Federal Way Marriage License
Federal Way residents who need a marriage license apply through King County Records and Licensing Services in Seattle, not through Federal Way city offices. The city is part of King County, and the county office handles all marriage license applications for the area. Both parties must appear in person to complete the process. This page covers where to go, what to bring, what the license costs, how the waiting period works, and how to access marriage records tied to Federal Way and King County.
Federal Way Overview
Getting a Marriage License in Federal Way
Federal Way does not have its own office for marriage licenses. The city sits within King County, and the county handles all licensing for residents in the area. You will need to make a trip to the King County Records and Licensing Services office in Seattle, which is roughly 25 miles north of Federal Way. Plan ahead and leave extra time if you are going during peak commute hours.
Both people who plan to marry must appear at the county office together. Washington law under RCW 26.04.160 requires both parties to be present when the application is submitted. There is one limited exception: if one party signed the application before a notary in advance, the other may complete the visit alone. Otherwise, plan to go together. The clerk reviews your documents, collects the fee, and issues the license during the same visit.
King County offers an online pre-application tool that lets you enter basic information before your visit. Using it does not let you skip the in-person step, but it can cut down your time at the counter. Start the pre-application on the King County Records and Licensing Services website before heading in. Even with a completed pre-application on file, both applicants must still appear in person to finish.
| Office | King County Records and Licensing Services |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 4th Ave, Rm 311 Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Phone | (206) 477-6620 |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/en/dept/records-licensing |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
The Federal Way city offices at 33325 8th Ave S handle city services, code matters, and general inquiries at (253) 835-7000. They do not issue marriage licenses. Staff there will direct you to King County for anything related to marriage licensing. The Federal Way city website can help with other local services, but it will not be your starting point for a marriage license.
Marriage License Requirements
Washington State sets the rules for who can apply and what documents you must bring. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. People younger than 18 can marry only with court approval, which involves a separate legal process. There is no residency requirement, so out-of-state couples can get a Washington license if they plan to marry here.
Each person must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID that shows a date of birth. A driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport all qualify. Expired IDs are not accepted. You will also need to provide your Social Security number. The card itself is not required, but you must know the number. If you were previously married, bring the date that marriage ended and how it ended, whether by divorce, annulment, or death of a spouse.
The application also asks for parents' full legal names, including the mother's maiden name, and both parents' places of birth. Gather this information before you go. Showing up without it means a second trip. No blood test or medical exam is needed. Washington removed that requirement years ago.
State law under RCW Chapter 26.04 sets the complete legal framework for marriage in Washington. Review it if you have questions about eligibility or process. Most common questions about who may marry and what the license must contain are answered in the statute.
Fees and Waiting Period
The King County marriage license fee is $169 as of July 2025. This is among the higher fees in Washington State. The increase was tied to House Bill 1498, which created a Domestic Violence Co-Responder Grant Program funded in part by marriage license surcharges. The fee is non-refundable. Pay at the time of application. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods the office accepts.
After you receive your license, you must wait three full days before your ceremony can take place. This waiting period is set by RCW 26.04.180 and cannot be waived. If you apply on a Monday, the earliest your ceremony can happen is Thursday. The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If the wedding does not take place within that window, the license expires and you must reapply and pay again.
Once your ceremony is complete, the officiant must return the signed license to the King County office. The county records it and creates the official marriage certificate. Certified copies of that certificate can be ordered from the county or through the state. They are not included in the license fee.
The Federal Way city website at federalwaywa.gov provides information on local city services, though marriage license applications go through King County in Seattle.
Note: Confirm the current fee with the King County office before you visit, as fees may change with new legislation.
Marriage License Records in Federal Way
Marriage records for Federal Way residents are part of the King County records system. Once your marriage is recorded, it becomes a permanent part of the county's official files. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be requested at the King County Records and Licensing Services office in person or by mail.
The Washington State Department of Health vital records office also keeps statewide marriage records going back to 1968 and can issue certified copies. If you need a certified copy for legal purposes such as a name change, passport application, or benefits update, a certified copy from the county or state is required. Third-party services like VitalChek can process certified copy orders online if you prefer not to go to the office directly.
For older records, the Washington State Digital Archives holds King County marriage records dating back many decades. The archive is free to search online and is a solid starting point for genealogy research or locating records from earlier generations. The database is maintained by the Washington State Archives and covers counties across the state. Plain copies may be enough for personal reference, but legal uses require a certified copy.
King County Marriage License Resources
Federal Way is in King County. The county office in Seattle processes all marriage license applications for Federal Way residents. For a full breakdown of King County requirements, office hours, and additional resources, visit the King County marriage license page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are close to Federal Way. Some fall under King County while others are in Pierce County, so check which county applies to your address before heading out to apply.