Dallas Marriage Records
Dallas marriage records are issued and maintained by the Dallas County Clerk, which handles marriage licenses for all of Dallas and the surrounding county. If you need to search Dallas marriage records, apply for a marriage license, or get a certified copy of a past license, the Dallas County Clerk's office on Main Street downtown is where you go. Dallas County serves more than 2.6 million residents and processes marriage licenses through a Marriage Division that accepts online applications as a starting point before you come in to finalize everything in person.
Dallas Overview
Dallas County Clerk Marriage Division
The Dallas County Clerk maintains a dedicated Marriage Division at the main downtown courthouse. Both applicants must come in together to finish the process. You can start the application online before your visit to save time, but you still need to appear in person, pay the fee, and show valid ID.
| Office | Dallas County Clerk - Marriage Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 509 Main Street, Suite 200 Dallas, TX 75202 |
| Phone | (214) 653-7478 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | dallascounty.org |
Dallas County accepts online applications to get the process started. After you submit the form online, you come to the office, pay the filing fee, show proof of age and identity, and complete the process. This can help you move through the office faster on your visit day. Call (214) 653-7478 with questions before you go.
Getting a Marriage License in Dallas
Texas law under Texas Family Code Chapter 2 requires both parties to appear in person together when applying. You each need a valid government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number. The clerk checks your documents, takes the fee, and hands over the license.
Dallas County's standard marriage license fee is $81.00. If you complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education course, the fee drops by $60.00. That brings the cost down to $21.00. You must bring the completion certificate with you when you apply. The certificate is valid for one year from when you completed the course. Find a provider near Dallas at twogetherintexas.com.
The 72-hour waiting period under Texas Family Code § 2.204 starts the moment the clerk issues the license. You cannot have a legally valid ceremony until 72 hours have passed. Completing Twogether in Texas waives this requirement. Your license is good for 90 days under § 2.201. Use it or start over.
Every person who performs a marriage ceremony in Texas must return the completed license to the county clerk within 30 days. Once filed, the record is part of the official Dallas County marriage index.
How to Find Dallas Marriage Records
Dallas County maintains a public records system where you can search for marriage licenses and other recorded documents. The county clerk's online portal allows name-based searches and returns index information. In-person searches at the courthouse let you view actual documents and request copies on the spot.
For older records, the Dallas County Clerk keeps archived files going back many years. Staff at the downtown office can help you locate historical marriage records. Genealogy researchers often find Dallas County records at the clerk's office or through the Texas State Library's digital collections.
The Texas DSHS maintains a statewide index of marriages from 1966 forward. They can confirm that a record exists and provide a verification letter for $20.00, but they cannot issue certified copies. For a certified copy of a Dallas marriage license, you must go through the Dallas County Clerk. Contact DSHS Vital Statistics at dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics or (888) 963-7111.
The City of Dallas website provides information on city services, including access to municipal court resources relevant to Dallas residents seeking marriage ceremonies.
City Hall is near the Dallas County courthouse, where marriage license applications are processed by the Dallas County Clerk.
The Dallas County Clerk's office manages marriage licenses, certified copies, and official record searches for all Dallas residents.
The county's online system allows applicants to start the marriage license process before their in-person visit at 509 Main Street.
Marriage Ceremonies in Dallas
Dallas County Justices of the Peace perform civil wedding ceremonies at their offices. JP offices are located throughout the county, making it easy to find one near you. Contact individual JP precincts for appointment availability and current ceremony fees.
Municipal court judges in Dallas also have authority to perform marriages. You must have a valid, signed marriage license for any ceremony to be legally binding. The license must not have expired, and the 72-hour waiting period must have passed unless you have the Twogether in Texas waiver certificate.
Note: The person who performs the ceremony must sign the license and return it to the Dallas County Clerk within 30 days for the marriage to be recorded officially.
Common-Law Marriage in Dallas County
Texas recognizes informal marriage under Texas Family Code § 2.401. Three elements are required: agreement to be married, living together as spouses in Texas, and holding out to others as married. Dallas couples can file a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the County Clerk's office to create an official record. This declaration is searchable through the county's records system and provides clear evidence that the marriage was established.
Informal marriages carry the same legal rights as ceremonial ones. All community property rules apply. You need a formal divorce to end the relationship. Courts take informal marriage claims seriously in Dallas County, but having a filed declaration makes everything much simpler.
Legal Resources for Dallas Residents
Lone Star Legal Aid serves Dallas County residents and offers free legal help for qualifying individuals. Their family law team can answer questions related to marriage licenses, name changes, and related matters. Call (800) 733-8394 or visit lonestarlegal.org. The State Bar of Texas referral line is (800) 252-9690. Self-help forms and step-by-step guides are at texaslawhelp.org.
Dallas County Marriage Records
Dallas is the county seat of Dallas County. All marriage licenses for Dallas residents are processed and recorded by the Dallas County Clerk at 509 Main Street. For more on county services, fees, and how to search county records, visit the Dallas County marriage records page.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities near Dallas with marriage record pages: