Borden County Marriage Records
Borden County marriage records are on file with the County Clerk in Gail, Texas. The clerk issues marriage licenses, maintains the official public record of all marriages in the county, and provides certified copies on request. Borden is one of the least populous counties in Texas, so the clerk's office is small and it is best to call ahead before visiting.
Borden County Overview
Borden County Clerk Office
The Borden County Clerk is located at 117 E. Wasson Avenue, P.O. Box 156, Gail, Texas 79738. The main phone number is (806) 756-4391. Fax is (806) 756-4405. The county notes that its website is in the process of being updated and some links may be missing. For the most current information, check the county's Facebook page or call the office directly.
Borden County is one of Texas's smallest counties by population. The clerk serves as the county's official keeper of marriage records, vital statistics, property records, and court filings. Because the office is small, calling ahead is strongly recommended before making the trip to Gail.
| Office | Borden County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 117 E. Wasson Avenue Gail, TX 79738 |
| Mailing | P.O. Box 156, Gail, TX 79738 |
| Phone | (806) 756-4391 |
| Fax | (806) 756-4405 |
| Website | co.borden.tx.us |
Getting a Marriage License in Borden County
Both applicants must appear in person at the Borden County Clerk's office in Gail. Each person needs a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You must also provide your Social Security number. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, a license issued in Borden County is valid for use anywhere in Texas.
The standard marriage license fee in Borden County is $81. Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education course pay $21 and have the 72-hour waiting period waived. Without the course, Texas Family Code Section 2.204 requires a 72-hour wait between issuance and the ceremony. The license is then valid for 90 days. If you don't marry within that window, the license expires and you must apply again.
Certified Copies and Record Access
Certified copies of Borden County marriage licenses must come from the Borden County Clerk. The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a statewide marriage index from 1966 forward and can issue a verification letter for $20, but only the county of issuance can provide a certified copy. For marriages in Borden County, the clerk in Gail is your only source for certified copies.
To request a copy, contact the clerk's office by phone at (806) 756-4391. Mail requests can be sent to P.O. Box 156, Gail, TX 79738. Include both parties' full names, the approximate marriage date, your contact information, and payment for the applicable fee. Certified copies carry the official seal and are accepted for legal purposes.
What Borden County Marriage Records Contain
A Borden County marriage license application follows the state-prescribed format. The record includes both parties' full legal names, dates of birth, residential addresses, and Social Security numbers. It shows the date the license was issued, the ceremony date, the location, and the officiant. Prior marriages and how they ended are also documented. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, the county clerk files a copy with the state vital statistics unit within 90 days of the application. The statewide and county indexes are both public records.
Informal Marriage in Borden County
Texas allows couples to register an informal marriage under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. In Borden County, you can sign a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the clerk's office. This gives the relationship the same legal standing as a formal marriage. Without a declaration, informal marriage can still be proven by showing agreement, cohabitation, and public representation as spouses, but having a filed declaration makes documentation much simpler.
Borden County Clerk Resources
The Borden County website provides access to county clerk information and public records for this small West Texas county, though some pages may still be under development.
The Borden County website lists clerk office contact details and basic information about public records available through the county.
Cities in Borden County
Borden County's county seat is Gail. No cities in Borden County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All marriage records for the county are on file with the Borden County Clerk in Gail.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Borden County. Each maintains its own marriage records at the county clerk's office.