Washington Marriage License Requirements
Washington State requires applicants to present a government-issued photo identification and proof of age when applying for a marriage license. The minimum age to marry is 18 without parental consent. Those aged 17 may marry with documented parental consent, while applicants under 17 require both parental consent and court approval. No blood test is required. Washington imposes no state residency requirement for marriage-license applicants.
The application process requires two witnesses, each at least 18 years old, to be present. Washington law includes a mandatory three-day waiting period between license issuance and ceremony, which cannot be waived. The fee for a marriage license varies by county, typically ranging from approximately $60 to $72. Applicants should confirm the exact fee, eligibility requirements, and procedural details directly with the county auditor's office or the Washington State official government website, as requirements and fees may vary by county or change over time. This overview is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.
| 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 |
Confirm locally. Requirements come from public-record state law and can change. Verify with the issuing county clerk or state .gov. Informational only — not legal advice.
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