Midland Marriage License
If you plan to get married in Midland, you need a Texas marriage license from the Midland County Clerk before the ceremony can take place. Both applicants must appear at the clerk's office together, present valid photo ID, and pay the fee. Midland County issues licenses for residents of Midland and for anyone who wants to marry in the county. There is no Texas residency requirement, so couples from anywhere in the state or out of state can apply here. Once the clerk issues your license, a 72-hour waiting period begins before the ceremony can legally proceed.
Midland Overview
Midland County Clerk - Marriage License Office
The Midland County Clerk handles all marriage license applications for Midland and the surrounding county. Both applicants must be present at the same time. The office is located in downtown Midland inside the county building on West Wall Street. You fill out the application there, show your documents, take the oath, and pay the fee before the clerk issues the license.
The clerk follows the rules set out in Texas Family Code Chapter 2. The application collects full legal names, maiden names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, birthplaces, and prior marriage history. Once issued, the license is only valid in Texas and only for 90 days.
| Office | Midland County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 W Wall St, Suite 105 Midland, TX 79701 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Fee | ~$82 (confirm current amount with the clerk) |
| Website | co.midland.tx.us |
Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education course before applying pay a reduced fee of about $22 and may waive the 72-hour waiting period. Bring the completion certificate to the clerk when you apply. You will not receive a refund if you bring the certificate after the application is already done.
Note: Call the Midland County Clerk before your visit to confirm current hours, fees, and accepted payment methods, as these can change.
How to Get Your Marriage License in Midland
The process starts with both people showing up in person at the Midland County Clerk's office. You cannot mail in an application or send a representative. Both applicants must be physically present at the same time to complete the process.
What to bring to the Midland County Clerk:
- Valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport
- Your Social Security number (you don't need the card itself, just know the number)
- A certified copy of your divorce decree if either applicant was divorced within the last 30 days
- A court order if either applicant is under 18 (required since September 1, 2017 under Texas Family Code Section 2.003)
- Twogether in Texas certificate if seeking the reduced fee and waiver
Texas has no residency requirement. You don't have to live in Midland or in Texas to get a license in Midland County. Any couple can apply in any Texas county they choose. Once the clerk hands you the license, the 72-hour waiting period begins. You cannot hold the ceremony until that time passes. Most couples in Midland apply at least a week before the wedding to stay well within the 90-day validity window.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and must return it to the Midland County Clerk within 30 days. The clerk records the marriage and forwards information to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Once recorded, the marriage is part of the public record and certified copies can be requested.
The Midland County Clerk's office on West Wall Street is where couples in Midland apply for their Texas marriage license in person.
The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a statewide marriage record index that includes all licenses issued in Midland County after they are recorded and filed.
72-Hour Waiting Period and Fees
Under Texas Family Code Section 2.204, a 72-hour waiting period is required between when the county clerk issues the license and when the ceremony may take place. If you pick up the license on a Monday morning, the earliest you can hold the ceremony is Thursday morning. This applies to nearly everyone in Midland.
There are limited exceptions. Active-duty military members are exempt from the waiting period. A judge can issue a written waiver for good cause. And couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education course skip the waiting period entirely. That same course also cuts the license fee from about $82 down to about $22. The course is offered free of charge, runs about eight hours, and is available online and at locations across the state. Visit twogetherintexas.com to register.
The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. If you don't use it within that window, it expires and you have to apply again. Plan your ceremony date so it falls after the 72-hour period ends and before the 90th day. Most couples in Midland find it easiest to apply one to two weeks ahead of the wedding date.
The standard fee in Midland County is approximately $82. Payment methods accepted may vary, so check with the clerk's office before your visit. Midland County does not currently offer an online application option, so the entire process takes place in person at the office on West Wall Street.
Marriage License Records in Midland
After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the Midland County Clerk. The clerk records it and files the original. That record is public. Anyone can request a copy. Certified copies of the marriage record are available from the Midland County Clerk for about $21 each.
You can also verify a Texas marriage through the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics unit. DSHS keeps a statewide marriage index and can issue a $20 certified verification letter. This is useful when you need proof for a name change, passport application, or other legal matter and can't easily access the county file. DSHS verification letters are not the same as a certified copy from the county clerk, but they are widely accepted for most purposes.
Keep at least one certified copy in a safe place after the wedding. You will use it to update your name on a driver's license, Social Security card, bank accounts, and other documents. Order a copy right away rather than waiting, since getting one later adds extra steps and takes more time.
Note: The Midland County Clerk holds the original marriage record. For older records, contact the clerk directly to ask about availability and search options.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying Texas cities near Midland where you can get a marriage license:
Midland County Marriage License
Midland is the county seat of Midland County. All marriage licenses for Midland residents are issued by the Midland County Clerk. Visit the Midland County page for more information on the application process and local resources.