Do you need a birth certificate for a JP wedding?

Question

what do texas courthouses require of two people in order to get married through justice of the peace?? do you need copies of your birth certificate?

Answer 1

You must prove who you are, where you were born and on what date, and where you live now.  This means a birth certificate, drivers license, passport, military id, baptismal record, etc.

Links below, and I have also listed a link with the county clerks offices in Texas - just call them.

Texas:

ID Requirement:  Certified copy of birth certificate; or valid driver's license or other acceptable I.D. issued by the state, another state, the United States, or a foreign government.

•  Either bring your Social Security card or know your Social Security number.

•  If you want to use your maiden name on the license bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or a certified copy of your divorce decree that states name is to be changed to maiden name.

Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Texas.

Answer 2

It does not appear that it is required in Texas.  I would call your local clerk of court and verify the information. The documents are actually to apply for the marriage license.

Here's the bulk of about.com's information:

Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a Texas marriage license. We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your wedding date.

Congratulations and much happiness as you begin your lifetime journey together!Requirements may vary as each county in Texas could have their own requirements.

ID Requirement:

In Texas, you will need one valid form of id such as drivers license, certified copy of your birth certificate, U. S. passport, military ID card, and your Social Security number.

Residency Requirement:

Neither one of you have to be a resident of Texas. Texas is a great locale for a destination wedding!

Pre-marital Education:

In Texas, couples are encouraged to attend a premarital education course that is at least four hours duration. It must be finished during the year preceding applying for a marriage license. Contact the county clerk for a roster of area course providers.

Previous Marriage:

If divorced within thirty days, Texas requires that you show a certified copy of your divorce decree stating the 30 day waiting period is waived.

Waiting Period in Texas:

The 72 hours (3 days) waiting period in Texas can be waived for active duty military personnel.

Fees and Other Tests:

$31 - $41 cash, so don't leave home without it! The fees may vary from Texas county to county. Blood tests or medical examinations are not required in Texas.

NOTE: Effective September 2008, the license fee will be waived if a couple takes an 8-hour premarital preparation course that covers important marital skills and issues such as conflict management and communication.

Common Law Marriage or Informal Marriage:

Yes. Texas also refers to common law marriage as an informal marriage.

For a marriage to be declared an informal marriage in Texas, a couple has two options.

1. Sign a declaration of their marriage under oath. The form is available at County Clerk's office.

The Declaration and Registration of Informal Marriage asks for full names, woman's maiden surname, addresses, dates of birth, places of birth, social security numbers, and relationship information.

The Declaration states: "I solemnly swear (or affirm) that we, the undersigned, are married to each other by virtue of the following facts: On or about (Date) we agreed to be married, and after that date we lived together as husband and wife and in this state we represented to others that we were married. Since the date of marriage to the other party I have not been married to any other person. This declaration is true and the information in it which I have given is correct."

2. Live together as husband and wife in Texas

Represent to others that they are married.

Agree with one another that they are married.

Individuals under the age of 18 may not enter into an informal marriage.

Child Support Statement:

A child support statement is generally included on the marriage license application and states, "I AM NOT PRESENTLY DELINQUENT IN THE PAYMENT OF COURT-ORDERED CHILD SUPPORT. TRUE FALSE." This has been the law in Texas since September

Answer 3

You can check your county's courthouse website that should tell you, but from what I've found (as I'm doing the same thing soon) is that a birth certificate is one of the forms to use. You need something like a drivers license, a birth certificate, military ID, etc, and proof of a social security number (which to me is just easier to also take your social security card with your drivers license. This will let you get your marriage license (which costs between $31 and $41 depending on your county). Check your local website and it should give you all the information that you need.

Hope this helps!