Brownsville Marriage License
Brownsville couples apply for their Texas marriage license at the Cameron County Clerk's office. Brownsville is the county seat of Cameron County, and the clerk's office downtown handles all marriage license applications for the city and surrounding area. Both applicants must appear in person together, bring valid photo ID, and pay the license fee. No Texas residency is required. The 72-hour waiting period starts as soon as the clerk issues the license, so plan to apply at least three days before your ceremony.
Brownsville Overview
Cameron County Clerk - Marriage License
The Cameron County Clerk is the office to contact for a marriage license in Brownsville. The main office is in the Cameron County Courthouse on East Harrison Street in downtown Brownsville. Both applicants must be present at the same time when applying. The clerk issues the license the same day you apply.
| Office | Cameron County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 964 E Harrison St Brownsville, TX 78520 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Fee | ~$82 (confirm current amount with the clerk) |
| Website | co.cameron.tx.us |
Couples who finish the free Twogether in Texas premarital education course before applying can save about $60 on the fee. The course is free, takes about eight hours online, and provides a certificate you bring to the clerk's office to receive the discounted rate.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Brownsville
You must apply in person. Both applicants need to be at the Cameron County Clerk's office at the same time. Mail-in applications are not accepted in Texas. The clerk takes your information, you both sign the application, and you pay the fee. The license is printed and handed to you the same day.
What to bring to the Cameron County Clerk:
- Valid government-issued photo ID for each applicant (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security number for each person (no card required, just know your number)
- Certified copy of the divorce decree if either person was divorced within the last 30 days
- Court order for anyone under 18, as required by Texas law since September 1, 2017
Texas has no residency requirement. You don't need to live in Cameron County or in Texas to apply here. Couples who live just across the border in Mexico sometimes apply for a Texas marriage license in Brownsville. As long as both applicants meet Texas legal requirements, the clerk can issue the license regardless of where they reside.
After the clerk issues the license, count forward 72 hours. Your ceremony cannot take place until that window has closed. Most couples apply about a week before the ceremony to give themselves a comfortable buffer. The license is valid for 90 days, so applying too early can leave you with an expiring license if plans change.
The Cameron County Clerk's website has current information on office hours, fees, and what documents to bring when applying for a marriage license in Brownsville.
Texas marriage licenses issued in Brownsville are valid for use anywhere in the state for 90 days from the issue date.
72-Hour Waiting Period and Fees
A 72-hour waiting period applies to almost all marriage licenses in Texas. The rule comes from Texas Family Code Chapter 2. The wait begins at the moment the clerk issues the license. You cannot marry before 72 hours have passed. The only exceptions are active-duty military members and couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education program.
Cameron County charges about $82 for a standard marriage license. With the Twogether in Texas certificate, the fee drops to about $22. That's a $60 savings for completing a free program. The course is online and takes about eight hours. Topics include financial planning, communication, and conflict resolution. You get a waiver document at the end that also waives the 72-hour waiting period if you want.
Your license expires 90 days after issue. It cannot be extended or renewed. If you don't use it in time, you apply again and pay again. Plan your wedding date to fall between 3 days and 90 days after your application date.
Marriage Records in Cameron County
After your ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the Cameron County Clerk within 30 days. The clerk records the marriage and sends data to the Texas Department of State Health Services. DSHS maintains the statewide marriage index. A certified verification letter from DSHS costs $20 and can serve as legal proof of the marriage.
Certified copies of the marriage record are available from the Cameron County Clerk for about $21. You'll need these for name changes on your driver's license, Social Security card, passport, and financial accounts. Order two or three copies right after the wedding so they're ready when you need them.
Marriage records in Cameron County are public. The county keeps these records on file permanently. To find an old marriage record in Brownsville or anywhere in Cameron County, contact the clerk's office with the names of the parties and an approximate year. The clerk can search the index and provide certified copies.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying Texas cities near Brownsville with marriage license services:
Cameron County Marriage License
Brownsville is the county seat of Cameron County. All marriage licenses for Brownsville are issued through the Cameron County Clerk. Visit the Cameron County page for more details on the application process and resources available to couples.