Marriage Records in Andrews County

Andrews County marriage records are filed with the County Clerk in Andrews, Texas. The clerk handles marriage license applications, issues certified copies, and maintains the official record of all marriages in the county. Records in Andrews County go back to 1910. Whether you are applying for a new license or searching for an existing marriage record, the County Clerk is the right office to contact.

Andrews County Clerk Contact Information

The County Clerk in Andrews handles marriage licenses and vital records for Andrews County. The office is located at the courthouse on NW 1st Street in Andrews. This is a smaller county with a more personal level of service. Staff can help you find records, apply for a license, or get a certified copy of a marriage license on file.

Andrews County is located in west Texas. The county seat is Andrews, which is also the only major city in the county. The County Clerk serves as the central records office for marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, and land records. Call ahead to confirm current hours and any appointment requirements before visiting.

Applying for a Marriage License in Andrews County

To apply for a marriage license in Andrews County, both applicants must appear in person at the clerk's office. Each person needs a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. You must also provide your Social Security number when you apply. The clerk will verify the information and have both parties sign the license application before it is issued.

Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, a marriage license is valid for 90 days after it is issued. You cannot perform a ceremony until at least 72 hours after the license is issued. This waiting period is required under Texas Family Code Section 2.204. The license can be used anywhere in the state of Texas, not just in Andrews County.

If you complete the free Twogether in Texas premarital education course, you can waive the 72-hour waiting period and receive a $60 discount on the license fee. Find a local course provider at twogetherintexas.com. The certificate is valid for one year and must be presented when you apply.

Marriage License Fees

Marriage license fees in Andrews County follow the standard Texas range. Fees are typically between $76 and $82 for a standard license. Call the clerk at (432) 524-1426 to confirm the current fee before your visit. Some counties accept credit cards and some are cash only, so ask about payment methods when you call.

With a valid Twogether in Texas certificate, the fee drops by $60. If you are on active military duty, ask about fee waivers. Texas law provides fee waivers for active military members in certain circumstances.

Andrews County Marriage Record History

Marriage records in Andrews County date back to 1910, when the county was organized. The county was named after Richard Andrews, a soldier of the Texas Revolution. Land records go back to 1884, which predates the county's organization. Probate records begin in 1911 and court records from 1910 as well.

No major courthouse disasters have affected record preservation in Andrews County. Records from 1910 to present are generally intact and available at the clerk's office. For genealogy research, FamilySearch has a wiki page for Andrews County with information about available records and how to access them.

Older marriage records may be in bound volumes at the courthouse. Some records have been indexed online, but not all. If you are researching family history and cannot find what you need online, a visit or written request to the clerk's office is often the best next step.

Certified Copies and Record Requests

Certified copies of marriage licenses in Andrews County are only available from the County Clerk. The Texas Department of State Health Services can verify marriage facts for marriages from 1966 to present, but it cannot issue certified copies. Only the county where the license was issued can provide a certified copy.

If you need a certified copy for a name change, immigration, or other legal purpose, contact the Andrews County Clerk directly. You will need to provide the names of both parties and the approximate date of marriage. There is a fee for each certified copy.

For marriages not in the state database, the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office may still be able to point you to the right county if you are unsure where a license was filed. Their main number is (888) 963-7111.

The CDC guide on Texas vital records explains the process for ordering certified copies and verifications. For certified copies, always go to the county clerk. State office only provides verification letters at $20 each.

Informal Marriage in Andrews County

Texas recognizes informal marriage, also called common law marriage. Under Texas Family Code Section 2.401, a couple can establish an informal marriage by signing a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the county clerk's office. The declaration requires that both parties agree to be married, have lived together in Texas as spouses, and have held themselves out to others as married.

The declaration is filed with the county clerk and becomes a public record. It carries the same legal weight as a formal marriage license. If you are in an informal marriage and need to dissolve it, you must go through a formal divorce proceeding just like any other married couple.

The fee for a Declaration of Informal Marriage in Andrews County is in the range of $41 to $52. Call the clerk to confirm the current amount.

Cities in Andrews County

Andrews County is centered around the city of Andrews. All marriage licenses are issued through the County Clerk's office in Andrews regardless of which community you live in.

No cities in Andrews County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page.

Nearby Counties

Andrews County is in the Permian Basin region of west Texas. Surrounding counties include several other oil country counties with clerk offices that follow similar procedures.