King County, Washington marriage license: fee, offices and what to bring

King County marriage license: what the office asks for

Issued by the King County Recorder's Office. The lines below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 13, 2026. Fees and hours change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the office before you go.

Fee

There is a fee of $169 to apply for a marriage license. (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

How to pay

The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit and debit cards. Cards carry a 2.35% convenience fee with a $2 minimum charge. Cash is accepted in person only. (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

Appointment

The official pages we read do not say whether one is needed. Official page

Online application

Couples can begin the application online, keep the transaction number, then both finalize it and pay in person. Applying in person with a downloaded form, or by mail with a notarized application, is also offered. (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

ID and documents to bring

Not stated on the official pages we read. Ask the office. Official page

Who must appear

Both applicants must appear in person to complete an online or in-person application. A partner who cannot attend may have their signature notarized in advance, and a notarized application can be mailed. (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

Three-day waiting period

The license is not valid until three days after it is issued, and this wait cannot be waived under any circumstances, including court order. The wait begins when payment is finalized in person, not at online submission. (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

Applying by mail

Sign the application in front of a notary and mail it with a check, money order, or cashier's check for $169 to the Recorder's Office. The license is mailed back; processing may run a few days behind. (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

Returning the certificate

The officiant has 30 days from the ceremony to return the Certificate of Marriage. A license issued by King County must be returned to King County even if the ceremony took place in another county. (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked November 13, 2026)

Where to get a marriage license in King County

Official links

• King County Recorder's Office: marriage licenses
• Online application (recordsearch.kingcounty.gov)

How King County compares with the Washington rule

The fee on the Washington page is this county's own: $169.

Washington waiting period

Three days before the license can be used. King County counts from issuance and says it cannot be waived, even by court order. (Source: kingcounty.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

How long a Washington license is valid

The license is void if the marriage is not solemnized within 60 days of issuance. (Source: app.leg.wa.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Washington marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply has the state’s other rules: witnesses, who may officiate, age and certified copies.

Common questions

Next

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• Washington marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply
• Marriage license requirements by state
• Name change after marriage in Washington: checklist
• Marriage license: what to ask the office before you apply
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