Marriage License in Andrews County

Couples who need a marriage license in Andrews County, Texas must apply at the County Clerk's office in Andrews. Both applicants must appear together and bring valid photo ID along with their Social Security numbers. The process is governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 2, which applies in all 254 Texas counties. Andrews County sits in the Permian Basin region of West Texas, and the clerk's office handles all formal and informal marriage licenses for residents and non-residents alike. No residency requirement exists. The fee runs approximately $82, and there is a 72-hour waiting period before your ceremony can take place.

Andrews County Clerk - Marriage License Office

The Andrews County Clerk's Office is the sole place to get a marriage license in this county. The clerk operates out of the Andrews County Courthouse in the city of Andrews. Staff can issue formal marriage licenses, informal marriage declarations, and certified copies of existing records. The office follows regular state business hours throughout the week.

Andrews County is a small West Texas county with one main courthouse. There are no satellite locations. Both applicants must visit this office in person during business hours. Bring cash or a money order to cover the fee. Call ahead if you plan to pay by credit or debit card to confirm that option is available.

If you were divorced within the past 30 days, you must bring a certified copy of your divorce decree. Texas law does not allow a new marriage license to be issued within 30 days of a divorce becoming final unless a court has granted a waiver. This rule appears in Section 2.009 of the Texas Family Code.

The Andrews County website provides contact details and general information about county offices including the County Clerk.

Checking the website before your visit helps you confirm current office hours and any changes to procedures or fees. Andrews County also lists other clerk services including property records and assumed name filings.

Requirements for a Marriage License in Andrews County

Texas sets a uniform standard for marriage license applications across the state. Andrews County follows those same rules. What you need to bring depends on your situation, but in most cases the list is short.

Both applicants must have a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a Texas driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or a certified birth certificate paired with another valid ID. Each person must also provide their Social Security number. You do not need to bring your Social Security card as long as you know your number, though having the card available can speed things along.

Anyone under 18 cannot get a marriage license in Texas without a court order. Since September 1, 2017, Texas law under Texas Family Code Section 2.003 requires that a person under 18 have a court order removing the disabilities of minority before a license can be issued. Parental consent alone is no longer enough.

There is no residency requirement. You do not need to live in Andrews County or in Texas. Many couples in the Permian Basin area apply in whichever county is most convenient. Once issued, the license works anywhere in Texas. No blood test is required at any point.

Waiting Period and Fee Information

Texas law requires a 72-hour wait after the license is issued before the ceremony can happen. This comes from Texas Family Code Section 2.204. Plan your application date at least three days before your wedding. The license itself is then valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.

Three situations allow couples to skip the 72-hour wait. First, active duty military members are exempt. Second, a judge with family law jurisdiction can issue a written waiver for good cause. Third, couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education course get the wait waived automatically and also pay a reduced fee of approximately $22 instead of the standard $82. That is a savings of roughly $60. The course is eight hours long and locations are listed on the Twogether in Texas program site.

The informal marriage (common law) declaration option is also available at the Andrews County Clerk's office. This process requires both people to appear in person, and the fee is typically around $42. No absent applicant affidavit can be used for informal marriages. Both must be present at the time of filing.

Note: Fees can change. Contact the Andrews County Clerk directly to confirm the current fee schedule before your visit.

Marriage Records in Andrews County

Once your ceremony is complete, the officiant has 30 days to sign and return the license to the Andrews County Clerk. This is required under Texas Family Code Section 2.206. After the clerk records the returned license, it becomes a permanent public record. Certified copies are then available for purchase.

Certified copies of marriage licenses in Andrews County typically cost around $21 each. You can request them at the clerk's office or by mail. These copies are often needed for changing your name at the Social Security Administration or Texas Department of Public Safety, updating beneficiaries, or for immigration-related filings.

For marriages that took place anywhere in Texas from 1966 to the present, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics section maintains a statewide index. They can provide a verification letter for $20 confirming a marriage record is on file. For older records or certified copies, you go directly to the county clerk where the license was originally issued.

Nearby Counties

Andrews County is in the Permian Basin near several other West Texas counties. All nearby county clerks issue marriage licenses under the same state rules.