How to Get a Marriage License in Waco (McLennan County, TX)

If you searched for a Waco marriage license, the first thing to know is that Waco does not issue one. Marriage licenses in Texas come from the county clerk, not from a city. Waco is the county seat of McLennan County, so the McLennan County clerk is the office you are looking for.

Who issues the license

The county clerk issues the license. You do not need to go through Waco city government, and a city office will not be able to hand you one.

You also have more flexibility than most couples expect. You may apply at any county clerk in Texas. The license is valid statewide, and there is no residency requirement. If you live in another county, or you are planning to marry somewhere else in Texas, you do not have to apply in McLennan County. You can apply wherever is most convenient and use the license anywhere in the state.

Who has to show up

Both of you normally appear in person at the clerk's office, and each of you needs valid photo ID. Plan on going together, on a day when you both can get away from work.

The clerk may ask for more than photo ID, and requirements can differ. Ask what else to bring when you call, so you do not make a second trip.

What it costs

The fee is set by each county. It is typically about $70 to $85, but we cannot tell you the exact McLennan County figure. Ask the clerk's office for the current amount.

There is one way to bring the cost down. A certificate from the Twogether in Texas premarital education course removes up to $60 of the fee. Complete the course before you apply and bring the certificate with you.

The 72-hour wait and the 90-day window

Two timing rules matter when you plan the date.

The waiting period. Texas requires 72 hours between the day the license is issued and the ceremony. The wait is waived in three cases:

•One of you is on active-duty military.

•You have a judge's written waiver.

•You have a Twogether in Texas premarital course certificate.

If none of those apply, count three full days from the day you pick up the license. Do not schedule the ceremony for the day after you apply.

The validity window. The license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued. If you do not hold the ceremony within that time, it expires. Apply too early and you may have to start over, so aim to apply a few weeks before the date.

Together, these rules mean you should apply no sooner than 90 days before the wedding and no later than 72 hours before it, unless you qualify for a waiver.

Confirm these details before you go

There are several practical details we have not verified for the McLennan County clerk's office, so check each one directly before you make the trip:

•The street address of the office you will go to

•The phone number and the days and hours the office is open

•Whether you need an appointment or can walk in

•Which forms of payment are accepted

•The exact fee

•Any documents required beyond valid photo ID

A short call to the county clerk answers all of these. Ask about the wait too. If you have a premarital course certificate, a waiver or military status, ask what proof the office wants to see.

A simple checklist

1.Decide on your ceremony date.

2.Decide whether to take the Twogether in Texas course, which lowers the fee and waives the wait.

3.Call the county clerk to confirm the details above.

4.Go together with valid photo ID and anything else the clerk asks for.

5.Hold the ceremony after the 72-hour wait, unless it is waived, and within 90 days of issuance.

Once you have confirmed the office's details, the process is short.

McLennan County marriage licenses, by the numbers

99 marriage licenses were filed in McLennan County in the last 30 days and 690 in the last 12 months; the newest filing we hold is dated 2026-10-20. Month-by-month counts and the public record are on the McLennan County marriage license page.

State rules checked against [Texas Family Code, Chapter 2](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.2.htm). Fees and procedures change — the county clerk has the final word. General information, not legal advice.