Find Marriage Records in Hays County

Hays County marriage records are on file with the County Clerk in San Marcos, Texas. The clerk's office issues marriage licenses, provides certified copies of existing licenses, and operates several substations throughout the county so residents do not have to travel far to get the records they need. You can also order some records online through the clerk's web portal.

Hays County Clerk Office

The Hays County Clerk is led by Elaine H. Cardenas, MBA, PhD. The main office is at the Hays County Government Center, Suite 2008, 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, TX 78666. Phone: (512) 393-7330. For records specifically, call (512) 393-7338. You can email vitals questions to vitalsdivision@hayscountytx.gov. Office hours run Monday through Friday. The clerk's office also handles archives at archivedivision@hayscountytx.gov.

Hays County offers a self-service records portal at erss.co.hays.tx.us and an online ordering portal at haystx.permitium.com. Both give you ways to access records without making a trip to the courthouse. The clerk operates three substations in addition to the main office.

Hays County Clerk Substation Locations

Hays County operates three substations to make it easier for residents to access clerk services without traveling to San Marcos. Each substation is open Monday through Friday and closes for lunch from noon to 1 PM daily. Note that substations accept only debit and credit cards, not cash.

Kyle Substation is at Hays County Precinct 2, 5458 FM 2770, Suite 120, Kyle, TX 78640. Phone: (512) 878-6687. The Wimberley Substation is at Hays County Precinct 3, 200 Stillwater, Suite 101, Wimberley, TX 78676. Phone: (512) 878-6684. The Dripping Springs Substation is at Hays County Precinct 4, 195 Roger Hanks Pkwy, Suite 113, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Phone: (512) 878-6683. The Dripping Springs location is only open Mondays and Wednesdays. Call before going to any substation to confirm what services are available that day.

Getting a Marriage License in Hays County

Both applicants must appear in person at any Hays County Clerk location. Each needs a valid photo ID and their Social Security number. No blood test is needed. Both must be 18 or older. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, a Hays County license is valid for use anywhere in Texas.

The formal marriage license fee is $81, paid in cash or by credit card at the main office. Substations accept only debit and credit cards. If you and your partner complete the Twogether in Texas premarital education course and present the certificate when you apply, the fee drops to $21 and the 72-hour waiting period required by Section 2.204 is waived. The certificate must be presented at the time of application. It is valid for one year from the date of completion.

Without the Twogether certificate, Texas law requires a 72-hour wait from the time the license is issued before the ceremony can happen. The license is valid for 90 days. If no ceremony takes place by then, it expires. There is no extension option. An out-of-state applicant fee of $100 additional applies if neither party can prove Texas residency. Military members on active duty deploying to a hostile fire zone may have fees waived entirely with documentation.

Getting Copies of Hays County Marriage Records

Certified copies of Hays County marriage licenses must come from the Hays County Clerk. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section maintains a statewide index from 1966 and can issue a verification letter for $20, but they cannot issue certified copies. Only the issuing county clerk can do that.

Hays County offers online ordering at haystx.permitium.com and a self-service portal at erss.co.hays.tx.us. For in-person requests, visit any clerk location during business hours. For mail requests, write to the main office in San Marcos and include full names of both parties, approximate marriage date, your contact information, and payment. Call (512) 393-7338 or email vitalsdivision@hayscountytx.gov to confirm current fees.

Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and signature and are accepted for name changes, legal filings, insurance, and government benefits. Plain copies are also available at lower cost.

What Hays County Marriage Records Contain

Texas marriage license applications collect both parties' full legal names, birth dates, addresses, and Social Security numbers. The record lists the date and county of issuance, the ceremony date and location, and the officiant's name. Prior marriages are also noted. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 194, the county clerk must send a copy to the state within 90 days. The state builds a statewide index searchable by either party's name. The county holds the original record. Both are public records.

Informal Marriage in Hays County

Texas recognizes informal marriage under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. Couples can register an informal marriage at the Hays County Clerk's office by signing a Declaration of Informal Marriage. Once filed, this document is a public record with the same legal standing as a formal license. The three required elements to prove an informal marriage are: agreement to be married, living together in Texas as spouses, and representing to others that you are married. All three must exist at the same time. To end the marriage, a formal divorce is required.

Hays County Marriage Records Sources

The Hays County Clerk website provides information on all clerk services including marriage licenses, substations, fees, and online ordering options for San Marcos and surrounding communities.

The clerk's website includes fee schedules, substation hours, and links to the self-service and online ordering portals for Hays County marriage records.

The Hays County online ordering portal allows you to order marriage record copies from home without a trip to a clerk location.

The online ordering system processes requests during regular business hours and is a convenient option for residents of Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, and Wimberley.

Cities in Hays County

Hays County includes several fast-growing communities between Austin and San Antonio. Marriage licenses and records for all of these cities are on file at the Hays County Clerk in San Marcos.

Other communities in Hays County include San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Wimberley, and Dripping Springs. All marriage records for these areas are held by the Hays County Clerk.

Nearby Counties

Hays County sits between Austin and San Antonio. These bordering counties each have their own marriage records systems.