Marriage Certificate

Documents You Will Need to Take With You

Both parties must present themselves at the county clerk’s office, and bring with them:

1. A valid form of identification such as:
   • Certified copy of Birth Certificate or
   • A valid passport or
   • A valid driver’s license or
   • A valid military ID or
   • A valid resident alien/government issued ID
2. Social Security Number
   
3. License fee

Texas recognizes common law marriages, which are legally referred to as “informal marriages.” The word “informal” means that the marriage is created without the formalities of a marriage ceremony. A couple qualifies for common law marriage, or “informal marriage,” if they meet the following requirements:

1. The couple agrees that they are married,
2. they live together in Texas, and
3. They represent themselves or “hold out” to other individuals that they are married to one

The couple has the option to register their marriage with the county. To do this they must present themselves at the county clerk’s office and file a Declaration of Informal Marriage.



Locations and TimesMain Office:                                                  1001 Preston, 4th Floor of Administration Building (713) 755-6411
General Hours of Operation:                     M-F, 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Branch OfficesBaytown:                  701 W. Baker Road,                          Baytown                               (281) 422-0253
Clear Lake:               16603 Buccaneer,                             Clear Lake                            (281) 486-7250
Chimney Rock:         6000 Chimney Rock,                        Houston                               (713) 660-7902
Clay Road:                16715 Clay Road,                              Houston                               (281) 859-0685
Cypresswood:          6831 Cypresswood Dr.,                   Houston                               (281) 379-1057
Shepherd:                7300 North Shepherd,                     Houston                               (713) 697-5193
South Belt:               10851 Scarsdale,                               Houston                               (281) 464-0115
Humble:                   121 W. Main,                                      Humble                                (281) 540-1173
Pasadena:                107 E. Shaw,                                       Pasadena                             (713) 473-9048