Marriage License Requirements in Washington
Washington’s 3-day waiting period is mandatory statewide with no exceptions. Requirements below apply statewide; fees and application methods are set by each county’s Auditor or Recorder’s Office.
| Minimum age to marry | 18 without consent; 17-year-olds may marry with parental consent. Under 17 cannot marry. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 3 days after the license is issued — this cannot be waived under any circumstances, including by court order. |
| License validity | 60 days, beginning after the 3-day waiting period ends. |
| Blood test required | No |
| Documents you’ll need | One valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID for each applicant (driver’s license from any state, state ID, passport, or military ID). Both applicants must appear together in person — no proxy applications. You’ll also need your parents’ full legal names, including mother’s maiden name, and their birthplaces. |
What a Washington marriage license typically costs
Washington’s fees run higher than most states, and every county now includes a flat $100 statewide surcharge added July 27, 2025 (funding a Domestic Violence Co-Responder Grant Program) on top of each county’s own base fee — in our researched counties, expect $162 to $172 total, with no premarital-course discount like some other states offer. Select your county below to confirm its exact current fee.
Counties we cover in Washington
Requirements above are set by Washington state law and apply the same way in every county. The fee, hours, and exact application process are set locally — select your county above for those specifics.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Washington marriage license cost?
In the counties we’ve researched, it’s a flat $169–$172 with no discount for a premarital course. Check your specific county’s guide for the current fee.
Can we waive Washington’s waiting period?
No. Washington’s 3-day waiting period applies statewide with no exceptions — not even by court order, which sets it apart from most other states that offer at least one waiver route.
Is a blood test required to get married in Washington?
No. Washington does not require a blood test or medical exam to obtain a marriage license.
See how Washington’s fees compare to other states → Getting married in a different county than you live in →