Richardson Texas Marriage License
Couples in Richardson who want to get married need a Texas marriage license from the Dallas County Clerk before the ceremony. Richardson is in Dallas County, and the county clerk in downtown Dallas handles marriage license applications for all Dallas County residents. Both applicants must appear together in person, bring valid photo ID and Social Security numbers, and pay the fee. No Texas residency is required. Once the clerk issues the license, a 72-hour waiting period begins. The license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued.
Richardson Overview
Dallas County Clerk - Marriage License Office
The Dallas County Clerk issues marriage licenses for all of Dallas County, which includes Richardson, Dallas, Garland, Mesquite, Irving, and many other cities. The main clerk's office is in downtown Dallas. Both applicants must appear together at the same time. You fill out the application, show your documents, sign under oath, and pay the fee before the clerk issues the license.
Dallas County follows Texas Family Code Chapter 2 for all marriage license applications. The form asks for full legal names including maiden names, dates of birth, birthplaces, Social Security numbers, and prior marriage history. The license, once issued, is valid anywhere in Texas for 90 days. Dallas County is one of the most populous counties in Texas, so the downtown clerk's office can get busy. Arriving early in the morning on a weekday other than Monday helps reduce wait times.
| Office | Dallas County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 509 Main St Dallas, TX 75202 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Fee | ~$82 (confirm current amount with the clerk) |
| Website | dallascounty.org |
Couples who complete the free Twogether in Texas premarital education course before applying pay about $22 instead of the standard fee and can skip the 72-hour waiting period. Bring the certificate when you apply. You won't get a refund if you bring it after the application is processed.
Note: Richardson sits partly in Collin County and partly in Dallas County. If you live in the Collin County portion of Richardson, you may apply at either the Collin County Clerk (with a Plano satellite office) or the Dallas County Clerk. Check your county of residence to be sure.
How to Get Your Marriage License in Richardson
Both applicants must go together to the Dallas County Clerk in downtown Dallas. The process is in person only. You cannot mail an application or send someone in your place. Both people must be there at the same time. Most applications are completed the same day.
What to bring for each applicant:
- Valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card
- Social Security number (know it or bring the card)
- Certified divorce decree if either person was divorced in the last 30 days
- Court order if either applicant is under 18 (required since September 1, 2017)
- Twogether in Texas certificate if you want the reduced fee and waiting period waiver
No Texas residency is required. You don't have to live in Richardson or Dallas County to apply here. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and must return it to the Dallas County Clerk within 30 days. The clerk records the marriage and forwards information to the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit. Certified copies can be requested once the record is filed.
The Dallas County Clerk's website provides information on marriage license requirements, fees, and office locations for Richardson and all of Dallas County.
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit maintains the statewide marriage index, which includes all marriages issued in Dallas County covering Richardson residents.
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 can take place. The wait starts the moment the license is issued. If you get it Thursday morning, the earliest ceremony time is Sunday morning.
Active-duty military members are exempt. A judge can issue a written waiver for good cause. Couples with a Twogether in Texas certificate skip the waiting period entirely and pay a reduced fee of about $22 instead of the standard approximately $82. The course is free and eight hours long. It's available both online and at sites around Texas. Visit twogetherintexas.com to register.
The license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. If the ceremony doesn't take place within that window, the license expires. You would need to apply again and pay again. Most Richardson couples apply about one to two weeks before the wedding to stay well within both time limits.
Marriage Records in Richardson
The Dallas County Clerk holds all marriage records for the county. After the signed license is returned and recorded, it becomes part of the public archive. Certified copies cost about $21 each and are available from the Dallas County Clerk in person or by written request.
The Texas Department of State Health Services provides $20 statewide verification letters. These confirm a marriage is in the system but are not certified copies. For a certified copy, go to the Dallas County Clerk directly.
Keep a certified copy somewhere safe after your wedding. Name changes on a driver's license, Social Security card, bank accounts, and other records all require it. Getting it right after the ceremony saves time and frustration later.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying Texas cities near Richardson where you can also get a marriage license:
Dallas County Marriage License
Richardson is primarily in Dallas County. All marriage licenses for Dallas County residents are issued by the Dallas County Clerk. Visit the Dallas County page for more details on requirements, fees, and office information.