County Auditor issues licenses (not county clerk). $25 certified copies — order all at once.
Washington Marriage License — State Rules
Washington issues licenses through county auditors (not clerks). The 3-day waiting period is waivable by a superior court judge. Certified copies cost $25 — one of the highest in the country. King County (Seattle) and Pierce County (Tacoma / Mount Rainier gateway) are the primary markets.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | County Auditor |
| Waiting period | 3 days (waivable by superior court) |
| License validity | 60 days |
| Fee range | $63–$75 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | 2 required |
| Residency required? | No — Washington has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes — both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No — Washington does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the County Auditor
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport. Both parties.
- Social Security Number — required on the application for both parties. Physical card typically not required. Non-U.S. citizens without an SSN write "None."
- Prior marriage information — date and state the prior marriage ended (divorce or death). For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
- Fee payment — $63–$75. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
Washington County Guides
Select your county for the exact office address, hours, fee, appointment requirements, and county-specific procedural detail.
County-by-county guides for all Washington counties are being expanded continuously. Use our checklist tool for a personalized document list based on your state while additional county pages are added.
Frequently Asked Questions — Washington
No. Washington has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a Washington marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Washington.
The waiting period in Washington is 3 days (waivable by superior court). This means you must wait this long after receiving the license before holding the ceremony. See our waiting periods guide for the complete statewide comparison and waiver procedures.
A Washington marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If the ceremony does not occur within this window, the license expires and you must reapply and pay the fee again. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact deadline.
No. A Washington marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within Washington. If your ceremony is in a different state, you must apply for a license in that state. Your home state will recognize any legally performed marriage from another state.