TCA 36-3-303
Return of license to clerk – Penalty for failure to return – Society of Friends
MISDEMEANOR CClass C Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
A person legally authorized to perform marriages must write on the marriage license that the marriage took place, sign it, and return it to the county clerk within 3 days. If someone fails to return the license within 3 days, they commit a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $50. (For the Religious Society of Friends, the congregation's clerk has this responsibility instead.)
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass C Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail30 days
Maximum Fine$50
Penalty SummaryClass C misdemeanor; 30 days; fine up to $50
(a) One authorized by § 36-3-301 who solemnizes the rite of matrimony shall endorse on the license the fact and time of the marriage, and sign the license, and return it to the county clerk within three (3) days from the date of marriage. Every person who fails to make such return of the license commits a Class C misdemeanor. (b) The functions, duties and liabilities of the party solemnizing marriage as set forth in this part shall, in the case of marriages solemnized among the Religious Society of Friends, be incumbent upon the clerk of the congregation, or in the clerk’s absence, the clerk’s duly designated alternate.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR C
TCA Section36-3-303
Max Jail30 days
Max Fine$50