Access Duval County Marriage Records
Duval County marriage records are on file at the County Clerk's office in San Diego, Texas. If you are searching for a marriage record from Duval County, the clerk holds marriage licenses and other vital records for the county. Historical records for Duval County are also available through FamilySearch, which has indexed over 2,300 marriage records for this South Texas county. This page covers how to search for and obtain marriage records from Duval County.
Duval County Overview
Duval County Clerk Office
The Duval County Clerk maintains marriage records and other vital records at the county courthouse in San Diego, Texas. Contact the clerk's office for current address, phone number, and office hours. Both applicants must appear in person to apply for a marriage license. You need valid photo ID and Social Security numbers. Visit the Duval County website for current contact details.
| County Seat | San Diego, TX |
|---|---|
| Website | co.duval.tx.us |
| Historical Records | FamilySearch: 2,317 indexed marriage records |
Marriage License Process in Duval County
Both applicants must appear together at the County Clerk's office. Bring valid photo ID. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, certified birth certificate issued within the past 10 years, or military ID. Social Security numbers are also required. The application is filled out in the office with staff help.
A 72-hour waiting period starts when the clerk issues the license. This is set by Texas Family Code Section 2.204. The license is valid for 90 days from the issue date under Section 2.201. If you do not use it in time, apply again and pay the fee again. After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the clerk within 30 days.
The Twogether in Texas program waives the 72-hour wait and takes $60 off the license fee. The free premarital education course is available across Texas. Bring the certificate when you apply. It is valid for one year.
Historical and Online Duval County Marriage Records
FamilySearch has indexed over 2,317 marriage records for Duval County through its Texas marriage record collections. This is a good starting point for genealogical research on older marriages. FamilySearch is free to use at familysearch.org. Browse the Texas Marriage Index or Texas County Marriage Records collections to find Duval County entries.
The statewide index maintained by the Texas DSHS covers marriages from 1966 to present. DSHS can provide verification letters for $20 but not certified copies. For certified copies of Duval County marriage records, contact the County Clerk in San Diego.
Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, the county clerk files copies of all completed license applications with the state within 90 days. This creates the statewide index. For records before 1966, the county clerk's archives and FamilySearch are the best sources.
Getting Certified Copies
Certified copies of Duval County marriage records are only available from the Duval County Clerk. Texas DSHS cannot issue certified copies, only verification letters. Contact the County Clerk's office to request a certified copy. You can go in person to the courthouse in San Diego or send a mail request with the full names of both parties, approximate marriage date, a copy of your ID, and the required fee. Call the clerk first to confirm current fees and procedures.
Informal Marriage in Duval County
Texas recognizes common law marriage under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. The three elements are: agreement to be married, living together as spouses in Texas, and holding out to others as married. Couples in Duval County can file a Declaration of Informal Marriage with the County Clerk to create a formal written record. Once established, an informal marriage has the same legal effect as a formal one.
Duval County Online
The Duval County website provides contact details and general information on county clerk services including marriage licenses and vital records.
Visit the county website for current office hours and contact information before requesting records from the Duval County Clerk.
Cities in Duval County
San Diego is the county seat of Duval County. No cities in Duval County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. Marriage licenses for residents of the county are issued at the County Clerk's office in San Diego.
Nearby Counties
Duval County is in South Texas. These counties are nearby.