Texas Border Business
Edinburg, Texas – Couples wishing to obtain a marriage license from the Hidalgo County Clerk’s Office can now complete the application online on the county’s website, hidalgocountyclerk.us. County Clerk Arturo Guajardo, Jr. says this new system will improve efficiency and save time for his staff and the people of Hidalgo County.
Mr. Guajardo and his staff began developing the online marriage license website in the summer of 2013 and unveiled the online system right before the New Year. As the Valentine’s Day holiday approaches, one of the busiest times of year for the County Clerk staff, Mr. Guajardo, Jr. wants to insure residents take advantage of this new resource.
“We at the County Clerk’s office are always looking for ways to enhance our services and reduce cost for the taxpayer,” said Mr. Guajardo, Jr. “The online marriage license application will cut down on county resources by eliminating the need for paper applications, streamlining the approval process and saving residents time.”
When the couple logs on to the County Clerk website they can click on the link for Marriage Licenses, which will take them to a page detailing the requirements and procedures needed to obtain a license. There they will find the link to the Online Marriage License Application. Both the bride and groom must fill out their personal information, such as name, address, date of birth and place of birth. They must review and confirm the information is valid and correct before submitting it. Once the information is entered into the county’s secure website it will be available when the couple appears in person to take the oath and obtain their license.
The online application does not guarantee the license will be approved but it does speed up the process for Hidalgo County couples. To complete the process both the bride and groom must go in person to the County Clerk’s office and bring documents showing proof of identification and age, such as birth certificate, government issued license or ID from any state. All documents must be the original document or a certified copy of the original document; expired documents will not be accepted. Social Security Card is also required, if applicable. A complete list of approved documents can be found on their website.
There is a 72 hour waiting period immediately following the date the license is issued. As of September 1, 2013, marriage licenses are now valid for 90 days after they were issued. The fee for a marriage license is $82; however if a couple completes a certified marriage preparation course, for example through a church or the State of Texas, they can receive a $60 discount on the license.
Staff can still manually create a license for couples who need assistance; however Mr. Guajardo, Jr. encourages couples to use the online application first. For more information you can contact the County Clerk’s Office at 956.318.2100 or visit their website: hidalgocountyclerk.us.
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