How to Get a Marriage License in Washington
Washington marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- varies by county (~$60-$72; County Auditor)
- Waiting period
- 3 days (license effective on the 4th day after issuance; not waivable)
- Minimum age
- 18 without consent
- Blood test
- no
Confirm the fee before you go. The marriage-license fee in this state is set by the county and varies, so the figure above is a representative range — check the exact, current fee on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. This page is informational only and is not legal advice.
This row is flagged for re-verification on publish (county-set fee and/or a statute section still being pinned).
In Washington, couples seeking a marriage license must apply through their county auditor's office. The license fee varies by county, typically ranging from approximately $60 to $72, and applicants should confirm the exact fee with their specific county auditor before applying, as fees are set at the county level. Many counties offer online application options to streamline the process. Applicants must provide a government-issued photo ID and proof of age. Washington requires no residency requirement to obtain a marriage license in the state.
Washington imposes a mandatory three-day waiting period that cannot be waived; the license becomes effective on the fourth day after issuance and remains valid for 60 days. Couples must be at least 18 years old to marry without consent; those aged 17 may marry with parental consent, and minors under 17 may marry with both parental consent and court approval. Two witnesses who are at least 18 years old must be present at the marriage ceremony. Because marriage laws and fees change periodically and vary by county, applicants should verify current requirements and costs directly on their county auditor's official page or through the state's official resources before submitting an application.
What a marriage license actually is
A marriage license is the government document that authorizes your marriage; you apply for it before the ceremony, and once it’s signed and returned it becomes your marriage record. The fee, waiting period and ID rules below are what each state and county sets — always confirm the exact current amount with the issuing clerk.
| Requirement | Washington |
|---|---|
| License fee | varies by county (~$60-$72; County Auditor) |
| Fee set by | County (varies by county) |
| Waiting period | 3 days (license effective on the 4th day after issuance; not waivable) |
| License validity | 60 days (effective after the 3-day wait) |
| ID required | government photo ID; proof of age |
| Residency required | no |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; 17 with parental consent; under 17 with consent AND court approval |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | 2 witnesses (18+) |
| Online option | many counties offer online application; license effective after the 3-day wait |
| Where to apply | County Auditor (county-administered) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Full Washington requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record Washington marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.