Mount Vernon Marriage License
Mount Vernon is the county seat of Skagit County, and the Skagit County Auditor's Office is located right here in the city. That makes the marriage license process convenient for residents and visitors alike. You do not have to travel outside of Mount Vernon to apply. This page covers the full process for getting a marriage license in Mount Vernon, including where to go, what to bring, what it costs, and how to search existing Skagit County marriage records.
Mount Vernon Overview
Getting a Marriage License in Mount Vernon
Because Mount Vernon is the county seat, the Skagit County Auditor's Office is based here in the city. The office is at 700 S 2nd St, Room 204, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. You do not need to drive to another city to apply. The office is close to other county government buildings and easy to find in the downtown area.
Both applicants must appear in person to complete the application. Washington law under RCW 26.04.160 requires both people to show up together. The clerk processes the application while you wait. Skagit County does not have a widely advertised online pre-application tool, so plan to complete everything at the counter. Check the Skagit County Auditor's website at skagitcounty.net/Departments/Auditor for current hours and any updates before your visit.
The Mount Vernon City Clerk's office at 910 Cleveland Ave handles city records, council minutes, and municipal code. They do not issue marriage licenses. Calling the city at (360) 336-6201 will not help with a marriage license application. For that, contact the Skagit County Auditor at (360) 416-1800.
| Office | Skagit County Auditor's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 700 S 2nd St, Room 204 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 |
| Phone | (360) 416-1800 |
| Website | skagitcounty.net/Departments/Auditor |
| Payment | Cash only |
Note: Skagit County accepts cash only for marriage license fees. Bring the exact amount or enough cash to cover the $64 fee. The office does not accept checks, money orders, or card payments.
Marriage License Requirements
Washington sets consistent rules for every county. Both applicants must be at least 18. If either person is younger, a separate court process applies. There is no residency requirement. Couples from out of state or from other countries can apply for a Washington marriage license as long as the ceremony will occur in the state.
Each applicant needs a valid government-issued photo ID showing a name and birth date. A driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID all qualify. You will also need to provide your Social Security number. The physical card is not required, but knowing your number is. The application also asks for parents' full legal names, your mother's maiden name, and parents' birthplaces for both parties. If either applicant was previously married, you will need the date that marriage ended and the reason, whether by divorce, death, or annulment. Washington's marriage laws under RCW Chapter 26.04 set the full legal framework.
No blood test is required anywhere in Washington State. There is no medical exam or health certificate requirement. Come prepared with your ID, Social Security number, and the background details mentioned above and the process moves quickly.
Fees and Waiting Period
Skagit County charges $64 for a marriage license. As noted, the office only accepts cash. Bring cash when you go. The fee is due at the time of application and is not refunded under any circumstances, even if the marriage does not happen.
Washington requires a three-day waiting period between the date you apply and the earliest date your ceremony can occur. This comes from RCW 26.04.180. The wait cannot be skipped or waived. The license is valid for 60 days after it is issued. If 60 days pass with no ceremony, the license is void and you must apply again and pay again. Set your application date so the three-day wait ends well before your ceremony.
After the ceremony, the officiant completes the license paperwork and sends it back to the Skagit County Auditor. The county records the marriage and creates the official certificate. Certified copies of the certificate can then be ordered from the auditor's office. These are used for name changes on a driver's license, Social Security records, and passport applications, among other things.
The city of Mount Vernon's website at mountvernonwa.gov provides general city information. Marriage license services are handled by the Skagit County Auditor's Office, also located in Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon Marriage License Records
Marriage records for Mount Vernon and all of Skagit County are kept by the Skagit County Auditor's Office. If you need a certified copy of a recorded marriage certificate, contact the auditor at (360) 416-1800 or visit the office at 700 S 2nd St, Room 204 in Mount Vernon. Certified copies serve as legal proof of marriage for name changes and other official purposes.
For older records, the Washington State Digital Archives is a free online resource with historical marriage records from Skagit County going back many decades. The archive lets you search by name and often shows scanned images of the original documents. It is one of the best starting points for genealogy work related to this area of northwest Washington.
Washington State Department of Health maintains marriage records from 1968 forward. You can order certified copies through the DOH vital records office. The online ordering service VitalChek is authorized to process certified copy requests for Washington marriage records. Both are valid depending on the age of the record and your needs.
Skagit County Marriage License
All marriage license services in Mount Vernon go through the Skagit County Auditor. Visit the Skagit County page for full details, including office hours, application steps, and everything you need to bring.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Mount Vernon in northwest Washington. Marriage licenses in each area are handled by the local county auditor.