A Marriage License is the legal document that allows a couple to marry under state law. The fee is $172 and is non-refundable. The license remains valid for 60 days, with a mandatory three-day waiting period before the ceremony. Applicants should check the expiration date and keep their license details for future reference. Marriage records include applicant names, issue dates, and license numbers, which can be used for record searches.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old and provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. Applications can be submitted online or at the local office. Required details include legal names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and previous marital status. After the ceremony, the Auditor’s Office records the marriage. Certified marriage certificates can be useful for name changes and other personal records.
How to Search Marriage Licenses
Searching for a marriage license in Pierce County, WA starts with the official public records database maintained by the Pierce County Auditor’s office. You can locate marriage license records by applicant name, license number, or marriage date using the county’s online lookup tool. For related public documentation and local filings, you can consult official birth records resources. The system displays issued licenses, recorded marriages, and certified certificate status for any couple whose paperwork was processed in Pierce County. If the license was issued in another Washington county, that county’s auditor office holds the original record.
Official Search Portal: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/356/Marriage-Licensing
Steps to Search
- Visit the Pierce County Auditor’s Marriage Licensing page using the official portal link.
- Choose your search method: applicant name, license number, or marriage date.
- Enter the required details, such as the full legal name of either applicant, the license number, or the wedding date range.
- Review the results list and click the matching record to view license status, issue date, and recorded marriage details.
- Download, print, or request a certified copy directly from the Auditor’s office if you need an official document.
Search by Applicant Name
A name-based search lets you pull up a marriage license using the legal name of either the bride or groom listed on the application. Type the last name first, then the first name, to narrow the results quickly. The system shows every license where that name appears, even if the marriage did not occur or the license expired before use. You should confirm the date of birth or issue date to pick the right record when common names return several matches.
Search by License Number
If you have the official marriage license number printed on the issued document, the number-based search returns the exact record in seconds. This method works best when you already hold a copy of the license and want to confirm current status, check the recorded marriage date, or verify whether the officiant returned the paperwork. License numbers follow a state-assigned format that the Pierce County system recognizes across all Washington counties.
Search by Marriage Date
A marriage date search uses the ceremony date, the license issue date, or a date range to display all licenses tied to that window. Pick this option when you know roughly when the wedding took place but cannot recall the applicant’s exact name or license number. The tool shows a chronological list of records filed during the selected period, sorted by the recorded marriage date when available.
Information Needed for a License Search
Before you start a lookup, gather as much detail as possible to avoid scrolling through unrelated results. Helpful data points include full legal names of both applicants, date of birth, the exact or approximate marriage date, and the license number if it appears on any saved document. The Auditor’s office may also ask for the county of issuance, since the lookup only returns Pierce County records. Missing details lead to broader result lists, so accuracy speeds up the search.
Marriage License Requirements
Couples applying for a marriage license in Pierce County, WA must meet specific eligibility rules set by Washington state law. These rules confirm that both parties are legally free to marry, properly identified, and of the right age. The requirements apply to every applicant, including residents, non-residents, and out-of-state visitors planning a Washington wedding.
Age Requirements
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply without parental consent. Applicants under 18 need a court order approving the marriage before the Auditor’s office will issue a license. Age is verified through government-issued photo identification at the time of application, and the birth date on the ID must match the information entered on the application form.
Identification Requirements
Each applicant must present valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, state identification card, passport, or military ID. The ID shows the full legal name, date of birth, and photograph needed to confirm identity. Expired IDs are not accepted, and photocopies or digital images of physical IDs cannot be used in place of the original document.
Application Information
The application collects full legal names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, current residential addresses, and contact phone numbers for both applicants. You will also need to provide the county and state where each person was born, the occupation, and the relationship status before the marriage. Both parties review the completed application for accuracy before signing it in the presence of a county clerk or online through the verified e-signature process.
Previous Marriage Information
If either applicant was previously married, the application requires the date the prior marriage ended, whether by divorce, annulment, or the death of a former spouse. A certified divorce decree or death certificate is not required at the time of application, but the Auditor’s office may request supporting documentation during the review. Couples must confirm that any prior marriage has been legally dissolved before a new license is issued.
Eligibility Requirements
Washington law prohibits marriage between close relatives, including lineal ancestors, descendants, and full or half siblings. Both applicants must confirm they are entering the marriage voluntarily and are of sound mind at the time of application. Any applicant who is currently under a court order that limits the right to marry must disclose that restriction to the Auditor’s office before the license is issued.
Applying for a Marriage License
The Pierce County marriage license application process is designed to move quickly from start to issuance. Couples can choose to apply online, in person, or through a combination of both depending on preference and appointment availability. The Auditor’s office records every step, so the application stays on file as part of the permanent public record.
Completing the Application
You start the application by entering personal details for both applicants, including legal names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and prior marital history. The online portal saves your progress, allowing you to pause and return to finish later before submission. Once submitted, the application moves to the review queue, and the office contacts you if any field needs correction or clarification.
Applying in Person
Couples who prefer face-to-face service can visit the Pierce County Auditor’s office at 2401 S. 35th St., Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409. The front-desk clerk verifies identification, confirms all application fields, and accepts payment during the same visit. Walk-in applicants should expect a short wait during peak times, while scheduled appointments reduce the visit to under fifteen minutes in most cases.
Online Application Options
The online application through the Pierce County portal lets both applicants complete and sign the form remotely from any device. After the application is submitted and reviewed, you can either pick up the physical license in person or have it mailed to a confirmed address. The online system uses secure verification to confirm identity and prevent duplicate filings under false names.
Applicant Signatures
Both applicants must sign the application, either electronically through the online portal or physically in the presence of a county clerk. The signature confirms the accuracy of every entry and acknowledges the legal responsibility to provide truthful information. A forged or missing signature delays the issuance until the office verifies the identity of the signer in person.
License Issuance
Once the application clears review, payment is processed, and the signatures are recorded, the office issues the marriage license. You receive a printed copy on the spot for in-person applications or a mailed copy for online filings. The issue date printed on the license marks the start of the three-day waiting period required by Washington state law.
Marriage License Fees and Validity
The marriage license fee in Pierce County, WA is set by state law and remains consistent across the county. The fee covers the cost of processing the application, recording the marriage, and providing the certified certificate after the ceremony. Validity rules determine how long the license stays active and when it must be used or replaced.
License Fee
The current marriage license fee in Pierce County is $172, payable at the time of issuance. This fee is non-refundable once the license is issued, even if the wedding is canceled or postponed. Couples who need a replacement for a lost or destroyed license pay a separate reissue fee set by the Auditor’s office.
Accepted Payment Methods
In-person applicants can pay with cash, check, money order, or major credit and debit cards at the Auditor’s office counter. Online applicants pay through the secure payment portal using a credit or debit card. Payment is confirmed before the license is released, and the office provides a receipt that documents the transaction for both parties.
Fee Waivers and Discounts
Washington state law allows a reduced fee for couples who complete a premarital counseling course through a state-approved provider. The discount lowers the total fee and is applied at the time of issuance when the certificate of completion is presented. No other waivers apply, and the office does not extend hardship reductions outside the state-approved counseling program.
Waiting Period
Washington state law requires a three-day waiting period between the date the marriage license is issued and the date the ceremony takes place. The waiting period begins the day after the license is issued, so most couples wait at least 72 hours before scheduling the wedding. The waiting period does not apply when a court order waives the requirement for urgent circumstances.
License Expiration
A Pierce County marriage license remains valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If the ceremony does not occur within that window, the license expires, and the couple must apply for a new license and pay the full fee again. The expiration date is printed on the license itself so you can confirm the deadline at a glance.
| Marriage License Detail | Pierce County WA Value |
|---|---|
| License Fee | $172 (non-refundable) |
| Reduced Fee After Counseling | Available with approved certificate |
| Waiting Period | 3 days from issuance |
| License Validity | 60 days from issuance |
| Replacement Fee | Set by Auditor’s office |
Information on a Marriage License
Every Pierce County marriage license displays standard information that the state requires for legal recognition. This data also makes the license searchable through the public records system after issuance. Reviewing the printed fields before leaving the office helps you catch errors early and request a correction before the ceremony takes place.
Applicant Names
The license lists the full legal names of both applicants exactly as they appear on the presented identification. Nicknames, shortened versions, or alternate spellings are not accepted, and any change after issuance requires a formal correction request. The names printed on the license also appear on the marriage certificate and the permanent public record.
License Number
A unique license number is assigned to every issued document and printed in a visible corner. This number stays with the record permanently, even after the license is used, recorded, or archived. You need this number for any future search, correction, or certified copy request through the Auditor’s office.
Issue Date
The issue date is the official day the license is released to the couple, marking the start of the three-day waiting period and the 60-day validity window. The same date appears on the public record and helps the office confirm the original timeline. Review the issue date immediately after receiving the license to confirm accuracy.
Marriage Date
The marriage date is left blank at the time of issuance and filled in by the officiant after the ceremony takes place. The date written on the license becomes the legal wedding date recognized by the state. If the ceremony is rescheduled, the officiant updates this field before returning the license to the Auditor’s office.
County of Issuance
Pierce County is printed as the county of issuance because the license was processed at the local Auditor’s office. Even if the couple lives in another county or state, the license is bound to Pierce County until the marriage is recorded. Copies of the certificate come from the same county, regardless of where the wedding was held.
License Status
License status indicates the current state of the document, such as issued, used, recorded, or expired. You can check the status through the online portal at any time using the license number or applicant name. The status updates automatically after the officiant returns the completed license to the office.
Using and Recording the Marriage License
After the license is issued, it must be used during the ceremony, completed by the officiant, and returned to the Auditor’s office for recording. Each step follows a process set by Washington state law, and missing a step can delay the recording of the marriage. Couples who understand the sequence can plan the ceremony and follow-up paperwork without surprises.
Authorized Officiant
Only an authorized officiant can perform the wedding ceremony and sign the marriage license in Washington. The state recognizes licensed or ordained clergy, judges, Supreme Court justices, court commissioners, and active legislators. Additional county documentation and official archives are indexed under dissolution of marriage. The officiant must be at least 18 years old and present during the ceremony to sign the license in the couple’s presence.
Marriage Ceremony
The ceremony must take place within the 60-day validity window and after the three-day waiting period has passed. The couple and the officiant must all be physically present, and the ceremony must include a declaration of intent from both parties. Any witnesses required by the couple’s faith or tradition also need to sign the license if requested by the officiant.
Completing the License
The officiant fills in the marriage date, the location of the ceremony, and the officiant’s signature on the license. The couple also confirms that the printed information is correct by signing the designated lines. The completed license becomes the basis for the recorded marriage and the certified certificate that follows.
Returning the License
The officiant is responsible for returning the completed license to the Pierce County Auditor’s office within 30 days of the ceremony. Most officiants mail the document directly, though in-person returns are also accepted at the office counter. Delayed returns stall the recording process and delay access to certified certificates.
Recording the Marriage
Once the office receives the completed license, staff record the marriage in the official county database. The record becomes part of the public archive, and the marriage license status changes from issued to recorded. Couples can then order certified copies of the marriage certificate for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal purposes.
Marriage Certificate After the Ceremony
A marriage certificate is the official record that proves the marriage took place and was recorded by the county. The certificate comes in two forms, each with a different use and fee structure. Requesting the right version depends on whether the document is needed for legal proceedings or personal records.
Certified Marriage Certificate
A certified marriage certificate carries the official county seal and is accepted by government agencies, insurance companies, and courts. The certified copy is printed on security paper with raised seals and a registration number tied to the original record. Most institutions require a certified copy rather than an informational version when processing name changes or benefits.
Informational Copy
An informational copy of the marriage certificate lists the same details as the certified version but cannot be used for legal purposes. The informational copy often has a stamp or watermark that signals its restricted use. Many couples order informational copies for personal records, family history projects, or display purposes.
Certificate Request Methods
You can order a marriage certificate online through the Pierce County portal, by mail using a request form, or in person at the Auditor’s office. Each method requires the applicant’s full name, the marriage date, and the license number if available. Payment must accompany the request, and the office processes orders in the order received.
Certificate Fees
The fee for a certified marriage certificate in Pierce County is set by state law and listed on the Auditor’s website. Each additional copy requested at the same time is charged at a reduced rate. The fee covers the search, printing, and certification steps needed to produce the official document.
Certificate Processing
Standard certificate requests are processed within a few business days, though mail delivery adds transit time. Online and in-person requests can often be fulfilled the same day when the record is already on file. Expedited options are available for an added fee when you need the certificate quickly for travel or legal deadlines.
| Certificate Type | Legal Use | Seal Required |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Marriage Certificate | Accepted for legal filings | Yes |
| Informational Copy | Personal reference only | No |
Marriage License Corrections
Errors on a marriage license or certificate can be corrected after issuance, though the process depends on the type of mistake. The Auditor’s office reviews each request and determines whether a correction, amendment, or replacement is required. Acting quickly after spotting an error saves time and reduces the need for additional paperwork.
Correcting Applicant Information
Spelling errors, middle name omissions, or transposed digits in a date of birth can be corrected before the license is used. Both applicants must confirm the correct information in writing, and the office updates the record after verifying the supporting documents. Corrections requested after the marriage is recorded require an amendment to the official record instead.
Correcting Clerical Errors
Clerical errors include typos introduced by the office, wrong issue dates, or mismatched license numbers. The Auditor’s office reviews internal logs and the original paperwork to confirm the mistake. Once verified, the office issues a corrected copy and updates the public record without requiring a new application.
Supporting Documentation
Most corrections require supporting documentation, such as a birth certificate, passport, or court order. The document must clearly show the correct information the office will use to update the record. The office may also ask for a sworn statement confirming the error when the supporting documents are not enough on their own.
Amended License or Record
Amendments apply to errors discovered after the marriage is recorded, such as a misspelled surname on the certificate. The amendment process generates a new certificate page attached to the original record, marked with a notation that explains the change. A certified copy issued after the amendment reflects the corrected information.
Marriage License Record Access
Marriage license records in Pierce County follow Washington state public records laws, with most details available to anyone who requests them. Some information, however, is restricted to protect privacy or follow court orders. The Auditor’s office explains the access level for every record before processing a request.
Public License Information
Public information on a marriage license includes the full legal names of both applicants, the issue date, the marriage date, the officiant’s name, and the county of issuance. This data is searchable through the online portal and available to requesters who visit the office in person. There is no fee to view public information, though printed copies are charged separately.
Online Record Availability
The Pierce County online portal displays public marriage license records back to a set date determined by the office. Records before that date may be available only through an in-person request or a mailed inquiry. The portal updates as new licenses are issued and new marriages are recorded throughout the year.
Restricted Information
Restricted information includes Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and any data sealed by a court order. The office does not release this information to the public, even when other details on the same record are open. Authorized government agencies can request restricted data through formal channels with proper legal documentation.
Records Available by Request
Records not displayed online can be requested by mail, phone, or in person from the Auditor’s office. The request must include the applicant’s full name, the marriage date, and any additional details that help locate the file. A small search fee may apply when staff must retrieve archived records from off-site storage.
Marriage License Search Problems
Search results sometimes miss the record you are looking for, even when the marriage clearly took place in Pierce County. Common causes include name variations, data entry delays, or records held by another county. Identifying the cause of the problem helps you choose the right next step.
License Not Found
A license not found result means the system did not return any match for the entered details. Double-check the spelling of names, confirm the correct date range, and try alternate search fields. If the license is still missing, the record may be held by a different county or archived under a different name.
Incorrect Applicant Information
Typing the wrong name or using a nickname instead of a legal name prevents the search from finding the record. Re-enter the applicant’s full legal name as printed on the original license. If the name was changed after the marriage, search under the prior name as well as the current legal name.
Incorrect License Number
An incorrect license number returns no results because the system looks for an exact match. Check the printed license or any receipt from the original application to confirm the number. When the number is lost, switch to a name-based or date-based search to locate the record another way.
Marriage Not Yet Recorded
If the ceremony took place recently, the marriage may not yet be in the system because the officiant has not returned the completed license. The office records the marriage only after the signed license arrives, which can take several weeks. Wait at least 30 days after the wedding before requesting a recorded certificate.
Record Held by Another County
When the license was issued in a Washington county other than Pierce County, the search returns no result because Pierce holds only its own records. Contact the auditor’s office in the county of issuance for the original license and certificate. The county where the marriage was recorded is the source for any certified copies you need.
Contact Details
For direct assistance with marriage license applications, searches, corrections, or certificate requests, contact the Pierce County Auditor’s office using the details below. Staff are available during business hours to answer questions about applications, fees, and document processing.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Pierce County Auditor – Marriage Licensing |
| Official URL | https://www.piercecountywa.gov/356/Marriage-Licensing |
| Search and Records URL | Marriage License Application |
| Phone | 253-798-7435 |
| — | |
| Address | 2401 S. 35th St., Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting a marriage license in Pierce County, WA is a clear step toward legal marriage. The office offers online tools, clear fee information, and quick record lookup. Below are the most common questions people ask when they need a marriage license or want to view existing records.
How can I apply for a Pierce County WA marriage license online?
Start at the county’s official website and click the marriage license application link. Fill out each field with the couple’s legal names, birth dates, and residence details. Upload a clear image of a government‑issued photo ID for each applicant. Pay the $72 fee using a credit or debit card. After the payment clears, a confirmation screen shows the license number. Bring the confirmation page to the office on the day you pick up the license, or request the packet be mailed to the address you entered.
What identification and fee are required for a marriage license?
Both partners must present a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, military ID, or passport. The IDs must display the current name and birth date. The county charges $72 for the license; cash, check, money order, or a card works for in‑person visits. This fee is not refundable, even if the ceremony is later cancelled. Keep the receipt; it serves as proof of payment when you collect the license.
How Long Is a Pierce County WA Marriage License Valid?
The license remains valid for 60 days from the moment it is issued. Washington law requires a three‑day waiting period before the couple can marry. The clock starts after the license purchase, not when the application is submitted. If the ceremony occurs after the 60‑day window, the couple must obtain a new license. Planning the wedding within this timeframe avoids extra trips and fees.
How can I search for a marriage license by name or date?
Visit the Pierce County Auditor’s public records portal and select the marriage index search tool. Enter the full or partial name of either spouse, or type the marriage date in MM/DD/YYYY format. The results list matching licenses, showing the license number, issue date, and status. Click a record to view details such as the recorded marriage date and whether the certificate has been returned. For assistance, call the office at 253‑798‑7435.
How Do I Get a Certified Pierce County WA Marriage Copy?
After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed marriage certificate to the Auditor’s office. Request a certified copy online or by mail, providing the license number and paying $3 per copy. The office will mail the certified document to the address on file, or you can pick it up in person. Use the certified copy to update Social Security records, driver’s licenses, or to prove marital status for other purposes.