It is a violation of civil law for a priest or deacon to witness marriage without a civil license.
Even in the case of a convalidation, the couple is required to provide a copy of their original civil license. There is no need to report the convalidation to civil authorities.
Failure to observe civil law requirements or the delay or neglect to return the civil license after the ceremony can cause serious legal problems for the couple and priest or deacon.
A Catholic priest or deacon is not permitted to witness a marriage of two non-Catholics, nor may he presume to witness any marriage in a merely civil capacity or for the civil effects alone.
In all weddings, whoever witnesses the matrimonial consent must be the only one who signs the civil license. Canonically, only one minister may witness matrimonial consent.
A blood test is not needed in order to obtain a license.
A waiting period of 72 hours between application for the license and celebration of the marriage rites is required by Texas State law. There are circumstances in which a judge may waive the 72- hour waiting period. In Texas, a marriage license can be obtained 90 days before the celebration in any county.
Both parties must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. A court order is required for the marriage of someone below the age of 18. A civil license cannot be obtained for someone below the age of 17.
Undocumented unmarried immigrants can go to the consulate of their country in the US to obtain the needed civil marriage, then receive convalidation in the Catholic Church.