Find a Marriage License in Pasco
Pasco residents who need a marriage license apply through the Franklin County Auditor's Office, located right in Pasco at 1016 N 4th St. Franklin County has a specific requirement that sets it apart from most Washington counties: you must complete the online marriage license application before visiting the office in person. This page covers that process in full, along with what to bring, what the license costs, and where to search Pasco and Franklin County marriage license records.
Pasco Overview
Getting a Marriage License in Pasco
The Franklin County Auditor's Office is the only place in Franklin County that issues marriage licenses, and it is conveniently located within Pasco at 1016 N 4th St. What makes Franklin County different from most other Washington counties is that applicants must complete the marriage license application online before they come in to the office. You cannot walk in without completing that step first. The online application collects your personal information ahead of time, which speeds up the visit and reduces time spent at the counter.
Once your online application is submitted, both applicants must appear at the auditor's office together to finalize the process. Washington law under RCW 26.04.160 requires both people to be present when the license is issued. You cannot send one person or delegate the task to someone else. Staff will verify your identities against the information submitted online, collect the fee, and issue the license during that visit.
The Pasco City Clerk does not issue marriage licenses. All marriage licensing in Pasco goes through the Franklin County Auditor. For questions about the online application or what to expect when you visit, call the Franklin County Auditor at (509) 545-3502. The auditor's website has the online application link and current office details. Visit the City of Pasco's website for general city services, but note that the city itself does not handle marriage licensing.
| Office | Franklin County Auditor's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 1016 N 4th St Pasco, WA 99301 |
| Phone | (509) 545-3502 |
| Website | franklincountywa.gov/369/Marriage-Licenses |
Complete the online application before your visit. This is not optional in Franklin County. Showing up without completing it first will delay or prevent you from getting your license that day.
Pasco Marriage License Requirements
Washington State sets the baseline requirements for all counties. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. A person under 18 can marry only with court approval, which is a separate and more complicated process. Washington does not require state residency. Couples from out of state can apply here as long as the ceremony will take place in Washington.
Both applicants must bring a valid government-issued photo ID that includes a birth date. A driver's license, state ID, or passport all qualify. You will need your Social Security number for the application, though you do not need to bring the physical card. If either person was previously married, you must have the exact date that prior marriage ended, whether by divorce, annulment, or the death of a spouse. That date is required on the application form.
The application also collects parents' full legal names, the mother's maiden name, and parents' birthplaces for both applicants. Because Franklin County requires completing the online form before the in-person visit, you will enter this information digitally in advance. This is actually helpful because you can look up details at home rather than trying to recall them at the counter. Have everything ready before you start the online form so you can fill it out in one sitting.
Washington law under RCW Chapter 26.04 covers all aspects of marriage licensing in the state, including who may marry, what the license must include, and how officiants handle the paperwork after the ceremony. Reading the statute gives you a clear picture of your rights and responsibilities throughout the process.
Note: Washington State does not require a blood test or medical exam to receive a marriage license.Fees and Waiting Period for Pasco Marriage Licenses
The Franklin County marriage license fee is $159. This is one of the higher fees in Washington State, so budget accordingly. You pay the fee when you visit the office after completing the online application. The fee is not returned if the ceremony does not occur. Confirm accepted payment methods with the auditor's office at (509) 545-3502 before your visit. Some offices take cash only or have limited card options, so it is worth knowing in advance.
Washington requires a three-day waiting period between the date the license is issued and the earliest date the ceremony can take place. This rule is set out in RCW 26.04.180 and cannot be waived. Plan your in-person visit to the auditor's office at least three days before your planned ceremony date. If you get the license on a Monday, the earliest your ceremony can happen is Thursday. The license remains valid for 60 days from the date of issue. A license that expires unused requires a new application and another $159 fee.
After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed license to the Franklin County Auditor within the time required by law. The auditor records the marriage and creates the official certificate. Certified copies of the marriage certificate are separate documents and carry their own fee. If you need copies for a name change, insurance update, or other legal purpose, ask the auditor's office about the process at the time of your in-person visit.
Pasco Marriage License Records
Marriage license records for Pasco residents are maintained by the Franklin County Auditor's Office. Once a marriage is recorded after the ceremony, it becomes part of the county's official record set. You can request copies directly from the auditor's office at 1016 N 4th St in Pasco. The Washington State Department of Health also maintains statewide vital records, including marriage records going back to 1968. Certified copies are available through the Washington Department of Health vital records office.
For older marriage records, the Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov is a free resource. The archive covers many decades of records from counties across the state, including Franklin County. You can search and view records online at no charge. This is useful for genealogy research or tracking down records from the early 1900s when Franklin County records were first being kept.
Franklin County records are public. You can request them in person at the auditor's office or by mail. Certified copies are needed for legal uses like name changes with the Social Security Administration or Department of Licensing, passport applications, and benefits updates. Plain copies cost less and work fine if you just need to confirm a marriage occurred. Third-party services like VitalChek can order official certified copies on your behalf if you prefer an online option.
The City of Pasco's website at pasco-wa.gov provides general city services and information. For marriage licenses, Pasco residents go to the Franklin County Auditor's Office, also located within the city at 1016 N 4th St.
Franklin County Marriage License Resources
Pasco is the county seat of Franklin County, and the Franklin County Auditor's Office is located within the city. The auditor processes all marriage license applications for the county, maintains records, and can answer questions about local requirements. For a full breakdown of Franklin County details, including the mandatory online pre-application process, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Pasco in the Tri-Cities region of eastern Washington. Kennewick and Richland are in Benton County and use a different auditor office for marriage licenses.