Marriage License in Dawson County

To get a marriage license in Dawson County, you and your partner go to the County Clerk's office in Lamesa. Both of you must appear in person, bring valid photo ID, and know your Social Security numbers. Dawson County is in West Texas, and the process follows Texas state law just like everywhere else. The county clerk issues the license, records it after the ceremony, and can provide certified copies if you need them later.

Dawson County Clerk

The Dawson County Clerk's office is the place to go for a marriage license in Lamesa. You'll complete an application there, provide your ID and Social Security numbers, and pay the fee. The clerk is also the official keeper of all county marriage records. The office is open during regular county business hours.

The county's official site at co.dawson.tx.us has department information including how to reach the County Clerk. It's worth a quick call before you go so you know exactly what to bring and confirm nothing has changed with hours or fees.

The Dawson County government site at co.dawson.tx.us lists all county departments and services, including the County Clerk office that handles marriage license applications in Lamesa.

The County Clerk is the starting point for marriage license applications in Dawson County. Arrive during business hours with your documents and both applicants ready to sign.

What You Need to Apply

Both applicants must show up together at the County Clerk's office. You each need a valid government-issued photo ID. That can be a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. You also need your Social Security number. Just know it. You don't need to bring the card itself.

Texas does not require a blood test. There is no residency requirement. A marriage license issued in Dawson County is good anywhere in Texas. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, you must both sign the application before the county clerk and swear an oath confirming your information is accurate.

If either of you was divorced, the divorce must have been final for at least 30 days before you can get a new marriage license in Texas. Bring a certified copy of the divorce decree if the divorce was recent. Widowed applicants may also need to provide a death certificate depending on the timing. The clerk can tell you exactly what applies to your situation.

Fees and Timing

The marriage license fee in Dawson County is approximately $82. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education class receive a reduced fee of around $22. The class is eight hours and must be completed within a year before your application. Bring your certificate of completion to the clerk's office.

After the license is issued, you wait 72 hours before the ceremony can happen. That rule applies statewide under Texas Family Code. You can get a waiver if you are active military, if a district judge signs off on one, or if you have a Twogether in Texas certificate. With the certificate, you skip the wait and pay less. The license is good for 90 days. After the ceremony, your officiant has 30 days to return the signed license to the county clerk.

Informal marriage, also called common law marriage, is another option in Texas. You can register an informal marriage with the county clerk using a Declaration of Informal Marriage form. This costs less than a formal license. Both parties must still appear in person.

Marriage Records in Dawson County

Dawson County marriage records are kept by the County Clerk. If you need a certified copy of a marriage license, contact the clerk's office directly. You'll need to provide the names of both parties and approximately when the marriage took place. Certified copies are used for legal name changes, insurance, and official documentation.

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics section maintains a statewide marriage index from 1966 onward. A verification letter from DSHS costs $20 and confirms whether a marriage record is on file. It is not a substitute for a certified copy but can help if you're not sure which county issued the license.

Nearby Counties

Dawson County is located in the West Texas plains region. Neighboring counties include: