Texas is known for being the second largest state in the nation because of its size and population of people inhabiting there. Due to its size of area, many people will find love, get married and live in the cities and towns. Have you ever wanted to know more about someone’s past marriage history or caught to find out about family in Texas through a Texas marriage records search? If you are one of those people, you can do so through the internet, by visiting Texas history libraries and museums, and finding local records.
Since marriage records were not recorded until 1966, any records before then should be found through each counties clerk's office where the marriage took place. The marriage indexes online include 1966 through to the most recent year. Through the Texas Vital Records department and vital statistics area, requests can be made to provide you will verification or whether or not a marriage was recorded with the state. With marriage records, there are sometimes divorce records as well to be found through vital records. If no record can be found, verification letters are sent back from a request stating what is known. Generally, ordering records can be done online through the Texas government website. It will take around 10 to 15 days for orders to be processed and replied back to.
In order for one to inquire or purchase Texas marriage records or divorce record from the vital records department, one must get and fill out an application. They can be downloaded directly from the vital records dept. and sent through the mail or electronically. It costs $20 to get a marriage or divorce verification and payment can be sent along with the application by cash, check, money order and sometimes credit card. Once verification is done, replies back can come by digital files such as MS Word documents, PDF which can be viewed by Adobe readers and other formats. The great thing about getting digital files is that they can be backed up on a computer for future use and even printed out with a home printer.
Other ways to get Texas marriage records include doing a marriage search through engines located on line. This way shows an abundance of Texas sites or sites where you can search by state to obtain records of marriage or divorces. Many people who want to know past relative's history will utilize search engines as it will result in links to addresses to find documentation. Sometimes the sites you find will require that you pay a fee in order to get the records. Though some will have you spending money, there are many sites you can go to that will be free to search information. All you need to do in order to search through the engines online is to type in the name of the bride and groom and any other information that you have such as a date or city. Don't forget that any marriage information about the person you are searching could give you more information to look up and keep as a record.
To obtain a Texas marriage records verification, follow these instructions:
Step 1.
Download the Marriage Verification application.
Step 2.
Follow the instruction on the application. Complete the form with the full names of the bride and groom, place and date of marriage, and your contact information.
Step 3.
Mail your finished application to the address below. Be sure to include a check or money order for the amount of $20 payable to DSHS.
Mail the completed application to:
Texas Vital Records
Department of State Health Services
PO Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
About Texas Marriage Records
The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Records Office does keep track of vital events for the entire state. Marriage records are available from 1966 to the present. However, only a verification of marriage can be obtained from the Vital Records office showing the parties on the marriage certificate, the date of marriage, and where the marriage took place.
Where to Obtain Certified Texas Marriage Records
While the Vital Records office only processes verification of marriage records, all certified copies of a marriage document can be obtained directly from the County Clerk where the marriage took place.
Ordering Texas Marriage Records Online
The Vital Records office does process online orders for marriage verifications. Visit the Texas' government website for fast processing and card payments, all with no additional charge.