Kirkland Marriage License
If you live in Kirkland and need a marriage license, the process runs through King County rather than the city. The King County Records and Licensing Services office in Seattle is the only place in the county where you can apply. Kirkland's city hall and municipal court do not issue licenses. This page explains where to go, what you need to bring, how much the fee is, how the three-day waiting period works, and how to find or order a certified copy of a marriage record after the ceremony is done.
Kirkland Overview
Getting a Marriage License in Kirkland
Kirkland sits in King County, which means your marriage license application goes to the King County Records and Licensing Services office in Seattle. The address is 500 4th Ave, Room 311, Seattle, WA 98104. Both people who want to marry must appear in person. There is no option to apply by mail or to send someone else in your place. The office handles a large number of applications, so it helps to arrive with all your paperwork ready and to use the online pre-application tool beforehand if you can.
The drive from Kirkland to Seattle takes about 20 to 35 minutes depending on the time of day. If you are crossing the 520 bridge, factor in tolls. The county's records and licensing website has current office hours, accepted payment methods, and a link to the pre-application form. Check it before you head out to avoid any surprises. The phone number to call with questions is (206) 477-6620.
| Office | King County Records and Licensing Services |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 4th Ave, Room 311 Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Phone | (206) 477-6620 |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/en/dept/records-licensing |
Kirkland Municipal Court does handle some civil legal matters, but it does not issue marriage licenses. If you have heard otherwise, that is a common mix-up. The county office in Seattle is the only place to go for a King County marriage license.
Kirkland Marriage License Requirements
Washington State law governs who can get a marriage license and what they need to bring. The key statute is RCW Chapter 26.04. Both applicants must be at least 18. A 17-year-old may apply with a court order. Anyone younger cannot legally marry in Washington State under current law.
You need a valid government-issued photo ID for each applicant. This means a driver's license, a state identification card, a U.S. passport, or a military ID. The ID must show your date of birth. The name on your ID is the name that goes on the license. If there is any discrepancy because of a prior name change, address it before the visit. You also need your Social Security number. You do not need the card itself, just the number. If you do not have one, there is an exemption form available.
The application asks for both parties' full legal names, dates and places of birth, and parents' full names including the mother's maiden name. If either person has been married before, you will need to know when and how that marriage ended. Divorce, annulment, or death of a spouse are the options. You do not need court papers, but you do need the date. No blood test is required. Washington has not had that requirement for many years.
Residency is not a factor. Kirkland residents, newcomers to the area, and people from out of state can all apply at King County as long as the wedding will happen somewhere in Washington.
Fees and Waiting Period for Kirkland Marriage Licenses
King County charges $169 for a marriage license. That fee went into effect in July 2025. It is one of the higher rates in Washington and reflects the new state surcharges tied to House Bill 1498, which created the Domestic Violence Co-Responder Grant Program. The fee is non-refundable. Pay by credit card, debit card, check, or money order. Call ahead to confirm whether cash is accepted on the day you plan to visit.
State law under RCW 26.04.180 requires a three-day waiting period from the day after you apply. If you apply on a Tuesday, the earliest you can hold the ceremony is Friday. The count continues through weekends and holidays without pause. Once the license is valid, you have 60 days to use it. If that window closes before the ceremony, the license expires and you would need to start over. Plan ahead so the timeline works in your favor.
Certified copies of the marriage certificate cost $3 each. Most people need a few copies for name change paperwork, insurance updates, and similar tasks. You can order them at the county office in person or through the online records portal.
Note: Fees are subject to change under state legislation, so confirm the current amount before your visit.
Kirkland Marriage License Records
Once your ceremony is complete, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the King County Recorder within 30 days. That step is required by RCW 26.04.160. After recording, the county sends the data to the Washington State Department of Health, where it becomes part of the statewide vital records registry. If the signed license is not returned on time, the marriage may not be recorded, which can cause problems later when you try to get certified copies or prove the marriage for legal purposes.
For recent Kirkland and King County marriage records, the county office can provide certified copies either in person or through their online portal. Each certified copy is $3. Order two or three at once if you have several uses in mind, such as a Social Security name change, a driver's license update, and a passport application.
The City of Kirkland's website provides general city services information, though marriage licenses are handled through King County rather than the city directly.
For older records, the Washington State Digital Archives holds King County marriage records going back to 1853. The search is free and available online, making it a good resource for genealogical research or finding a record from decades ago. The Washington State Department of Health vital records office can also process certified copy requests by mail if visiting the county office is not convenient. Third-party services like VitalChek offer online ordering for certified copies, though they charge an additional service fee on top of the county or state cost.
King County Marriage License Resources
All Kirkland marriage license applications go through King County. The county page has additional information about the Records and Licensing Services office, including hours, the online pre-application, recorded document searches, and certified copy ordering. Visit the county page if you need more detail than what is covered here.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also have marriage license pages. Several are also in King County and use the same office.