Frederickson Marriage License
Frederickson is an unincorporated community in Pierce County with no city government and no local office that issues marriage licenses. Residents here apply for a marriage license at the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma. The process is the same as for any other Pierce County resident. This page explains where to go, what to bring, what the fees are, and how to access marriage records once the wedding has taken place.
Frederickson Overview
Getting a Marriage License Near Frederickson
Frederickson has no incorporated city hall and no licensing authority of its own. It is an unincorporated area, which means Pierce County provides most government services for residents here. For a marriage license, that means going to the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma. Tacoma is the county seat, and the auditor's office at 2401 S 35th St is where all Pierce County marriage licenses are issued.
Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.04 gives county auditors the authority to issue marriage licenses. There is no city-level equivalent. The Pierce County Auditor handles everything from taking the application to recording the completed license after the ceremony. The Pierce County website has more information about county services for unincorporated communities like Frederickson.
Both applicants must appear together at the office. You cannot send a representative or mail in an application for a new license. Walk-ins are generally accepted, but calling ahead to confirm current availability is smart. Bring everything you need on the first trip.
| Office | Pierce County Auditor's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 2401 S 35th St, Room 200 Tacoma, WA 98409 |
| Phone | (253) 798-3801 |
| Website | piercecountywa.gov/356/Marriage-Licensing |
The auditor's office is in Tacoma, which is a reasonable drive from the Frederickson area. Check office hours before you go, as holiday schedules or staffing changes can affect when the office is open. The office generally operates on weekdays during regular business hours. Call (253) 798-3801 if you have questions before making the trip.
Marriage License Requirements
Pierce County follows Washington State law on who may marry and what documents are needed. The requirements apply equally to all county residents, including those in unincorporated areas like Frederickson. Both people must be at least 18 years old. If either person is 17, written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required. The state does not allow marriage licenses for anyone under 17.
You need a valid photo ID issued by a government agency. A driver's license, state identification card, or passport works. The ID must show your legal name and date of birth. If the name on your ID differs from what you plan to use on the marriage application, bring a court order or other legal document that explains the difference.
If either applicant was previously married, you must provide the date and way that marriage ended. Divorce date or date a prior spouse died is what the clerk needs. You do not need to present court documents at the counter, but the information must be correct. Giving false information on a marriage license application is a serious matter under Washington law.
Washington does not require blood tests or proof of state residency. People from other states can apply at Pierce County and use the license for a wedding anywhere in Washington. Under RCW 26.04.160, both parties sign the application at the time they appear before the clerk. Social Security numbers are also required for both applicants.
The Pierce County website provides services and resources for all county residents, including those in unincorporated areas like Frederickson.
Frederickson residents rely on Pierce County for marriage licensing and other government services since the community is unincorporated and has no city hall of its own.
Fees and Waiting Period
The Pierce County marriage license fee is $72. You pay at the time of application. The auditor's office accepts various forms of payment. Check their website or call before going to confirm what they currently accept. The fee is non-refundable once paid, so make sure you are ready to proceed before applying.
A three-day waiting period follows your application. The license is not valid until those three days have passed. This requirement comes from RCW 26.04.180 and applies statewide. It cannot be waived. Plan your application date so the waiting period ends before your wedding day. Apply on a Monday and the license is ready Thursday. Sundays and holidays count toward the waiting period.
Once valid, the license stays good for 60 days. Your ceremony must take place within that window. If 60 days go by without a wedding, the license expires. You cannot extend it. A new application and payment would be required to start over.
Note: Pierce County fees can change. Verify the current amount at the Pierce County Auditor's marriage licensing page before your visit.
Marriage License Records for Frederickson
After the ceremony, the person who performed it completes and returns the license to the Pierce County Auditor. The auditor records it as an official public document. That recorded document is the legal proof of the marriage in Washington State. Once recorded, it becomes part of the county's permanent records and is accessible to parties who need a copy.
To get a certified copy of a Pierce County marriage certificate, contact the auditor's office directly or order through the Washington State Department of Health. The DOH handles certified copies for marriages that occurred anywhere in the state. Go to doh.wa.gov for ordering details. You can also order online through VitalChek. A fee applies to each certified copy.
Older marriage records from Pierce County may be available through the Washington State Digital Archives. That site has scanned historical records from many Washington counties and is free to search. It is a good resource for genealogy or research on older marriages. Certified copies of historical records can still be ordered through the state office even if the record appears in the digital archive.
Pierce County Marriage License Resources
Frederickson is in Pierce County, and the county auditor in Tacoma is the sole source for marriage licenses in the area. The Pierce County page on this site covers the full county licensing process, fees, and related resources in more detail.
Nearby Cities
These cities near Frederickson are in Pierce County and have their own marriage license pages. All Pierce County residents go to the same auditor's office in Tacoma regardless of which city or community they live in.