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Vital Records Online is not affiliated with any government agency. We provide a secure online service to help customers file applications for certified vital records to the appropriate state or county office. Free application forms are available directly from the Washington State Department of Health - Center for Health Statistics.

Washington Marriage Certificate

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Washington Marriage Certificate Overview

Learn how to order Washington State marriage certificate from the Washington State Department of Health Center for Health Statistics (Washington DOH-CHS). Ensure you gather your necessary documents and know that the current processing time for marriage records is 8 to 10 weeks. The state fee for certified copies is $25.00 per copy.

Where to Get a Washington State Marriage Certificate

In Washington State, certified copies of marriage certificate can be obtained from two sources: the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the county auditor in the county where the marriage license was issued.

Washington State Department of Health — The DOH maintains marriage records from January 1968 to the present. You can request copies by mail, online, or through an authorized provider. The fee is $25 for a certified copy. Visit the WA DOH Vital Records website for details.

County Auditor — The county auditor's office where the marriage license was issued maintains records from the county's inception. Washington has 39 counties, each with its own auditor. In-person service is available at most locations.

For the fastest and most convenient option, you can order your Washington State marriage certificate online through our guided application service.

Is a Washington State Marriage Certificate Issued by the State or County?

Washington State marriage certificate originate at the county level. Couples obtain their marriage license from the county auditor's office. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed certificate to the county auditor within 30 days for recording.

The county auditor then forwards the record to the Washington State Department of Health, which maintains the statewide registry. Both the county and the state can issue certified copies.

For marriages before 1968, only the county auditor will have records, as the state registry began that year. For marriages from 1968 onward, either source can provide a certified copy.

Washington State Community Property Laws and Marriage

Washington is one of only nine community property states in the U.S. This means that most property and income acquired during the marriage is considered equally owned by both spouses, regardless of who earned it. This has significant implications for divorce, estate planning, and tax filing.

Washington State has a three-day waiting period between obtaining a marriage license and the ceremony. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. Both parties must appear in person at the county auditor's office to apply.

Washington does not recognize common-law marriages formed within the state, but it does have a legal concept called committed intimate relationships (formerly known as "meretricious relationships") that can provide some property rights to unmarried couples under certain circumstances.

Washington was among the first states to legalize same-sex marriage through a voter-approved referendum in 2012. The state previously offered domestic partnerships, and existing domestic partnerships were automatically converted to marriages unless the couple opted out.

How to Order State of Washington Marriage Certificate

You can now order Washington State marriage certificate through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order marriage records. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Washington State Department of Health Center for Health Statistics (Washington DOH-CHS) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your marriage certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the DOH-CHS by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Be sure to confirm and review the costs, eligibility, requirements, and current processing times before ordering to ensure a smooth application process.



Person ordering a marriage certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Washington State marriage certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online

required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order State of Washington Marriage Certificate?

The Washington State DOH-CHS does not require applicants to prove their identity when requesting certified marriage records. The table below lists the information needed to order a certified copy of a Washington marriage certificate.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

A driver’s license
A state-issued photo ID
A passport


Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Marriage Certificate in Washington?

The cost of obtaining a marriage certificate varies based on the fees set by the Washington State Department of Health and the chosen application method. The DOH-CHS charges a fee of $25.00 for certified copies of marriage certificate. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering marriage certificate.


State Fee

$25.00


Rush Processing

Not Available


Additional Copy

1 x $25.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Marriage Certificate in Washington?

The processing time for marriage certificate in Washington State is typically 8 to 10 weeks. To prevent delays, we recommend using VRO’s user-friendly online service, which helps avoid incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

8 to 10 weeks

Rush Processing Time

1 to 2 weeks


Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Washington Marriage Certificate?

In Washington State, anyone can request a marriage certificate without proving their identity or relationship to the individuals listed in the record. Only complete the application with the required information and pay the necessary fees.

Do I Need to Notarize My Application for a Marriage Certificate in Washington?

The Washington DOH-CHS does not require notarized statements for applicants requesting a certified copy of their marriage certificate.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Marriage Certificate in Washington

When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Washington State DOH-CHS for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor the progress of your application to the state health department.

If you manually mail your marriage certificate request to the DOH-CHS, it is recommended that mail tracking to know when it arrives.

The DOH-CHS does not provide tracking for certificate delivery. To monitor the status of your vital records, it's advisable to choose expedited shipping during the application process. This option includes tracking for secure and prompt delivery of your certificates. Once your certificate is mailed from the DOH-CHS, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How Much Does a Washington Marriage Certificate Cost?

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    The fee for a certified copy of a Washington marriage certificate varies by county and ordering method. When ordering through VitalRecordsOnline.com, processing fees apply in addition to the state or county fee. Contact your local vital records office or county clerk for the exact current fee schedule. Expedited processing and shipping options are available for an additional charge.

  • Can I Order a Washington Marriage Certificate Online?

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    Yes, you can order a Washington marriage certificate online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. The online process allows you to submit your application, provide required information, and pay securely. Online orders are typically processed faster than mail-in requests. You will need to provide identifying information about both spouses and the date and location of the marriage.

  • Can Someone Else Request My Washington Marriage Certificate?

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    In Washington, the individuals named on the marriage certificate, their immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest may request a certified copy. Third-party requestors typically need to provide a notarized authorization letter from one of the parties named on the certificate, along with valid identification and a statement explaining the purpose of the request.

  • Are Washington Marriage Records Public?

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    Washington marriage records are generally considered public records. However, access to certified copies may be limited to authorized individuals such as the parties named on the certificate, their family members, or those with a legitimate legal need. Informational or non-certified copies may be available for genealogical research and other purposes. Contact the Washington vital records office for specific access policies.

  • What Is the Difference Between a Washington Marriage Certificate and a Marriage License?

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    A marriage license is the document you obtain before your wedding that legally authorizes you to marry in Washington. A marriage certificate is the official record proving your marriage took place. After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the appropriate office for filing. Once recorded, it becomes the official marriage certificate. You need the certificate for legal purposes like name changes, insurance benefits, tax filing, and immigration applications.

  • Where Can I Get a Copy of a Marriage Certificate in Washington?

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    You can obtain a certified copy of a Washington marriage certificate from the state vital records office, the county clerk or recorder where the marriage was filed, or online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. For older records, you may need to contact the county directly or the state archives. Processing times vary by method, with online and in-person requests typically being the fastest options.

  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Washington Marriage Certificate

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    If you lose your marriage certificate:

    1. Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the DOH-CHS.
      1. For in-person applications, present the completed application and required documents to a county health department. The DOH-CHS does not accept walk-ins (in-person applications) at its location.
      2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the DOH-CHS at:
        Washington Department of Health,
        Center for Health Statistics,
        PO Box 9709,
        Olympia, WA 98507
        present
      3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
    2. DOH-CHS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.
  • How to Correct or Amend a Washington Marriage Certificate

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    Amendments to marriage records are made through the Washington DOH-CHS. The eligibility criteria and forms vary depending on the information that needs to be amended.

    To assist, the DOH-CHS provides a list of common amendment situations and the requirements for marriage certificate on its website. Some amendments may require a court order, which typically involves hiring an attorney.

    Amendments or corrections are added to the marriage record as addendums, as any entity can alter the original document. You can exchange or order a certificate when you change a vital record.

    Correcting or amending a marriage certificate usually requires the following:

    1. A completed amendment application for the Correction form.
    2. Supporting documents: changes beyond administrative data entry errors. A copy of your government-issued photo identification card is needed.
    3. Apply: In-person submissions are by appointment only.
      By Mail:
      Center for Health Statistics Attn: Amendments P.O. Box 47814 Olympia, WA 98504-7814
  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a Washington Marriage Certificate

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    Apostilles can be requested from the Washington State Secretary of State or Vital Records Online (VRO). VRO offers reliable apostille services in all 50 states and is legally recognized by governments and organizations in over 100 countries.

    An apostille is necessary to certify vital records for use in another country. The Washington State Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records originally filed with the Washington State DOH-CHS.

    If you request by mail, you will need to provide the following information:

    1. A completed Apostille Authentication Request Form
    2. Certified marriage certificate
    3. $15.00 per document; checks or money orders should be made payable to the Secretary of State
    4. Self-addressed envelope only if expedited delivery is needed

    You can submit requests for marriage record apostilles to the Washington Secretary of State at the following addresses:

    For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:



    For standard mail, use the following address: