Find a Marriage License in Lakewood
Lakewood is in Pierce County, and marriage licenses for Lakewood residents are issued by the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma. The city does not handle marriage licenses at the city hall level. Whether you are planning a courthouse ceremony or a larger event, you start the process at the county auditor's office. This page explains the office location, what you need to bring, how much the fee is, how the three-day waiting period applies, and how to get certified copies of your marriage record after the ceremony.
Lakewood Overview
Getting a Marriage License in Lakewood
Because Lakewood is part of Pierce County, the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma is where you apply for a marriage license. The address is 2401 S 35th St, Tacoma, WA 98409. From Lakewood, that office is less than 10 minutes away by car in most conditions. Both people who plan to marry must show up in person. You cannot apply by phone, mail, or online alone. Both parties need to be present at the same time.
The auditor's office covers marriage licenses along with other recording and licensing services. Their marriage licensing line is (253) 798-3801. The Pierce County marriage licensing page at piercecountywa.gov has current hours, fee details, and any updates to the application process. Review the site before your visit to make sure you have everything needed. Walk-ins are generally accepted during business hours.
| Office | Pierce County Auditor - Marriage Licensing |
|---|---|
| Address | 2401 S 35th St Tacoma, WA 98409 |
| Phone | (253) 798-3801 |
| Website | piercecountywa.gov/356/Marriage-Licensing |
The Lakewood city clerk handles city business but plays no part in issuing marriage licenses. If you need a license, head to the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma. That is the only place for Lakewood residents to apply.
Lakewood Marriage License Requirements
Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.04 governs marriage licenses across the state. Pierce County applies these rules as written. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. A 17-year-old may apply only with a court order authorizing the marriage. No one under 17 may legally marry in Washington State.
Each applicant needs a valid government-issued photo ID showing their date of birth. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID. The name on your ID is the name that will appear on the license. If there is a mismatch due to a prior name change, address that before the visit. You will also need to provide your Social Security number during the application. You do not need the card, just the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can sign an exemption form instead.
The application form asks for both parties' full legal names, birth dates, birthplaces, and parents' names including the mother's maiden name and parents' birthplaces. If either applicant has been married before, you will need to state when and how that marriage ended, whether by divorce, annulment, or the death of a spouse. You do not need to bring court papers, but you should know the exact date. Washington State does not require a blood test or medical exam of any kind before issuing a marriage license.
There is no residency requirement. Lakewood residents, people new to the area, and out-of-state visitors may all apply at Pierce County as long as the ceremony will take place within Washington State.
Note: Washington requires no blood test or medical exam at any stage of the marriage license process.
Fees and Waiting Period for Lakewood Marriage Licenses
Pierce County charges $72 for a marriage license. That is a mid-range fee compared to other Washington counties. The fee is non-refundable once paid. The auditor's office accepts multiple payment types. Check their website before your visit to confirm currently accepted payment methods.
Washington law under RCW 26.04.180 requires a three-day waiting period from the day after you apply before the license becomes valid. If you apply on a Thursday, the earliest ceremony date is Sunday. The waiting period runs straight through weekends and holidays without exception. After the waiting period, you have 60 days to hold the ceremony. If the license expires before the wedding takes place, you would need to apply again and pay the full fee a second time. Most couples apply at least one week before the ceremony to allow room for any adjustments without cutting it close on the 60-day window.
Certified copies of the marriage certificate are available from the Pierce County Auditor. The cost per copy is small. Most people order a few at once since certified copies are often needed for name changes with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Licensing, passport applications, and employer records. Ordering them in the same visit saves a trip later.
Lakewood Marriage License Records
When the ceremony is complete, the officiant who performed it must sign the license and return it to the Pierce County Auditor within 30 days. This obligation is set by RCW 26.04.160. After the county records the document, it sends the data to the Washington State Department of Health, which adds it to the statewide vital records registry. If the officiant does not return the signed license in time, the marriage will not be officially on record, which can create legal problems later.
For recent Pierce County marriage records, the auditor's office can issue certified copies in person. If you cannot visit in person, the Washington State Department of Health vital records office can process requests by mail. That takes longer but is a valid option. For online ordering, VitalChek can submit requests on your behalf, though they charge an additional service fee beyond the base cost of the copy.
The City of Lakewood's website covers city services, but marriage licenses for Lakewood residents are handled exclusively through the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma.
For older or historical Pierce County marriage records, the Washington State Digital Archives holds records going back many decades and is available to search free of charge online. This is the best option for genealogical research or locating records from years or decades ago that may not be in the county's active system. Search by name and narrow down by county to find what you need.
Pierce County Marriage License Resources
Lakewood is in Pierce County. All marriage license applications for Lakewood residents run through the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma. The county page covers additional details about the office, hours, accepted payments, and how to search or order Pierce County marriage records. Visit the county page if you need more information.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also have marriage license pages. Tacoma, Puyallup, and other cities listed below are also in the Pierce County area.