requests.
For the fastest and most convenient option, you can order your Texas marriage certificate online through our guided application service.
Is a Texas Marriage Certificate Issued by the State or County?
Texas marriage certificate originate at the county level. Couples apply for a marriage license at any county clerk's office in Texas (they are not restricted to their county of residence). After a 72-hour waiting period, the ceremony can take place, and the officiant returns the signed license to the county clerk.
The county clerk records the marriage and forwards the information to the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit, which maintains the statewide registry. Both the county clerk and the state can issue certified copies.
For marriages before 1966, only the county clerk will have records, as the state registry began that year. With 254 counties, Texas has the largest county-level vital records system in the country.
Texas Informal (Common-Law) Marriage
Texas is one of the few states that formally recognizes informal marriage, commonly known as common-law marriage. Texas law provides two paths to establish an informal marriage: couples can either file a Declaration of Informal Marriage with the county clerk, or they can meet three requirements - agreeing to be married, living together in Texas as spouses, and representing to others that they are married.
Filing a Declaration of Informal Marriage with the county clerk creates an official record and produces documentation similar to a traditional marriage certificate. This is the recommended approach for couples seeking clear proof of their marriage for legal and administrative purposes.
For traditional marriages, Texas has a 72-hour waiting period between obtaining the marriage license and the ceremony. This waiting period can be waived by a judge or by completing a premarital education course. Couples who complete an approved premarital education course of at least eight hours also qualify for a reduced license fee.
Texas is a community property state, meaning that property acquired during the marriage is generally considered jointly owned by both spouses. This has significant implications for divorce proceedings and estate planning, making the marriage certificate an important legal document for property rights.
How to Order a Texas Marriage Certificate
You can order a Texas marriage certificate, officially referred to as a marriage verification letter, through the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section (DSHS-VSS). Requests can be submitted online or by mail, depending on your preference. While many people search for Texas marriage certificate, it is important to note that the state issues verification letters, and certified copies of marriage licenses are only available from the county clerk where the marriage was originally recorded.
Ordering with VRO
Requesting a Texas marriage certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.
- Complete the online application and upload your documents.
- Process your order.
Starting from
$29+ state fees
Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO
- 5 minutes process
- No waiting in lines
- No handling paperwork or mail
- Simplified application process
- 24 hour service
- Online assistance by specialists
- Verification and error-checking
- Order tracking
- Online notary
- Pay online by credit card
- Remote processing time
Ordering in Person
Follow the process below if you choose to apply physically for a marriage certificate at the Vital Records office:
- Gather your documents.
- Get photocopies of your documents.
- Complete the correct form(s).
- Present everything to the Health Department during regular business hours.
Ordering By Mail
To order your Texas marriage certificate by mail, you need to follow these steps:
- Complete the correct form
- Gather the required information and documents.
- Obtain photocopies of your documents.
- Purchase an envelope.
- Include a physical check or money order issued to the State Board of Health.
- Issue it to the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section.
required documents
Texas Marriage Certificate Requirements
The Texas Health and Human Services VSS requires you to verify your identity when applying for a copy of a marriage certificate. If you cannot provide a photocopy of an acceptable primary identification, you can submit two forms of secondary identification instead. The table below lists the primary and secondary IDs accepted by the Texas VSS. You must submit the necessary documents and information to obtain a certified copy of a Texas marriage certificate.
Primary ID Requirements Options | Secondary ID Requirements Options |
|---|---|
Driver's license from a U.S. state | Current student ID |
Cost & fees
Texas Marriage Certificate Cost and Fees
Fees for certified copies of Texas marriage certificate is set by each county. The cost per certified copy typically ranges from $5.00 to $20.00, depending on the county and the number of copies requested. Some counties may charge additional fees for expedited service or certified mail.
Important: You should confirm current fees directly with the County Clerk's Office in the county where the marriage license was filed before submitting your request.
State Fee |
|---|
$20.00 |
Rush Processing |
|---|
$25.00 |
Additional Copy |
|---|
1 x $20.00 |
Processing time
Texas Marriage Certificate Processing Time
Processing times for Texas marriage certificate requests vary depending on the county and the method of submission:
- In-person requests may be completed the same day at many County Clerk offices
- Mail requests typically take several business days, depending on the county
- Online requests through VRO are processed and shipped as quickly as possible
Because each county operates independently, processing times may vary. Contact the County Clerk's Office directly for the most accurate estimate.
Processing Time |
|---|
25-30 business days |
Rush Processing Time |
|---|
20-25 business days |
Authorization
Who is Authorized to Order a Texas Marriage Certificate?
Individuals named on a marriage certificate and their immediate family members can request a certified copy of the certificate by providing proof of identity. If you are not a family member of the person named on the record, you may still request a copy of the marriage record from the DSHS-VSS if you are a legal representative.
Authorized People
- Children
- Grandparents
- Legal Guardian
- Legal Representative
- Parents
- Person on Record
- Siblings
- Spouse
Texas Marriage Certificate Notarization
No, notarization is not required when requesting a Texas marriage verification letter through the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section (DSHS-VSS). Applicants can submit their request without a notarized statement, as long as all required information and identification documents are properly provided.
Tracking
How to Track the Status of Your Texas Marriage Certificate
When you order through VRO, you can track the status of your application online as it is prepared and submitted for processing. Once your request is sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section (DSHS-VSS), you may also monitor progress using available state tracking tools when applicable.
If you submit your request by mail, using a trackable mailing service is recommended to confirm delivery. After the application is received, DSHS-VSS completes processing, and status updates may be accessed using your confirmation details.
Order Other Texas Vital Records
You can also request other Texas vital records through Vital Records Online:
You can also explore our related guides:
frequently asked questions
Texas Marriage Certificate FAQs
How Much Does a Texas Marriage Certificate Cost?
The fee for a certified copy of a Texas marriage certificate varies by county and ordering method. When ordering through VitalRecordsOnline.com, processing fees apply in addition to the state or county fee. Contact your local vital records office or county clerk for the exact current fee schedule. Expedited processing and shipping options are available for an additional charge.
Can I Order a Texas Marriage Certificate Online?
Yes, you can order a Texas marriage certificate online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. The online process allows you to submit your application, provide required information, and pay securely. Online orders are typically processed faster than mail-in requests. You will need to provide identifying information about both spouses and the date and location of the marriage.
Can Someone Else Request My Texas Marriage Certificate?
In Texas, the individuals named on the marriage certificate, their immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest may request a certified copy. Third-party requestors typically need to provide a notarized authorization letter from one of the parties named on the certificate, along with valid identification and a statement explaining the purpose of the request.
Why Do I Need Certified Copies of Texas Marriage Records?
Certified copies of Texas marriage records are often required for a variety of legal and administrative purposes, including name changes, insurance claims, Social Security updates, immigration applications, and property transactions. A certified copy from the County Clerk serves as official legal proof that the marriage took place and is accepted by government agencies and courts.
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Texas Marriage Certificate
If your Texas marriage certificate has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement certified copy from the County Clerk's Office in the county where the marriage license was filed. You will need to provide identifying information such as the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage. Fees and processing times vary by county.
What Is the Difference Between a Texas Marriage Certificate and a Marriage License?
A marriage license is the document issued by the County Clerk that authorizes a couple to get married. It must be obtained before the ceremony. A marriage certificate is the official record filed after the ceremony is performed, signed by the officiant and witnesses. The certificate serves as legal proof of the marriage and is the document you will need for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal purposes.
Where Can I Get a Copy of a Marriage Certificate in Texas?
To get a copy of a marriage certificate in Texas, visit the County Clerk Office in the county where the marriage license was originally filed. Each county maintains its own marriage records, so you will need to contact the specific county where the ceremony took place.
Most Texas County Clerk offices allow you to request certified copies in person, by mail, or online. You will typically need to provide the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage. Fees vary by county but generally range from $1 to $6 per copy.
Are Texas Marriage Records Public?
Yes, marriage records in Texas are generally considered public records. This means that most counties allow anyone to request a certified copy of a marriage certificate, regardless of whether they are named on the document.
You can obtain Texas marriage records by visiting the County Clerk Office where the marriage license was issued. Some counties also offer online search tools that let you look up marriage records by name and date. Keep in mind that while the records are public, you may still need to pay a small fee and provide identifying details to complete your request.
How Do I Get an Apostille for a Texas Marriage Certificate?
To get an apostille for a Texas marriage certificate, follow these two steps:
First, request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the County Clerk Office in the county where the marriage license was filed. The document must be an original certified copy with the clerk seal and signature.
Second, submit the certified copy to the Texas Secretary of State for authentication. You can submit your request by mail or in person at their Austin office. The Texas Secretary of State charges a fee per document for apostille services. Processing times vary, but standard requests are typically completed within a few business days.