Sterling County Marriage Records

Sterling County marriage records are filed with the County Clerk in Sterling City. This small West Texas county uses the clerk's office as the main point of contact for marriage licenses, certified copies, and vital record requests. Everything related to Sterling County marriage records is handled at the courthouse in Sterling City.

Sterling County Clerk Office

Sterling County is one of the least populated counties in Texas. The clerk's office in Sterling City handles all county records including marriage licenses. The office is staffed Monday through Friday. Because of the small size of the county, call ahead before making a trip to confirm hours and staff availability.

Both applicants must appear in person. You need a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. The standard fee is $81. Out-of-state applicants (neither party a Texas resident) pay $181. The clerk can also handle requests for certified copies of previously filed marriage records.

Getting a Marriage License in Sterling County

Both parties must appear together at the clerk's office to apply. No blood test is needed. Each person must be at least 18 years old. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military card. You also need your Social Security number.

Under Texas Family Code Chapter 2, a 72-hour waiting period applies after the license is issued. The license stays valid for 90 days. If you complete the Twogether in Texas course, the fee drops to around $21 and the 72-hour wait is waived. That certificate must be current (within one year) when you apply at the clerk's office.

Note: If you were recently divorced, Texas law imposes a 30-day waiting period after the divorce is final before a new license can be issued, unless a court issues a waiver.

Certified Copies and Record Requests

Certified copies of Sterling County marriage licenses must be obtained from the Sterling County Clerk. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section holds a statewide index from 1966 forward and issues $20 verification letters, but it does not provide certified copies. Only the county that issued the license can do that.

To get a copy, contact the clerk's office with both parties' names and the date of the marriage. In-person requests can be handled during office hours. Mail requests should include full identifying information and your payment. Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and are accepted by courts, government agencies, and insurance companies.

Informal Marriage Registration

Texas recognizes informal marriages under Texas Family Code Section 2.401. Couples in Sterling County can register a Declaration of Informal Marriage at the clerk's office. Both parties must appear and sign. The fee is typically $46. Once filed, the declaration creates a public record with full legal standing.

An informal marriage can also exist without registration if three elements are met: an agreement to be married, living together in Texas as spouses, and holding out to others as being married. However, registering is always the cleaner path because it removes the need to prove those elements later in court.

Historical Marriage Records in Sterling County

Sterling County was created from Tom Green County in 1891. The County Clerk holds historical records going back to the county's organization. For older records, FamilySearch has digitized marriage records from many Texas counties. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission also maintains some historical genealogical records.

For research purposes, the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section index covers marriages from 1966 forward. For pre-1966 records, contact the Sterling County Clerk directly or search FamilySearch for digitized Texas county records. Ancestry.com holds a Texas Marriage Index from 1824 to 2014 that may include Sterling County entries.

Sterling County Marriage Record Sources

The Sterling County main website provides county contact information and links to departments including the clerk's office in Sterling City.

The Sterling County website offers basic county information and contact details for the clerk's office, which handles all marriage license applications and record requests.

Cities in Sterling County

Sterling City is the only incorporated community and county seat of Sterling County. All marriage records for the county are on file with the Sterling County Clerk in Sterling City.

No cities in Sterling County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All marriage record requests should go to the Sterling County Clerk.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Sterling County. Each has its own clerk's office for marriage records.