What is the age requirement for a marriage license in Texas?

In Texas, the age requirement for obtaining a marriage license is established to ensure that individuals are of a sufficient age to understand the commitment they are entering into. The correct answer states that individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. For those aged 16 or 17, they can marry if they have parental consent.

This framework serves to protect minors while also allowing them the possibility to marry with parental approval, recognizing that some individuals may be mature enough at that age to make such a life decision, especially in circumstances where parental consent is considered valid. Thus, the acceptance of marriage licenses for those aged 16 or 17 with the necessary consent underscores a balance between autonomy and protection in Texas law.

Other options do not align with Texas law; for instance, requiring individuals to be 20 years old is not accurate, nor is it correct to suggest no exceptions for those under 21. Similarly, stating that individuals can marry at 16 years old without parental consent is misleading as that isn't permissible under Texas regulations.