Washington Marriage License Requirements
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed November 29, 2018
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
When you've decided that you're ready to get married, there are several steps that must be completed before you make it official. One of the most important tasks is getting your marriage license. Although there are similarities, there are also different marriage license requirements in each state.
If you need to obtain a Washington marriage license, then you must be aware of the state's specific requirements to ensure that nothing goes wrong prior to your walk down the aisle.
Summary of Washington Marriage License Requirements
Although the statutes addressing marriage licenses in Washington aren't very complex, they contain a lot of information. It helps to read a modified version of the content written in simple language for better understanding. See the chart below for a summary of the State of Washington's marriage license requirements, including links to relevant statutes.
Statutes |
Washington Revised Code:
|
Age Requirements
|
Applicants for the marriage license must be at least 18 years old to get married without consent. Applicants that are 17 require the following:
Applicants that are 16 and under require the following:
|
Residency and Citizenship Requirements |
|
Marriage License Essentials |
Forms of Identification:
License Signatures:
Blood Tests:
Fees: The fees vary according to the county and is paid at the time of the application. Waiting Period: You must wait 3 days after obtaining the license before you can marry. License Expiration:
|
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Washington Marriage License Requirements: Related Resources
Speak with an Attorney About Washington Marriage License Requirements
Getting the marriage license is a necessary step on the way to getting married. If you're facing any issues on your way to getting a Washington marriage license or need help understanding the requirements, don't hesitate to reach out to a skilled Washington family law attorney to assist you.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Family law matters are often complex and require a lawyer
- Lawyers can protect your rights and seek the best outcome
Get tailored family law advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life

Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.