Blanco County Marriage License

Both applicants must go in person to the Blanco County Clerk's office in Johnson City to apply for a marriage license in Texas. The clerk issues all formal and informal licenses under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, and no Texas residency is needed. Both people must bring valid photo ID and their Social Security numbers, and plan for the 72-hour waiting period that begins as soon as the license is issued. The license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued, and it can be used for a ceremony anywhere in Texas.

Blanco County Clerk - Marriage License Office

The Blanco County Clerk in Johnson City handles all marriage license applications for the county. The office is small and serves a rural area in the Texas Hill Country. Staff can help with the application form, answer questions about what documents to bring, and process payment the same day. The clerk also retains the official record once the signed license is returned after the ceremony.

There is one location for marriage licenses in Blanco County, and it is at the courthouse in Johnson City. The office is open regular weekday hours and closes on state holidays. If you are traveling from another city, call ahead to confirm hours and availability before making the drive.

The office accepts cash and check. Call ahead to ask about card payment options. The standard fee is approximately $82. Couples who have completed the Twogether in Texas premarital course pay around $22 instead. Bring the completion certificate to the office on the day you apply.

Applicants divorced within the past 30 days must provide a certified copy of the divorce decree. Texas Family Code Section 2.009 bars issuing a new license within 30 days of a divorce becoming final.

The Blanco County official website offers county clerk contact details and information about applying for a marriage license in Johnson City.

Check the county website before your visit to confirm current hours and any changes to fees or requirements at the Blanco County Clerk's office.

How to Get a Marriage License in Blanco County

The process is straightforward. Both applicants go to the clerk's office together in Johnson City. Fill out the state application form, show valid IDs, provide Social Security numbers, and pay the fee. The clerk can issue the license the same day in most cases.

Each applicant must bring:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
• Social Security number (you must provide it; a card is helpful but not always required)
• Certified copy of divorce decree if divorced within the last 30 days
• Court order if either applicant is under 18 (required since September 1, 2017)

No residency in Blanco County or Texas is required to apply here. The license can be used anywhere in Texas regardless of where it was issued. No blood test is needed. The application form under Texas Family Code Section 2.004 collects full legal names, dates and places of birth, Social Security numbers, and prior marriage history. Answer these questions honestly and completely.

The 72-Hour Waiting Period and Fees

Texas requires a 72-hour hold between when the clerk issues the license and when the ceremony can legally happen. Texas Family Code Section 2.204 sets this rule. A license issued Wednesday afternoon means the ceremony cannot happen before Saturday afternoon.

Three exceptions can waive the wait. Active duty military are exempt. A judge can approve a written waiver for good cause. Couples who finish the Twogether in Texas premarital education course can skip the 72-hour hold and also pay a lower fee. That course is 8 hours. The standard fee in Blanco County is about $82. With a Twogether in Texas completion certificate, that drops to around $22. The certificate must be presented at the clerk's office when you apply.

The license is good for 90 days. If you do not hold the ceremony in time, the license expires and you must reapply. Most couples get the license one to two weeks before their ceremony to stay within the 90-day window and leave time after the 72-hour wait. Do not wait until the last minute.

Blanco County also handles informal marriage declarations through the clerk's office. Both people must appear in person. The fee is about $42. The declaration is filed and becomes a permanent public record once the clerk processes it.

Blanco County Marriage License Records

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and must return it to the Blanco County Clerk within 30 days. This is required by Texas Family Code Section 2.206. Once filed, the record is permanent and public. Certified copies can then be obtained for name changes, insurance, immigration, or other legal needs.

Certified copies of Blanco County marriage records cost approximately $21 each. You can request them in person or by mail. For records from anywhere in Texas from 1966 forward, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics unit keeps a statewide index and issues verification letters for $20. These letters confirm a record exists but are not the same as certified copies from the county clerk.

Historical Blanco County marriage records are archived at the courthouse. Genealogists and researchers can request access to older records through the clerk's office. Some records may also be available through online genealogy platforms.

Nearby Counties

Blanco County sits in the Texas Hill Country. The following nearby counties each have their own clerk offices and follow the same state marriage license rules.