Motley County Marriage License

Motley County marriage licenses are issued through the County Clerk's office in Matador. Both applicants must appear in person at the same time and bring valid photo ID along with their Social Security numbers. No Texas residency is required. The license is governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 2. After the clerk issues the license, a 72-hour waiting period must pass before the ceremony can take place. The license remains valid for 90 days from the issue date. If you do not use it in that time, you must reapply.

Motley County Clerk - Marriage License Office

The Motley County Clerk's office in Matador is the sole location in the county for marriage license applications. Both applicants must visit the office at the same time. There are no satellite offices. The clerk handles the application, collects payment, and maintains all recorded marriage licenses for the county.

Because Motley County is a small, rural county, it is especially important to call ahead before your visit. Confirm that the office is open and not observing a local holiday or training closure. The courthouse is in downtown Matador and is accessible during regular weekday business hours.

The standard fee is approximately $82. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education course pay a reduced fee of around $22. Bring a valid certificate when you apply. Cash, check, and money order are the typical payment methods. Call ahead to confirm whether cards are accepted.

Note: If either applicant was divorced within the last 30 days, bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree. Texas law under Texas Family Code Section 2.009 prevents issuing a new license within 30 days of a divorce unless a court issues a written waiver.

The Motley County website has contact details for the County Clerk's office and other county services in Matador.

Looking up the county site before your visit helps confirm office hours and avoid surprises when you arrive in Matador to apply.

How to Apply for a Motley County Marriage License

The process is simple. Both applicants go to the clerk's office in Matador together, show their IDs, fill out the state form, and pay the fee. No appointment is needed in most cases. The visit usually takes less than an hour.

Bring the following:

• Valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military card
• Social Security number for each applicant (memorized or written; a card may not be required)
• Certified divorce decree if either person was divorced within the last 30 days
• Court order removing disabilities of minority if either applicant is under 18 years old

No residency is required in Texas or Motley County. No blood test is needed. The state application form under Texas Family Code Section 2.004 asks for full legal names, dates of birth, birthplaces, and Social Security numbers. You will also be asked about any prior marriages. The license is valid anywhere in Texas once the 72-hour wait is over.

The 72-Hour Waiting Period and Fees

Texas law mandates a 72-hour waiting period from the time the clerk issues the license until the ceremony can take place. This comes from Texas Family Code Section 2.204. Plan three full days between your application visit and your ceremony date.

The wait can be skipped in a few cases. Active duty military members are exempt. A judge can grant a written waiver. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education program can also skip the wait and pay a lower fee. The course runs about 8 hours and covers topics like communication and finances. Find approved providers at twogetherintexas.com. The standard fee in Motley County is around $82. With a valid Twogether certificate, the fee drops to approximately $22.

The 90-day validity window means you should not apply more than a few months before your wedding. If the ceremony does not happen in time, you start over. Most couples apply about one to two weeks out from the wedding date.

Motley County Marriage Records

After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the completed marriage license and return it to the Motley County Clerk within 30 days. This is required under Texas Family Code Section 2.206. The clerk records the license and it becomes part of the permanent public record. Certified copies are available after that point.

Certified copies from the Motley County Clerk cost approximately $21 each. Request them in person or by mailing a written request with payment. These copies serve as proof of marriage for name changes, benefit enrollment, immigration, and legal filings. They are accepted by all federal and state agencies requiring proof of marriage.

For statewide record checks, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics unit keeps a marriage index from 1966 to the present. Verification letters cost $20. These confirm a record exists but are not the same as certified copies. For legal purposes, always request certified copies from the county clerk where the license was issued.

Nearby Counties

Motley County is in West Texas near the Caprock. These surrounding counties also issue marriage licenses through their clerk offices.