Collin County marriage records give residents a clear way to confirm marriage details, request certified copies, and complete personal or legal tasks. These records fall under Texas public record laws, which keep basic marriage and divorce information open for public review through the County Clerk and District Clerk.
Divorce records in Collin County serve a similar purpose and include final decrees, case filings, and case numbers that help people verify dates, court actions, or past case history. Together, these documents form part of Collin County vital records, and many visitors run a record search to check current information, prepare paperwork, or find older family details.
Who Maintains Marriage & Divorce Records in Collin County?
The Collin County Clerk handles marriage licenses, while the Collin County District Clerk keeps divorce decrees. Each office serves a different purpose, so residents often need to contact both depending on the type of record they want.
Marriage Records: Collin County Clerk’s Office
Marriage licenses in Collin County Court come from the County Clerk, which manages license issuance, filing, and certified copies. These records fall under Texas’ broader vital statistics system, and the clerk sends verified data to the state registrar for statewide tracking.
Many users search for certified copies after losing the original license or before completing a legal name change. Certified copies work for legal processes such as Social Security updates, passport applications, and probate matters. Non-certified copies mainly help with genealogy or personal reference.
County Clerk – Main Office (Collin County Administration Building)
- Address: 2300 Bloomdale Rd., Suite 2106, McKinney, TX 75071
- Phone: 972-548-4185
- Website: collincountytx.gov
Satellite offices in Plano and Frisco offer marriage services, which can help cut wait times. The clerk’s site provides current hours, fees, and appointment options.
Divorce Decrees: Collin County District Clerk
Divorce decrees and dissolution records are kept by the District Clerk, not the County Clerk. The District Clerk stores all civil and family court case files, including signed final decrees. These records fall under public information law, though sensitive items may be restricted by court order.
Many users need certified decrees to update a driver’s license, complete real estate transactions, or modify child support orders. Those who only need verification—not a full decree—may request confirmation through the state vital statistics system.
District Clerk – Main Office (Collin County Courthouse)
- Address: 2100 Bloomdale Rd., Suite 12132, McKinney, TX 75071
- Phone: 972-548-4320
- Website: collincountytx.gov
Quick Reference Table
| Record Type | Office | Certified Copy Available? | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage License | Collin County Clerk | Yes | Name changes, passports, legal verification |
| Divorce Decree | Collin County District Clerk | Yes | Court orders, financial matters, property updates |
| State Verification | Texas Vital Statistics | Yes | Proof that a marriage or divorce took place |
How to Search for Collin County Marriage Records
Try the Official Online Marriage Index
- The official search tool for historical marriage licenses is available from the Collin County Clerk.
- To use it, go to apps.collincountytx.gov/MLSearch.
- Enter as much information as you know — full names of bride and groom, date range, or license number — then click Submit.
- If the system returns a match, note the license number, date of marriage, and names. This helps when ordering a certified copy or verifying details.
If Record Doesn’t Appear — Request from County Clerk
- If you don’t find anything online, you can request a copy from Collin County Clerk in person, by mail, or via their online request form.
- For mail or in-person requests, send or take a completed request form and a copy of a valid government-issued ID. Office contact information: 2300 Bloomdale Road, Suite 2106, McKinney, TX 75071. Phone: 972-548-4185.
- Payment is required. The fee for a certified copy of a marriage license is $6.00 when requested from the County Clerk.
Use the Archive for Historical Records
- For older marriages — e.g. those from decades ago — the Collin County Clerk offers an archive via the “Genealogy Corner.”
- The archive contains scanned licenses dating back to 1884 through 1949.
- To search the archive, again use the official online search tool at apps.collincountytx.gov/MLSearch.
- If found, you may order a PDF copy ($5.00), a Certified Copy ($7.00) or a decorative Heirloom Copy ($10.00).
What You Get — Certified vs Non-Certified Copies
| Copy Type | Cost (approx.) | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| PDF Document (archived) | $5.00 | Genealogy, personal records |
| Certified Copy (scanned or recent license) | $6.00–$7.00 | Legal name changes, passports, court, SSN, etc. |
| Heirloom Copy (archival art-style) | $10.00 (or $15 certified) | Family albums, display, historical interest |
Payment methods usually include credit/debit card for online orders (with convenience fee) or check/money order for mail requests
How to Search for Collin County Divorce Records
Here is a clear walkthrough for anyone trying to locate divorce records in Collin County. The Collin County District Clerk keeps all divorce case files, including the final divorce decree. Users can search online or submit a formal request when a certified copy is needed.
Start with the District Clerk’s Online Case Records Tool
The fastest way to check for a divorce case is through the official Case Records Search on the District Clerk page at collincountytx.gov. The tool returns many civil and family law cases, so filtering is important.
How to search:
- Open the District Clerk’s Records Search through the Collin County site.
- Enter at least one party’s name.
- Set filters for case category. Look for:
- Family
- Divorce
- Narrow results by adding a date range or leaving out unrelated case types.
- Note the case number, filing date, and party names shown on the results screen.
This search helps users confirm that a divorce case exists. It does not provide the full decree, but it gives the key details needed for an official request.
Requesting a Certified Copy
To get a full divorce decree, the District Clerk requires a records request form. The official form and instructions are on the Collin County site (collincountytx.gov). Users may submit the form by mail, at the clerk’s office, or through the electronic submission option listed on the Records Request page.
What to include on the form:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate year of divorce
- Case number (from the online search)
- Request type: certified copy or standard copy
- Preferred delivery method
Fees (based on listed public rates):
- Standard copy: around $1 per page
- Certified copy: around $5 certification fee plus per-page cost
- Postage or electronic delivery fees when applicable
Payment options usually include card, check, or money order. Processing time depends on the volume of requests, though most are completed within a few business days. Pickup at the courthouse tends to be the quickest method.
What Information You Receive
A standard or certified copy of the divorce file may include:
- Final divorce decree
- Case history
- Court filings such as petitions, orders, and motions
- Judge’s signed orders and rulings
- Dates and actions recorded during the case
Most users only need the final decree, especially for items like name restoration, property changes, or Social Security updates.
Searching for Older Divorce Records
Older cases remain stored by the District Clerk. Even if they are not fully digitized, the clerk can locate physical or scanned files once a request is submitted. Giving a wide date range or alternate spellings helps when past records do not appear online.
If You Only Need Verification
For those who do not require the full decree, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) provides statewide divorce verifications. This only confirms that a divorce occurred in Texas but does not replace the official decree. Users can request a statewide verification through the DSHS Vital Statistics page at dshs.texas.gov.
What Records Are Public & What Might Be Sealed or Restricted
Many Collin County court files fall under Texas public records laws, so a large share of divorce and family law information can be viewed by the public. Some files are open in full, while others appear with names or key details hidden through redacted records. A smaller group of cases remain off-limits through sealed case files or restricted records.
Public Records and Common Limits
Most divorce decrees, case numbers, and filing dates are open to review. Anyone searching through the District Clerk’s tool can see basic case data. Some documents may show blacked-out sections that protect private details such as Social Security numbers or bank accounts. These edits follow state privacy rules.
Sensitive matters move into a different category. Files tied to juvenile issues, adoption, protective orders, or similar topics often remain sealed by court order. When a case file is sealed, the clerk cannot release it or confirm its contents to the public. A record may also show as unavailable when a judge orders limits on viewing certain filings inside an open case.
How to Check Whether a Record Is Sealed
A quick way to check status is by searching the District Clerk’s online case tool. If a file shows minimal information, or the system lists “restricted,” it often means the court placed limits. Another method is to contact the clerk’s office and ask whether public access is blocked. Staff cannot share protected material, yet they can confirm general status.
If a Record Is Expunged or Sealed
A sealed or expunged record requires a new court order before anyone gains fresh access. A person connected to the case may file a petition asking the judge to open part of the file. The clerk can explain where to submit the petition but cannot offer legal guidance on strategy.
Older and Archived Records
Some older files live in archived records or long-term storage. These may take more time to retrieve or may require an in-person visit. A portion of historical archives rely on scanned pages, microfilm, or preserved paper copies. Searching by wide date ranges often helps, since older indexing systems differ from modern digital formats.
How to Request Certified Copies — Forms, Fees & Delivery
People can request certified copies of a marriage license or divorce decree through the Collin County Clerk or District Clerk by submitting the correct form, paying the required fee, and choosing a delivery method that fits their needs. The process is straightforward as long as the requester provides complete information and follows the county’s record request steps.
Requesting a certified copy starts with the official Collin County request form, available on collincountytx.gov. The form includes sections for record details, payment, delivery options, and any special handling. The requester fills in names, dates, case numbers, and current contact details. Clear information helps the clerk locate the record faster and reduces delays.
Forms, Required Information & Payment Options
The county provides two main forms:
- Marriage License Copy Request (County Clerk)
- Divorce Decree Copy Request (District Clerk)
Forms are offered as downloadable PDFs or online submissions. Requesters usually provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage or divorce
- License number or case number (if known)
- Phone number and mailing address
- Preferred delivery format
Payment often includes credit/debit, money order, or cash for in-person visits. Mail requests normally use money order payable to the correct office. Some clerks ask for a postage-paid return envelope for mail delivery, especially when ordering multiple pages.
Fees & Processing Time
A quick look at typical costs helps users plan:
| Copy Type | Approx. Fee | Format | Avg. Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-certified copy | $1–$2 per page | Paper or electronic | 1–3 business days |
| Certified copy | $6–$21 depending on record | Paper with certified seal | 3–5 business days |
| Electronic PDF (if allowed) | Standard copy fee | PDF by email | 1–2 business days |
| Large files (100+ pages) | Standard copy fee + CD fee | CD | 3–7 business days |
Expedited service may be available for in-person pickup depending on staffing and request volume.
Delivery Options: Mail, Pickup, Email & CD
Requesters choose from several delivery methods:
- In-person pickup: Fastest for many people; payment and ID may be checked on-site.
- Mail request: Works well for out-of-county users; return envelope may be required.
- Electronic delivery: Some records can be emailed as a PDF if certified copies are not required.
- CD delivery: Used when the file exceeds 100 pages.
Certified copies always include a raised or stamped seal, which cannot be delivered by email.
Best Practices for Faster Results
Providing accurate names, dates, and any case or license number improves search speed. The clerk may ask for proof of identity, especially for records with restricted details. Requesters help avoid delays by writing legibly, including full contact information, and selecting a delivery method that suits their timeline. Many people include a phone number so the clerk can call if details need clarification.
What If You Don’t Know Exact Details
People can still request a marriage or divorce record even if they only know part of the information. A few smart search habits make it easier to locate the right file through the clerk’s office.
Sometimes a requester only remembers an approximate date or only one spouse’s name. In these cases, the clerk’s team often uses broader search filters in the index system. Many offices accept name variations, such as shortened names, hyphenated names, maiden names, or common spelling changes. Using wider date ranges also helps, especially for marriages or divorces recorded many years ago.
How to Search With Limited Information
Requesters can try several workarounds when information is incomplete:
- Check the county’s index search page, if available.
- Provide a date range instead of a single date.
- Mention spelling changes or alternate surnames.
- Share any known details such as the venue, city, or approximate age at the time.
- Ask for clerk assistance if unsure where to start.
Using multiple clues often helps the clerk match the right entry, even if only one spouse’s name is available.
Handling Older or Archived Records
Some records created before digital files were introduced may be stored in off-site archives. These files usually require more time to retrieve. People searching for older marriage licenses or early divorce cases can:
- Request a lookup in the county’s archived license index.
- Search historical records held by the clerk or district clerk.
- Visit or contact local libraries, county archives, or genealogy resources, since these groups often keep marriage indexes and newspaper announcements.
These steps make it easier to trace long-ago records, especially for people working on family history or legal updates.
If the Original Record Is Lost or Missing
Sometimes a file cannot be found, or the requester needs confirmation for a legal purpose even if they cannot obtain a copy. Texas offers a few alternatives:
- Vital statistics verification letter: Confirms whether a marriage or divorce was recorded in Texas.
- Legal affidavit: Can be used when someone must verify facts for courts or agencies.
- Court order: In rare cases, a judge may allow reconstruction of missing information.
FAQs
Below are clear answers to the questions people ask most about Collin County marriage and divorce records. Each one helps set expectations for online access, search details, fees, and timeline.
Can I get a copy of my marriage license online?
Many people can request a non-certified copy online through the County Clerk’s record portal if the file is available in digital form. Certified copies usually require an in-person visit or a mail request so the clerk can apply the raised seal. Some users may still receive electronic previews, but the certified version must be mailed or picked up.
What information do I need to search for a divorce record?
Most searches start with the full names of both parties and the approximate date of the divorce. A case number, if known, speeds things up. The District Clerk can run a wider index search using name variations, initials, or partial details when only limited information is available.
How much does a certified copy cost?
Certified copies often range from $6 to $21, depending on the type of record and the total number of pages. Non-certified copies usually cost $1–$2 per page. Large files that need to be placed on a CD come with an added media fee. Final totals depend on page count and delivery choice.
How long does it take to receive records by mail?
Most mail requests arrive within 3–7 business days, depending on volume and the return address. Records stored in archives may take longer. People who include clear contact details and a postage-paid envelope often receive results faster.
how can I get a copy under my former name?
The clerk can search under all known name variations, including maiden names, hyphenated names, and previous married names. People only need to list each version on the request form. The District Clerk’s index usually supports broad searches, so former names rarely cause problems
Are divorce records public in Collin County?
Most divorce case files are public, including final decrees, unless sealed by a judge. Some sensitive items may be restricted, but the decree itself is usually available. Anyone can request a non-certified or certified copy as long as they follow the normal record request steps.
What if I’m not sure which county the marriage or divorce happened in?
People can still request a search by providing full names and an approximate year. If the file isn’t found, they may try a Texas vital statistics verification letter, which confirms whether the event was recorded anywhere in the state. This helps narrow down the correct county for the next search.