Washington Marriage License Requirements

Statutes

Washington Revised Code:

• Section 26.04.140 (marriage license)
• Section 26.04.150 (application by mail)
• Section 26.04.160 (application for license)
• Section 26.03.165 (marriage certificate form)
• Section 26.04.180 (license time limitations)
• Section 26.04.210 (affidavits required for license)

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:

• Consent of a parent/legal guardian; and
• Either the parent/legal guardian must be present at the time that the application is made or a notarized consent from the parent/ legal guardian must be presented.

Applicants that are 16 and under require the following:

• Parent/guardian's consent; and
• A judge's waiver.

Residency and Citizenship Requirements

• There are no residency requirements.
• Apply for a license at any county at the county auditor's office.
• It doesn't matter the county where you obtain a marriage license because you can use it to get married anywhere in the state; applicants don't have to apply for a license in the county where they will marry.
• At that time, you will pay the fees; the fees vary from county to county.

Marriage License Essentials

Forms of Identification:

• Applicants must present a valid form of ID.
• A Social Security number isn't necessary to get married. However, you must include the social security number on the marriage license form or your signature on a declaration stating that you don't have a Social Security number.

License Signatures:

• Both applicants sign the application form and marriage license using the names that match the IDs that were presented.
• After the marriage, the parties can go through the process of changing their name if they wish.

Blood Tests:

• Washington doesn't require blood tests.
• Each party must sign an affidavit showing that if either applicant has a contagious sexually transmitted disease, that both applicants are aware of it.

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:

• The license expires 60 days from the date it's issued.
• After the license has expired, it can't be used to get married; you must apply for a new license.