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Auditor - Marriage

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1. How do I change my name?

You need to purchase a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You will need to work with each agency to identify name change requirements. All marriage license documents are signed with one's current legal name, never the intended new name. There is no legal requirement for a name change after getting married; it is a right a couple may choose to exercise. If you intend to change your name after marriage, check with each agency for its requirements to change your records. If an agency requires more than a certified copy of your marriage license, check with Pierce County District Court for details on a court-ordered name change. Washington state law does not impose a time limit after the wedding by which a name change must be accomplished. However, if you are making the change more than a year after your wedding, check with each agency to determine if a certified copy of your marriage license will suffice to change your name with them.

2. How do I get a copy of my marriage certificate?

If you applied for your license in Pierce County you can purchase copies online, once your marriage certificate is returned. Certified copies are $3 each. Please follow our instructions to Order Marriage Records Online

Marriage Records Request Form

3. Has my marriage certificate been returned?

You can check online. Click on “Search Marriage Index” to search under either party name. If status shows as returned, then your certificate has been returned. Or call our office at (253) 798-7435.

4. Can the three day waiting period be waived?

No, it is a state law.

5. What are the minimum ages for applicants?

Both must be 18 years of age or older.

6. What if one of the applicants is 17? Can he/she get a license?

Yes, as long as the parent or legal custodian is present with the applicant and provides their consent and proof of age for the underage applicant. (drivers license and birth certificate)
The parent or guardian must complete an

Affidavit of Guardian form.

7. How do I get divorced?

Divorces are filed with the County Clerk's office. Please contact the Clerk's office at (253) 798-7455.

8. How long is a marriage license valid?

60 days

9. What type of ID is accepted?

Picture ID with name and date of birth…driver’s license, State ID card, military ID, Passport.

10. Is there a waiting period before I can use the license?

Yes, Washington state law requires a 3 day waiting period.

11. Is the license only valid in Washington?

Yes, it is only valid in Washington State.

12. How much is the marriage license?

$72 cash, check, money order, or credit/debit (in person only).

Auditor Fee List

13. What if I lost my marriage packet?

You can purchase a duplicate packet for $6.00. Contact our office at (253) 798-7435 for more information.

14. What do I need to bring in?

Picture ID with birth date, both applicants must be present unless the application is notarized, and $72.00.

15. Is all information on the marriage certificate mandatory?

Yes, you must complete all items on the marriage certificate.

16. What if the person doesn't know the information on one of the parents?

You may enter "unknown" for one of the parent's information. You must list at least one of your parents name and place of birth.

17. What if I don't know the information at the time I apply, but I can find it before we are married?

You can leave the information blank, then fill out the information before you are married.

18. What if one of us is not legally divorced yet, can we still apply for a marriage license?

No, the divorce must be final and filed before the applicants can apply for a marriage license.

19. Can we get married again in Washington even if we are legally married in another state or country?

You can’t apply for a marriage license in Washington because you are already married in another state or country. You could still have a ceremony, but you would not apply for a marriage license with the county office.

20. What are the steps after the marriage ceremony has taken place?

- Your officiant will return the signed marriage certificate to our office for recording. 

- Mail your request for certified copies to the Auditor’s Office. 

- You will take the certified copy of the marriage certificate to Social Security and your local driver’s license office for your name change.

21. What if I'm unable to print my completed marriage application for notarization?

You can print the application here and manually complete it. However, you MUST complete the online form too.

22. I'm performing a wedding ceremony what do I need to do?

Who may solemnize? (RCW 26.04.050)

• The following named officers and persons, active or retired, are hereby authorized to solemnize marriages, to wit: Justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of appeals, judges of the superior courts, supreme court commissioners, court of appeals commissioners, superior court commissioners, any regularly licensed or ordained minister or any priest, imam, rabbi, or similar official of any religious organization, and judges of courts of limited jurisdiction as defined in RCW 3.02.010.

If I am an ordained minister do I need to register my certificate with Pierce County?

• Pierce County does not keep a registry of Ordained Ministers.

Please make sure to familiarize yourself with the Marriage Certificate.

• The certificate must be filled out completely,
• Pay special attention to the dates the certificate is valid,
• That all parties, witnesses, and person solemnizing have signed the Marriage Certificate,
• And that you have complied with all RCW’s.

If you have further questions refer to RCW 26.04

23. Can I apply for a license in WA if I am an out of state resident?

Yes, if you will be married in Washington state.

24. Is the application fee refundable?

The marriage application fee is non-refundable.

25. I received a certified copy of my marriage and it is past the valid dates on the certificate. Is it still valid?

Yes. The validity dates on the marriage certificate are the dates that your marriage ceremony had to be performed between. It has nothing to do with your copy.

26. How do I change information on my marriage certificate?

Click here to complete the Affidavit for Correction. This form can be used for minor spelling changes in name, date, place of birth or gender. Please see form for complete list.