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Tarrant County exact answer

Do both applicants have to appear in Tarrant County?

This answer belongs to the issuing office and task named above. It does not substitute a statewide summary or infer a rule the office does not publish.

Direct answer

Yes. Both applicants must appear as the office describes in Tarrant County. Appearance may be in person or together by video conference — the video option is published for formal-license applicants only. Published exceptions: one applicant may apply on the other's behalf with a completed, notarized absentee affidavit, and a license with both applicants absent may only be issued when both are members of the U.S. armed forces stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation. Marriage by the appearance of a proxy is published only for such a service member who cannot attend the ceremony. An absentee affidavit cannot be used for an informal (common-law) marriage license.

Published rule and conditions

Applicant appearance rule
Yes

Appearance may be in person or together by video conference — the video option is published for formal-license applicants only. Published exceptions: one applicant may apply on the other's behalf with a completed, notarized absentee affidavit, and a license with both applicants absent may only be issued when both are members of the U.S. armed forces stationed in another country in support of combat or another military operation. Marriage by the appearance of a proxy is published only for such a service member who cannot attend the ceremony. An absentee affidavit cannot be used for an informal (common-law) marriage license.

Official requirement

Both parties must appear in person or together via video conference.

Issuing office

Tarrant County Clerk's Office, Vital Records Division

Open the issuing office

Official sources for this answer

  • Marriage LicensesTarrant County Clerk's Office, Vital Records Division - checked July 30, 2026

    Both parties must appear in person or together via video conference. Both parties must be at least 18 years of age. Must have a valid, government-issued picture identification. Must know Social Security number. There is a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued before the marriage ceremony can take place. The 72-hour waiting period can be waived by meeting one of three criteria. The marriage must take place within 90 days from the date of issuance--no exceptions. The fee is $76 cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover. (Credit card use adds a 1.73% fee.) The fee is $16 for couples who attend the State of Texas approved Marriage Education Class and present a printed and valid Twogether in Texas Certificate or similar premarital counseling course certificate. Effective January 1, 2019, a $100 Out-of-State Applicant fee will be assessed if neither applicant is able to prove Texas residency. The person who performs a marriage ceremony is responsible for returning the marriage license to our office within 30 days from the date of marriage.

  • Vital Records FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)Tarrant County Clerk's Office, Vital Records Division - checked July 30, 2026

    Complete an online application at Tarrant County's website or at any location; both parties must be 18 and appear in person or one party with a completed and notarized absentee affidavit; need identification; $76 or $16 with verified certificate of pre-marital counseling. Can I get a marriage license if I am not a Texas resident? Yes — $100 out of state fee + $76 or $16 with verified certificate of pre-marital counseling. Common Law: Complete an application at any location; both parties must be 18 and appear in person; need identification; $41. Certified copy: The fee is $21, then $11 for each additional copy ordered.

Answer boundary

MarriageLicenseCheck is an independent reference, not the issuing office or legal advice. Applicant facts, timing, prior marriages, and document type can change the result. The official office decides what it will accept.

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