Marriage License
A King County WA marriage license is the official document required for couples who plan to get married in Washington State. The King County Recorder’s Office handles marriage license applications, processing, recording, and requests for certified marriage records. This guide explains how to apply online, in person, or by mail, what information applicants need to provide, how the waiting period works, what happens after the ceremony, and how to request marriage certificate copies after the record is completed.
Marriage License Office Responsibilities
The King County Recorder’s Office manages marriage licensing services through the Records and Licensing Services Division. The office provides marriage license applications, records completed marriage certificates, and maintains marriage documents purchased through King County.
Couples can begin the process through the official King County marriage licensing page. The office provides options to apply online, visit the office in person, or submit an application by mail.
A marriage license issued by King County is not immediately valid. Washington State requires a three-day waiting period that begins when the license is issued, not when the application is started. After the waiting period ends, the license remains valid for 60 days.
Marriage License Application Options
King County provides three ways to complete the marriage license application process: online, in person, and by mail. Each option has different steps that applicants should complete before the license can be issued.
Online Application Process
The online application allows couples to begin the marriage license process electronically. After submitting the application, applicants receive a transaction number that must be saved for the next steps.
The online process is not completed entirely online. Both applicants must appear in person at the King County Customer Service Center to finalize the application. Applicants must bring payment for the $169 application fee, and the state-required waiting period begins on the date the payment is finalized in person at the Recorder’s Office.
The online application system is available through the official Marriage Kiosk.
In-Person Application Process
Applicants may complete the marriage license application directly at the King County Recorder’s Office. To save time, couples can download and complete the Marriage License Application before arriving. Applicants should not sign the application before visiting the office because both applicants must sign during the application process.
A payment method must be provided when applying. The marriage license application fee is $169, and the office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and debit or credit cards.
Mail Application Process
Applicants who use the mail option must complete the Marriage License Application and have signatures notarized before submitting the documents.
The application must include payment of $169 by check, money order, or cashier’s check payable to King County Recorder. The submitted application must include the required mailing information so the Recorder’s Office can return the marriage license packet.
After processing the application, the Recorder’s Office sends the marriage license, a Certificate of Marriage for the officiant and witnesses to complete, and an information packet to the mailing address provided by the applicants.
Information Required on Application
The marriage license application requires both applicants to provide current legal information. The names on the application must match the applicants’ current full legal names, not the names they may plan to use after marriage.
Applicants should complete the form clearly and accurately because readable information helps reduce data entry errors during processing.
The application includes information such as:
Full legal name
Birth date
Age
Birth place
Current address
Previous address
Current marital status
Phone number
Planned wedding date, if known
The application must be signed according to the requirements for the selected application method. Applications submitted by mail require notarized signatures.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Washington State law requires a three-day waiting period before a marriage license can be used. The waiting period starts on the date the license is issued, which is the date the payment process is finalized for applications completed through the Recorder’s Office.
The waiting period cannot be waived for any reason, including a court order. Couples should plan their application date based on their scheduled ceremony date to ensure the license is valid when they need it.
The marriage ceremony must occur within 60 days after the license is issued. If the ceremony does not happen within that period, the license becomes void and the couple must apply for a new marriage license.
Marriage Ceremony Requirements
Once the marriage license is issued and the waiting period has passed, the couple may hold their ceremony. The ceremony must take place in Washington State.
Washington law allows certain officials to perform marriage ceremonies, including:
Licensed or ordained clergy members and similar officials of religious organizations
Washington Supreme Court justices
Court of Appeals judges
Superior Court judges
Superior Court commissioners
Judges of courts of limited jurisdiction
Federal court judges and judicial officers
Judges of federally recognized tribal courts
The couple cannot perform their own ceremony. After the ceremony, the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses must sign the Certificate of Marriage.
Returning the Marriage Certificate
The officiant who performs the ceremony is responsible for completing and returning the Certificate of Marriage to the King County Recorder’s Office within 30 days after the ceremony.
If the marriage license was issued by King County, the certificate must be returned to King County even if the ceremony takes place in another county.
After the Recorder’s Office receives and records the certificate, the marriage record becomes available for certified copy requests.
Finding Recorded Marriage Records
After the ceremony, couples can check whether the marriage certificate has been processed by using the King County online records search.
If the record shows a “Marriage Certificate” document type, certified copies can be requested from the Recorder’s Office.
Online records searches generally include recorded documents from August 1, 1991, to the present. If a marriage license record cannot be found, applicants may need to adjust search information or check other available record sources.
Certified Marriage Certificate Copies
Certified copies of a recorded marriage certificate can be used as official proof of marriage. Certified copies are not automatically sent to married couples after the ceremony, so couples must request copies if they need them.
Each certified copy costs $3. Requests can be made after the marriage certificate has been processed and recorded by the Recorder’s Office.
The Recorder’s Office provides options for requesting copies through available record services, including online records access, phone requests, mail requests, and in-person requests.
Name Changes After Marriage
A marriage license does not automatically change a person’s name. Marriage documents are signed using each person’s current legal name, not a future intended name.
Changing a surname after marriage is optional. Individuals who choose to change their last name may provide a certified copy of the marriage certificate to organizations that need updated records.
Organizations that may require notification include:
Washington State Driver’s License or Identification Card services
Social Security
Voter registration
U.S. Passport services
U.S. Customs and Immigration Services
Banks, insurance companies, employers, and military organizations
For changes involving a first name, middle name, or creation of a new last name, applicants should check with King County District Court regarding court-ordered name changes.
Common Application Mistakes
Several issues can delay marriage license processing. Applicants can avoid common problems by reviewing their information before submission and following the required procedures.
Submitting names that do not match current legal names
Signing applications before required in-person signing or notarization
Waiting too close to the ceremony date to apply
Sending incomplete payment information with mailed applications
Providing unclear or difficult-to-read application information
The Recorder’s Office advises applicants not to wait until the last minute because staffing levels and seasonal demand may affect processing times. The office cannot guarantee a three-day turnaround for marriage applications and certificates.
Marriage License Office Contact
King County Recorder’s Office
201 S. Jackson St., Suite 204
Seattle, WA 98104
206-477-6620
Marriage License FAQs
Can both applicants apply for a King County marriage license if one person cannot appear in person?
King County requires original application documents when both applicants cannot appear together. A scanned or faxed application or affidavit is not accepted. If one applicant cannot attend, the absent applicant must complete and notarize their signature in advance. If neither applicant can appear, a third party may submit the application when both signatures have been notarized. Details are available on the official Marriage Frequently Asked Questions page.
What happens if the marriage ceremony takes place without completing the required process?
A ceremony performed without a valid marriage license is not recognized as a legal marriage for civil purposes under Washington State law. Couples must obtain a valid license and complete another ceremony within the allowed license period. The ceremony itself must take place in Washington State and must be performed by an authorized officiant.
How do couples replace lost marriage license documents before the ceremony?
If marriage license forms are lost or damaged before the wedding ceremony, applicants may complete an Affidavit of Loss through the King County Recorder’s Office to request replacement documents. Applicants who cannot appear in person may complete the required affidavit before a notary and submit it according to the Recorder’s Office instructions.
When can couples request certified copies after the marriage certificate is recorded?
Certified copies are available after the completed Certificate of Marriage has been returned and recorded by King County. Couples can first check the status through the official online records search. When the record displays a “Marriage Certificate” document type, certified copies can be requested through the Recorder’s Office. Each certified copy costs $3, and copies are not automatically mailed after the ceremony.
Can a friend or family member perform the marriage ceremony?
A friend or relative may perform the ceremony if they meet the requirements for wedding officiants under Washington State law. King County does not require additional registration with the county or state for an officiant who already meets the legal requirements.