Find Marriage Records in Dallas County

Dallas County marriage records are filed with the County Clerk in downtown Dallas. Whether you need to look up a past marriage, apply for a new license, or get a certified copy for legal use, the County Clerk handles all of it. Dallas County has been keeping marriage records since 1846, making it one of the most extensive collections in Texas. This page explains how to search Dallas County marriage records, what you need to bring, how much it costs, and where to go.

Dallas County Clerk

The Dallas County Clerk handles marriage licenses and vital records for one of the largest counties in Texas. The main office is at 509 Main Street in downtown Dallas. If you are applying for a marriage license, you need to go in person. Both applicants must appear together with valid photo ID and Social Security numbers. The Marriage Division can be reached directly at (214) 653-7478.

Dallas County offers an online application option as well, though an additional $10 fee applies for online submissions. Cash is accepted for in-person payments. The Twogether in Texas discount location in Dallas is at Renaissance Tower, 1201 Elm Street, Suite 2100A, Dallas, TX 75270. Couples who present a completed premarital education certificate there receive the $60 discount off the license fee.

Dallas County Marriage License Requirements

Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, both applicants must appear in person at the clerk's office. If one person cannot be there, there is an absent applicant affidavit process, but both signatures are still needed. Bring a valid photo ID: a driver's license, passport, certified birth certificate issued within the last 10 years, or military ID. You will also need your Social Security number.

The license fee in Dallas County is $81 to $82, payable in cash. After the clerk issues the license, you must wait 72 hours before the ceremony can take place. This waiting period is set by Texas Family Code Section 2.204. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue under Section 2.201. Plan your ceremony within that window, or you will need to apply and pay again.

Texas allows you to waive the 72-hour wait by completing the Twogether in Texas premarital education course. Couples who finish the free course and show their certificate at the clerk's office also receive a $60 discount on the license fee. The certificate must be presented at the time of application and is valid for one year.

How to Search Dallas County Marriage Records

Dallas County marriage records date back to 1846. The County Clerk maintains this archive and can help you find records in person or by phone. For genealogical research, FamilySearch has indexed some early Texas marriage records and may have entries for Dallas County. The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a statewide index of marriages from 1966 to present and can provide verification letters for a fee of $20.

To search in person, visit the County Clerk's office at 509 Main Street. Bring as much information as you have: full names of both parties, approximate date or year of marriage, and any case or license number if you have it. Staff can look up records and tell you what is available. For older records not in the digital system, paper index books may be needed.

The Dallas County website has information on services and may have online tools for searching recorded documents. Check the website for any public search portals before making the trip downtown. Vital records requests can also be made through the Vital Records line at (214) 653-7131.

Certified Copies of Marriage Licenses

Certified copies of Dallas County marriage licenses are only available from the County Clerk. The state office does not issue certified marriage copies. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, DSHS can only issue verifications of marriage, not certified copies. You need the certified copy for legal purposes such as name changes, insurance, or government filings.

You can request a certified copy in person at the courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID and the names and approximate marriage date. Mail-in requests are also accepted. Include a written request with party names, marriage date, your ID copy, and payment. Contact the clerk at (214) 653-7131 for current copy fees and exact mailing instructions.

VitalChek is an authorized third-party ordering service that many Texas counties use. Check the Dallas County Clerk website to confirm if VitalChek ordering is available for Dallas County marriage records.

Informal Marriage in Dallas County

Texas recognizes informal marriage, sometimes called common law marriage, under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. To establish an informal marriage, a couple must agree to be married, live together in Texas as spouses, and represent to others that they are married. All three elements must be present. There is no minimum time requirement.

Couples can file a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the Dallas County Clerk's office to create a formal written record. This document is recorded with the clerk and becomes part of the public record. It serves as strong evidence of the marriage for legal and administrative purposes. Contact the Marriage Division at (214) 653-7478 for information on this process.

Dallas County Marriage License Portal

The Dallas County official website provides access to the County Clerk's marriage license services, including information on requirements, fees, and how to apply.

Visit the Dallas County website for current fee schedules, online application options, and office hours before heading to the courthouse.

Cities in Dallas County

Dallas County is home to several large cities. Residents of these cities apply for marriage licenses at the Dallas County Clerk's office at 509 Main Street in downtown Dallas.

Nearby Counties

Dallas County borders several other North Texas counties. If a record is not in Dallas County, check where the couple was living when they applied for the license.